The Queen's Back

Barbara snapped back to attention and gave a bright smile. "Oh, so Mona is pregnant? That is an amazing news!"

Albert let out a big breath, relieved to see her smiling. "Yeah, that's right! Polly said it's better for us to keep things quiet for the first three months-just to be safe. You had to leave early for work that day, remember? So, no one had a chance to fill you in. But don't worry, Barbara; Mona and I will always keep you close."

Barbara nodded, her expression softer as she said, "I get it now. Guess I was just overthinking things."

"Good. Just pretend you don't know for now. If Mona finds out I told, I will be in a big trouble for it," Albert said with a chuckle, already picturing a scolding-or, worse, Maxwell's reaction.

"Don't worry! Your secret is safe with me," Barbara agreed, and they spent a little longer wandering through the market, picking up a few things before heading home.

But after Albert left, Barbara wasted no time texting Molly and Gordon to share the news about Mona's pregnancy. She knew they would be as unhappy as she was-especially Molly, who despised Mona just as much.

Meanwhile, after leaving the night market, Albert didn't go directly to the Clem family's house because he couldn't resist visiting Mona's place. He hadn't seen Sweet Berry in nearly a month, and he was sure the baby missed him

As soon as Albert arrived, he greeted Hattie at the door, then noticed an odd sound coming from the living room. When he walked in, he found Maxwell lounging on the sofa with Mona tucked at his side, the two of them watching cartoons on TV. Clearly, he had walked in on some cozy downtime. But Albert, being Albert, wasn't about to let a little intimacy scare him off. Since he was here, he was staying.

The living room had a warm, cozy vibe-Maxwell had made sure of it. Mona liked to sit here and work on her designs, so he'd asked Hattie to replace the furniture with softer pieces, even had the lighting changed to a gentle, warm glow.

It was already dark now, and Mona's head was resting on Maxwell's lap. Her thick hair spilled down, framing her small, delicate face and making her look even softer.

Maxwell's attention was nowhere near the two clumsy bears on the TV. Every so often, he would wind a lock of her hair around his fingers or playfully pinch her chubby earlobe, making her squirm.

Mona wriggled her fingers around his hand. "Maxwell, stop pinching me! That tickles, you know," she murmured.

Just then, someone coughed. "Uh... Mona, Maxwell, hey! I'm here."

Hearing the voice, Mona quickly sat up from Maxwell's lap. "Albert! What brings you here so late? Have you had dinner?"

"I ate a bit, but I don't think it was enough," Albert replied, rubbing his stomach.

He had only grabbed a little snack at the night market, and his stomach was already rumbling again. As he spoke, Mona sniffed the air, leaning in as if catching a familiar scent.

"Albert, did you sneak off for something delicious before coming here?" she teased, her curiosity piqued.

Albert had not expected her to pick up on it so quickly. Despite walking around outside, the smell of blue cheese balls had somehow stuck to him.

"Oh, no, nothing much, really. Just a bite, but I am still hungry!" Albert protested, feigning innocence. But Mona wasn't buying it. She leaned in even closer, sniffing him with a raised eyebrow.

Maxwell chuckled and pulled Mona closer. "Dude, you need a shower. You smell so bad, the whole living room is starting to

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"Okay, okay, I'm outta here!" Albert laughed, sprinting up the stairs. He didn't even get a chance to glance at Mona's baby bump, which was probably for the best.

He knew those blue cheese balls he had eaten were not exactly pregnancy-friendly. If she found out he had been munching on them, she would definitely want to try them, and Maxwell would ban him from this house as punishment. Once Albert was gone, Mona took a deep breath and suddenly got an idea. "Maxwell, I really want some fried skewers."

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9.23 AM

She knew it wasn't the healthiest choice, but she still raised her hands, pleading. "I will only have one fried sausage, I swear! I haven't had it in ages!"

Maxwell avoided her big, hopeful eyes and shook his head. "No way. It's not good for you."

Even before she got pregnant, he was cautious about fried foods, and now that she was expecting, it was a definite no-go.

Mona pouted, her taste buds feeling totally betrayed. All she wanted was to indulge in that food now. "Come on, just one little bite! I know Sweet Berry would want some, too." She wrapped her arms around his arm, giving him her best puppy-dog eyes. Maxwell shook his head, unyielding. "No way."

"Is it because you think it's dirty if we buy it outside? That's why you won't let me have it?" She wasn't about to give up easily. The thought of not having that sausage that night was making her anxious.

He nodded seriously and replied, "It's just too greasy. Not good for your health."

"Please, honey? Just fry it up for me! I had Hattie buy some before." She was hoping they still had some lying around that hadn't gone bad yet.

When Mona saw Maxwell hesitating, she quickly shook his arm and said with a pout, "Come on, just one little bite? If I don't eat sausage tonight, I won't be able to sleep! You're the best husband, right, Hubby? Just a tiny piece, please." Maxwell couldn't bear to say no. Plus, it wasn't too much to ask, so he gently poked her nose and nodded.

Mona's face brightened, and she kissed his chin, grinning. "Yay for my husband! Alright, I'm off to find that sausage now!" With that, she dashed into the kitchen, careful with each step, eager to grab what she wanted while making sure everything was safe.

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