The Queen's Back

Chapter 1@ 75%

35

"Really? Maxwell, you're not lying to me, are you?" Mona asked incredulously. The realization that something she had longed for was actually happening felt almost unbelievable. Under Mona's intense gaze, Maxwell nodded. "It's true. Besides, I don't know any big celebrities, so I wouldn't have that kind of influence." If Maxwell had truly intended to help Mona in that way, he would have ensured that Artemis Rain chose her design outright, without any competition. Hearing Maxwell's

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I's words, Mona felt like she was about to burst with happiness. Knowing that Artemis chose her design for its own merit, rather than through Maxwell's influence, was incredibly gratifying. In her excitement, she forgot about her injuries and threw her arms around Maxwell's neck. Maxwell quickly embraced her, worried she might hurt herself further.

The pain hit her, reminding Mona of her condition, but the thought of being in Maxwell's arms made the discomfort bearable.

"Take it easy, you're still recovering," Maxwell said I said gently, carefully laying her back on the bed and tucking her in.

"The doctor said you'll need to stay in the hospital for about two more weeks to heal properly."

"Two weeks? That's half a month," Mona murmured, feeling an eagerness to return to her normal life.

With a clear goal in mind, Mona was impatient to get back to work and see her design come to life. She was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

Mona was

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was determined not to be just a supportive wife behind the scenes. She wanted her own career, something that would give her life meaning.

"If you recover well, the doctor said you could be discharged in a week," Maxwell repeated the doctor's words to Mona.

Jan saids wing

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"Alright,

better so I can leave the hospital

some company matters during this time, and then we can

stayed by Mona's side, helping her with everything from peeling apples to fetching water. Mona felt that Maxwell had practically taken over the nurse's duties, even sending the

hoped to explore Arkenvale with Maxwell, but given her condition, that plan was now J pipedream, something

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a

week in the hospital, Mona persuaded Maxwell to arrange for her discharge. The doctor advised her to continue resting well at

unresolved threat and Mona's incomplete recovery, Maxwell arranged for a private

Mona struggling to walk. Without hesitation, he scooped her up, saying, "Let me carry

together over the past week had brought them closer, and Mona felt they were truly like a

Chamar 35

jet was smooth and uneventful, and before Mona knew it, they

to their small apartment but to the villa where he had lived in her past

bringing back memories of their time together. "Are

be here to care for you. I've hired a housekeeper, and the apartment is too small for

had done when they left the hospital, Maxwell carried

instinctively wrapped

her breathing slowing in contentment. The steady beat of his heart and his subtle, clean scent made her cheeks flush with warmth. "There's no need to thank me.

the villa, everything had been meticulously prepared. Their belongings were neatly arranged, just like

and helped with their luggage. Maxwell carried Mona up to the bedroom on the second floor, gently laying her on the

As he set her down, she kept her arms wrapped

and his warm lips brushed

spoke afterward, and the room was filled with a