The Queen's Back

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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.

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"Alright,

I be good and focus on getting better so I can leave the hospital soon," Mona replied.

Maxwell nodded. "I'll take care of some company matters during this time, and then we can head back together."

Though he mentioned handling business, Maxwell only stepped out a couple of times. The rest of the time, he stayed by Mona's side, helping her with everything from peeling apples to fetching water. Mona felt that Maxwell had practically taken over the nurse's duties, even sending the nurse home to rest unless needed.

Originally, Mona had hoped to explore Arkenvale with Maxwell, but given her condition, that plan was now J pipedream, something to look forward to next time.

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After a week in the hospital, Mona persuaded Maxwell to arrange for her discharge. The doctor advised her to continue resting well at home.

Due to the unresolved threat and Mona's incomplete recovery, Maxwell arranged for a private jet to take them back.

As they left the hospital, Maxwell noticed Mona struggling to walk. Without hesitation, he scooped her up, saying, "Let me carry you. You're still recovering."

In Maxwell's arms, Mona nodded. Their time together over the past week had brought them closer, and Mona felt they were truly like a loving couple.

Chamar 35

The journey on the private jet was smooth and uneventful, and before Mona knew it, they had arrived.

When the car stopped, Mona realized that Maxwell had brought her not to their small apartment but to the villa where he had lived in her past life.

The place felt familiar, bringing back memories of their time together. "Are we moving here?" she asked.

"The company keeps me busy, so I can't always be here to care for you. I've hired a housekeeper, and the apartment is too small for us. This place is closer to the office," Maxwell explained

Just as he had done when they left the hospital, Maxwell carried Mona inside.

As Maxwell lifted Mona effortlessly into his arms, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, a smile playing on her lips.

"Maxwell, thank you for everything these past few days," Mona said, resting 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 no need to thank me. You got hurt because of me," Maxwell replied.

Inside the villa, everything had been meticulously prepared. Their belongings were neatly arranged, just like in their apartment.

As they entered, the housekeeper Maxwell had hired greeted them and helped with their luggage. Maxwell carried Mona up to the bedroom on the second floor, gently laying her on the bed.

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

Caught off guard, Maxwell lowered his head, and his warm lips brushed against Mona's forehead.

Neither spoke afterward, and the room was filled with a slightly awkward silence.

After a moment, Maxwell cleared his throat and said, "Rest for a while. Let me know if you need anything. I'll go unpack our things."

Mona nodded obediently, feeling pleased with the progress in their relationship that day.

Maxwell seemed to handle household tasks with ease, and watching him busily move about filled Mona with a sense of sweetness.

That night, they naturally shared the same bedroom, neither mentioning the extra rooms in the villa.

The next morning, golden sunlight streamed into the villa. After breakfast, Maxwell left for work, telling Mona he had arranged for her to have two more days of medical leave before returning to the office. Mona nodded, understanding that although she was discharged, she still needed to prioritize rest.

After Maxwell left, Mona finished breakfast and returned to her room to think about the gown she was designing for Artemis Rain.

Later in the morning, the housekeeper, Old Mrs. Hattie, knocked on Mona's door. "Madam, your cousin is here and waiting in the living room."

Mona paused, her paintbrush hovering in mid-air, and a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Cousin!"

It was none other than Barbara, and she had certainly received the news quickly.

3

Maxwell found Mona surprisingly light, almost like a child, which made him feel protective.