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,

good and focus on getting better so I can leave the hospital

nodded. "I'll take care of some company matters during this time,

he stayed by Mona's side, helping her with everything from peeling apples to

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

d

a

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

incomplete recovery, Maxwell arranged for a

they left the hospital, Maxwell noticed Mona struggling to walk. Without hesitation,

had brought

Chamar 35

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

that Maxwell had brought her not to their small apartment but

their time together. "Are we

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

when they left the hospital, Maxwell

instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, a smile playing on her

her cheek against his shoulder, her breathing slowing in contentment. The steady beat of his heart and his subtle, clean scent made her cheeks flush with warmth. "There's

prepared. Their belongings were neatly arranged, just like

their luggage. Maxwell carried Mona up to the bedroom

Maxwell's careful demeanor, Mona felt a playful urge. As he set her down, she kept her arms wrapped around his

guard, Maxwell lowered his head, and his warm lips brushed

spoke afterward, and the room was filled with