The Queen's Back

Chapter 16

Returning to the Clem family honte felt different for Mona this time. Today was the day she and Maxwell were getting their marriage license, and nothing-not even the paternity test results-could dampen her mood.

Mona quietly tucked the test results into her bag, deciding to deal with them later. Just then, she felt a pair of strong hands wrap around hers. Looking up, she saw Maxwell's deep, reassuring gaze. "Don't be upset. None of this is your fault," he said softly. He seemed to get how she felt.

Maxwell thought back to his own childhood, before he was brought into the Carter family. Back then, he lived with his mother and had to endure being called a bastard. Even after joining the Carters, he still felt the sting of being seen as illegitimate. No one dared say it out loud in the Carter house, but the bitterness and sense of inferiority never really went

away.

He could imagine how hard it must be for Mona to learn that her father wasn't her real father.

"Yeah, I know. Let's go inside. Grandma and Grandpa must be waiting," Mona said.

It wasn't her fault anyway. The real troublemakers were Barbara and Teddy-the ones who'd pushed her off a building in her past life-and Beatrice and Jeremy, who had caused her mother's death. If she wasn't supposed to hold onto her feelings, then she wouldn't. She'd learned that lesson the hard way.

As soon as Mona and Maxwell walked in, she handed their marriage license to Jane. Meanwhile, Mona noticed the envy in Barbara's eyes. It made sense-Maxwell was a big deal in Nathontown, a business powerhouse and a standout among his peers. Teddy wasn't even in the same league.

She only cared about herself,

marriage license photos were stunning. Both of them had bright smiles, and Maxwell's look

her eyes glistening. Mona was looking more and more like Emily, especially with those mesmerizing almond-shaped

Clem family genes were strong-each generation seemed to

to go through with marrying Maxwell. Wasn't Mona supposed to be in love with Teddy? But now that Mona was married, maybe she could convince

as influential as the Carters, but they still had a good amount of sway in Nathontown. Plus, after the mess at Mona's engagement party,

Teddy, Barbara remarked, glancing at Maxwell. She couldn't believe Maxwell hadn't seen Teddy's social media posts. 'How could he still be with Mona?' she wondered. Barbara's words put Mona on edge. "Yeah, I used to think that too. But here's something you might not know, Barbara-1 don't keep trash around. And that includes people. Didn't you realize you've already slept with Teddy?" Barbara had meant to provoke Maxwell,

said with a sweet smile. "If anything, I

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giving him a loving look in public to really drive her

home.

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Maxwell now, so focus on your life

chuckled. It was always the same-Barbara made a mistake, apologized, and everything was brushed aside. Back when Mona thought Jeremy was her dad, she put up with