The Queen's Back

Mona quickly stopped Maxwell, cheeks flushed, and mumbled, "I-I will handle it myself."

She gently pushed him aside, heading into the bathroom with the barely-there pajamas.

After her shower, she eyed the garment in her hand with a sigh. There was hardly a point in putting it on-it would come off soon enough anyway.

Turning the fabric over in her hands, Mona muttered about Maxwell's "damn taste." The bright red slip was barely there, more suggestion than cover. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and realized just how revealing it was. Thinking it over, Mona just couldn't bring herself to put it on. Meanwhile, Maxwell, fresh from his shower next door, knocked on the bathroom door and teased, "Come on out, Mona. There is nothing about you I haven't seen before, right?" Knowing he was not going to let her stall, Mona eventually gave in, opening the door and stepping out.

Maxwell, in nothing but casual shorts that highlighted his abs, locked his gaze on her, letting it travel over her figure without a hint of hesitation. He pressed her back gently against the wall, lowering his voice as he murmured, "You look amazing. Tempting, just like a siren to sailor."

He could not look any longer, feeling he might actually lose it. And now, Mona's face was also bright red, but she leaned into Maxwell's intense kiss without hesitation.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Mona and Maxwell were feeling every bit of it.

Soon, the room fell silent, with only the soft sound of rain tapping against the window. On the bed, Mona felt enveloped by the warmth and intensity of the moment, her hands wrapped tightly around him.

She brushed her lips along his neck, leaving gentle marks as she took in every response. After she lower, letting her touch reveal just how deeply she had missed him.

was content, she shifted

The only sound that filled the room that night was Maxwell's soft "I love you" whispered in Mona's ear.

Lost in the moment, Mona couldn't find the words to respond, so she let her kisses say it all, meeting his passion each time.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

Maxwell, like a lion resting in the wild, seemed both calm and fierce, drawing her closer with a quiet intensity. Outside, the rainstorm grew louder, matching the storm in his heart.

*****

Mona was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Rubbing her eyes, she fumbled around and saw it was Ava. Clearing her throat, she picked up.

"Mona, are you home?" Ava's voice trembled, sounding like she had been crying. "I really need to see you."

Concern shot through Mona. "I'm here, Ava. Just drive carefully," she said before hanging up and placing her phone on the bed. She felt the empty spot where Maxwell had been. He was probably already at work by now.

Groaning as she sat up, Mona's entire body ached. She muttered under her breath, cursing Maxwell for his boundless energy. If this kept up every night, she figured he would wear her out sooner or later.

Dragging herself to the bathroom, Mona reached for her toothbrush and noticed that the toothpaste had already been squeezed out. Maxwell's doing, of course.

As she glanced in the mirror, she spotted a Post-it stuck to the glass. [Honey, headed to the office. I squeezed your toothpaste, and breakfast is in the fridge. Warm it up. Don't wait for me for lunch-call Hattie to bring you something. See you tonight, dear wife.] BRU.

Mona chuckled as she brushed her teeth, glancing at the Post-it note next to her. It was in Maxwell's handwriting, and it made her smile. As soon as morning hit, he transformed back into the thoughtful husband, even squeezing out her toothpaste.

Just like he mentioned, breakfast was waiting for her in the fridge. She tossed it in the microwave for two minutes before taking it out, ready to dig in.

While she ate, Mona casually scrolled through Twitter. Today's hot topic in Nathontown was about Maxwell taking over as chairman of the Clem Group.

Without hesitation, she clicked on the trend. The buzz was all about how Maxwell had been announced as chairman during the shareholders' meeting yesterday. People were speculating whether this meant a merger between Clem Group and Carter Group, and how that might shake up the industry in Nathontown.

As she skimmed through the comments, she muttered to herself, 'These people really don't know anything; they're just throwing out nonsense.

But she quickly moved on-she wasn't too concerned about what people thought. The best proof of their relationship was simply living her life happily with Maxwell.

[Is this why Maxwell is marrying Mona? For the Clem Group?]

[A business deal? Maybe Carter Group and Clem Group will team up!] [Am I the only one who thinks Maxwell and Mona are a perfect match?]

[OMG, Maxwell is so hot! Young and successful-definitely my type!]

[Hey, the commenter above me, he's already taken!]

Mona just took some glances and finished her breakfast, feeling so energized just as Ava knocked on the door.

She opened it wide, pulling Ava in and guiding her to the sofa. "Hey, Ava, what's up? Everything good?"

Ava pulled out her phone, opened a message, and set it in front of Mona. Looking down, Mona immediately recognized the two people in the photo. One was Bud Ray, and the other was a woman, her lips pressed right against his cheek.

The picture looked like it was taken on the main road, and the woman's clothes were a bit disheveled. Bud was also hugging her tightly.

Mona's heart sank as she pieced it all together. She turned to Ava, unsure of what to say to comfort her. "Ava-"

"Mona, I got this photo this morning. I drove down that road and found a hotel nearby. Turns out, Bud booked a room there last night with someone else. He really doesn't care about me.

"I should've known better and take back what I said yesterday-I'm done with him. It hurts like hell. It feels like my heart's breaking into a million pieces." Ava clutched her chest, tears filling her eyes as she spoke.