The Queen's Back

Chapter

18

bit of a reaction down below.

Maxwell's heart sped up as he caught another glimpse of Mona's figure. She had the kind of curves that could make any guy lose his cool-everything just right in all the right places. A moment ago, he'd accidentally gotten a peek at her chest, and it was hard not to feel a After Maxwell left, Mona quickly finished getting dressed, still thinking about how the day had been full of awkward moments with him. It was surprising how much Maxwell had matured. It was hard to believe that the same guy who used to tease her and pinch her cheeks was now so calm and composed. Spotting the silver-gray suit hanging in the closet, Mona decided it would make the perfect wedding gift for Maxwell. She picked it up and headed toward the study. Standing at the door, she knocked twice and called out, "Max, I'm coming in." His deep voice responded from inside, "Come in."

As Mona walked in, she was met with Maxwell's usual cool, distant vibe. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned, showing a bit of his firm chest. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, giving him a mix of restrained desire and icy detachment. Mona couldn't help but think, 'He's incredible. When will I ever win him over?'

Their eyes met briefly before Mona smiled and held out the suit. She'd noticed his closet was full of black suits and was curious to see if he'd be into a different color for a change.

When Maxwell saw the suit, his expression darkened. He felt a surge of irritation and gripped his pen tighter. "What's this supposed to mean? Is she giving me something Teddy didn't want?' he thought.

"Max, it's a wedding gift. Do you like it?" Mona asked with a bright smile.

Trying to keep his frustration in check, Maxwell just said, "It's not bad.

disappointment at his lukewarm response, but at least he didn't flat-out reject it. "I'll hang it in the closet

Maxwell said, turning back to his computer, focused on his work. Mona stood there for a moment, hoping for some acknowledgment, but when none came, she realized she was just in the

chair and lit a cigarette, letting the smoke fill the room with a hazy mist. He thought to himself,

Maxwell and it would just be the

taken the steak out of the fridge and was marinating it with spices, paying close attention to every detail. She wanted Maxwell to taste her best effort. When Maxwell walked out of the study, he

the kitchen, was here cooking for him. But then he realized, she must have learned all this for

that it was Maxwell.

manage on his own. He'd learned to cook out of necessity growing up, and even after joining the Carter family, he still liked

saw Maxwell washing vegetables with skillful ease. She nodded in agreement, and they quickly fell into a smooth rhythm, working together effortlessly. Before long, the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of their

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on the table. Mona glanced at it but didn't bother checking, thinking it

[Mona, I know I was wrong. You don't have to marry Maxwell just to get back at me. I promise I won't mess up again. Please, give me one more chance.] Even