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,

be good and focus on getting better so I can leave

"I'll take care of some company matters during

Maxwell only stepped out a couple of times. The rest of the time, he 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 nurse home

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

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a

Mona persuaded Maxwell to arrange for her discharge. The doctor advised her to continue

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

Mona struggling to walk. Without hesitation, he scooped her

Their time together over the past week had

Chamar 35

and uneventful, and before Mona knew it, they

car stopped, Mona realized that Maxwell had brought her not to their small apartment but to the villa where he had lived

bringing back memories of their time together.

keeps me busy, so I can't always be here to care for you. I've hired a housekeeper, and the apartment

done when they left

lifted Mona effortlessly into his arms, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, a smile playing on

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

Their belongings were neatly

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

careful demeanor, Mona felt a playful urge. As he set her down, she

his head, and his warm lips brushed against Mona's

afterward, and the room was filled