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.]

text, she sensed an unusual somberness

past, when she had a new boyfriend, she'd have

feel that Ava might not have fully moved on from Bud, and meeting Joseph had merely given her a suitable

a moment and replied:

at the question Mona had sent her: [Do

silently asked herself, 'Do I love him?

was obviously

to me. He loves me, he spoils me, he's willing to skip kissing scenes for me, and he even acknowledges me publicly

an actor on the

to do kissing scenes would limit his career. But Joseph was willing to make these sacrifices for Ava surely, this was true

reply, she knew Ava's heart hadn't let go of Bud. Perhaps Ava's recent return to the country and seeing Bud with his girlfriend had influenced

truth, Mona's guess wasn't far

restaurant and overheard Chelly say that she and Bud

give

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

had been so devoted to pursuing her, seemed like

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

was probably the biggest wish of any best friend-to see their friend live a happy,

she looked at Mona's message. 'Am I really happy

worry, I'm sure I'll be

the shower. Mona put down her phone, walked over to him, and took the towel from his hand, gently rubbing his

freshly shampooed, giving off a clean, refreshing

dried his hair, she asked, "What's up with

recent behavior might have something

was loyal in love, and it was unlikely she

quiet reminder on the way out:

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