The Queen's Back

For some reason, when Mona thought of Chelly, she recalled the last time she'd seen Gordon grasp Chelly by the shoulders. vague unease tugged at her heart.

A

It was nearly eleven o'clock at night when Mona finally heard the sound of a car pulling up outside it was Maxwell coming back.

Mona sat up quickly from the couch and hurried outside to greet him.

Maxwell parked his car and strode forward just in time to see Mona stepping out of the doorway.

She was wearing a white nightgown, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and the warm light from the house softened her features, adding warmth to her smile.

The softest part of Maxwell's heart seemed to awaken. This was what it felt like to have someone waiting for him at home!

Before, when he hadn't been married to Mona, no matter how late he returned, the house had always been dark, an echo of his own solitude.

But now, with Mona, his home was filled with light, and someone cared for him.

Mona saw Maxwell standing still, gazing at her, and walked over, taking his hand as she asked softly, "What's wrong? Stunned at the sight of me?" Feeling her touch, Maxwell wrapped her small hand in his own, his eyes meeting her bright gaze. "Yeah, you're simply too beautiful to look at." At those words, Mona's mouth lifted into a light smile. "We're not newlyweds anymore. Aren't you embarrassed to be this sweet?"

Although she feigned a little disapproval, her heart was full of happiness.

After all, everyone would want their beloved to shower them with praise.

"Not at all," Maxwell said sincerely, "You're still as young and lovely as ever. I'm just speaking the truth, not sweet talk."

"Alright, alright, if you say so," she replied with a smile.

By now, they had made their way back to the living room. Since Maxwell had already eaten dinner outside, they went straight to their room. Maxwell headed to take a shower, while Mona lay on the bed, texting Ava, who had reached out first.

Ava sent a message. [Mona, I'm in love! It's that movie star I mentioned before-Joseph Vander. I'll find a chance to introduce you to him sometime.]

sensed an unusual somberness in

the past, when she had a new boyfriend, she'd have introduced him right away, eager to share the

fully moved on

moment and

Ava looked at the question Mona had sent her: [Do you

him? Did I accept Joseph

answer was

me, he spoils me,

actor on

could mean losing support from his female fans, and refusing to do kissing scenes would limit his career. But

Bud. Perhaps Ava's recent return to the country

guess

Joseph was that she'd unexpectedly run into Chelly at a restaurant and overheard Chelly say that she and Bud would soon be married. Meanwhile, Joseph

sense to give

let Bud go, and she read online that the best way to move on from someone was to open her

been so devoted to pursuing her, seemed like

finally replied: [Ava, no matter who you're with, I just want you

probably the biggest wish of any best friend-to see their friend

Mona's message. 'Am I really happy

worry, I'm

down her phone, walked over to him, and took the towel

was freshly shampooed, giving off

hair, she

might have something to do with

was loyal in love, and it was unlikely

quiet reminder

simple," Maxwell said. "Bud's about to marry Chelly, and only now he's realizing that the one he