The Queen's Back

As Maxwell listened to the sound of running water from the bathroom, he couldn't resist opening the design book to see what photo Mona had used as a bookmark. It had to be something precious. The photo revealed Mona's carefree, joyful smile, with Teddy standing beside her, his arm draped over her shoulder. However, Teddy's expression was one of impatience, not happiness. The image seemed to remind Maxwell that although Mona had married him, her heart might still be with Teddy.

Maxwell didn't know how long it would take for Mona to forget her feelings for Teddy.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Maxwell angrily tossed the photo into the trash.

Without much thought, Ma door, tempted for a moment to walk in and confront Mona directly. But he held back, worried that his impulsiveness might cause her to resent him.

He stared at the bathroom

With Mona, he knew he had to take things slowly.

When Mona stepped out of the bathroom, she immediately caught the intense possessiveness in Maxwell's gaze. It was as if a lion were sizing up its prey, sending a slight shiver down her spine. Feeling a mix of intimidation and intrigue, she managed to say, "Maxwell, I'm finished. You can go ahead and shower now."

Maxwell moved closer, his expression softening into a slight smile as he looked down at her. "Alright," he replied, his voice warm and reassuring.

Once Maxwell was in the bathroom, Mona still felt uneasy. She couldn't understand why his demeanor had suddenly changed. Had she done something to upset him?

Shaking her head, she decided to focus on her skincare routine.

"Are you still there, Mona?" Maxwell called from the bathroom.

Lost in thought, Mona was still pondering Maxwell's earlier behavior. Was he upset about work? She was so deep in thought that she didn't hear him.

When Maxwell didn't hear a response, he assumed she had left the room and came out wrapped in a towel.

His physique was impressive-broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and well-defined abs. His tanned skin glistened with droplets of water under the light.

Mona looked up and was caught off guard by his appearance, dropping her eye cream onto the vanity as she stared.

She hadn't expected Maxwell to have such a great physique.

Noticing her gaze, Maxwell felt pleased with himself and walked over to her. When he was just an arm's length away, he turned and headed to the wardrobe. "I forgot to grab my pajamas," he explained, clarifying why he had come out without clothes. Hearing this, Mona snapped out of her daze, swallowing nervously. It seemed a shame for such a great physique to be hidden away.

"Oh, it's fine, we're married after all!" Mona blurted out, only realizing what she had said afterward, her face turning crimson. Did she just admit she enjoyed seeing Maxwell without clothes? Her boldness surprised even herself. Maxwell studied Mona, noting her flushed cheeks, and his mood lifted. With a teasing smile, he said, "So, should I skip the 10:11 Sun, Oct

10:11

pajamas

s then? We are married, after all!"

Mona's eyes lingered on Maxwell's abs, and she instinctively nodded before quickly shaking her head. "No, you should wear them. It wouldn't be appropriate if my grandparents saw."

She felt pleased with her quick thinking.

Maxwell's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "So, you're saying it's fine at home?"

Mona's

a's face, already red, seemed to deepen in color. She averted her gaze and busied herself with her skincare routine. "That's not what I meant," she mumbled. Maxwell had only intended to tease Mona, but he found himself feeling the tension too. He could look, but he couldn't touch.

Silently, he grabbed his This pajamas and headed I to the bathroom to change.

Mona noti

noticed that Maxwell was taking an unusually long time in the bathroom, long enough for her to finish her routine. She considered calling out to him but remembered the earlier awkwardness and decided against it. "Time for bed!" Maxwell I announced as he emerged, spotting Mona already in bed. He glanced at her, turned off the lights, and lay down beside her.

In the darkness, every sense seemed heightened. He could smell the fresh scent of Mona's skin, and having shared a bed with her for the past few nights, he was getting used to it.

He shifted slightly closer to Mona, their subtle contact bringing him a sense of contentment.

The next morning, after breakfast, Mona and Maxwell left the Clem family home. Mona preferred riding with Maxwell rather than Jeremy.

"Don't

t wander

off after work. I'll come pick you up," Maxwell said, stopping the car at the Clem Group's entrance and looking at Mona in the passenger seat. of the car.

Mona nodded, gave him an "OK" sign, and got out of

She was in high

spirits, feeling even the sun overhead was warmer than usual. Upon entering the office, she noticed Barbara chatting with colleagues at her desk, seemingly in good spirits.

Mona had expected Barbara and Beatrice to be upset for a few days after being kicked out of the Clem family, or perhaps too distressed to come to work. It seemed she had underestimated Barbara's resilience. "Mona, you're here! I brought you breakfast!" Barbara exclaimed, approaching Mona with a thermos.

ten," Mona replied coolly. She had no interest in pretending to be close with Barbara at the office, "No need, I've already knowing they were anything but friendly.

Mona had barely spoken when Barbara's expression turned to one of feigned hurt. "Cousin, are you still upset with me? I know I was wrong and I won't do it again. My mom made this breakfast herself, waking up really early. You used to love it." Mona watched Barbara's performance calmly. "Upset? Why would I be upset? I've already had breakfast, but thank you and your mom for the gesture."

Hearing Mona's words, Barbara's eyes filled with tears, and she thrust the lunchbox into Mona's arms. "Well, no matter what, if you're unhappy, it's my fault."

Mona had no intention of accepting the lunchbox, and whether by accident or design, Barbara let it slip from her hands. It fell to the floor, spilling the breakfast inside.