Chapter 4

"I understand, Grandma." Felicia was taken aback when Max—the same man who had requested a divorce that morning—actually returned home that evening.Max..."Bring some coffee to the study for me. He went right upstairs without waiting for her response. After a little while of standing there, Felicia shook herself off and made her way to the kitchen. She made him a cup of coffee. With a wall of distance surrounding him that made the room feel even colder, Max was leafing through some paperwork, his face cold and sharp. Felicia remained silent.

She simply put down the coffee and walked out in silence. They remained apart even after he returned. Max slept in the upper master bedroom. Felicia remained in the guest room below. Max was home the following morning, so the housekeeper went all out for breakfast. Felicia was nowhere to be seen, and Max was seated at the head of the table. Felicia would typically have prepared his breakfast and ironed his clothing for the day when he got home. She was always the epitome of a faithful spouse. However, the breakfast was obviously prepared by the workers this morning, and there was no newly pressed clothing. "Where is she?"

Max inquired, sounding irritated already. Marian, the housekeeper, voiced her displeasure right away. "She remained in bed when I tried to wake her. She hardly speaks to us, and we have to deliver food to her room every day. She doesn't respond when we ask what she wants. We can't read minds. Mrs. Hawthorne took care of everything even though she was expecting you, sir. However, she seems to be here merely to have fun. Max scowled. "Go get her up." "Yes, sir." In fact, Felicia had been awake for some time. She simply awaited Max's departure before emerging. Marian suddenly stormed in without knocking. She sneered when she noticed Felicia seated on the couch.

"Well, aren't you the lady of the house, just waiting for someone to come invite you to breakfast?" Felicia raised her gaze and spoke in a chilly tone. "If I'm not, are you?" Felicia had been the submissive, silent wife for months. Marian obviously hadn't anticipated any resistance. Felicia stated in a calm but firm tone, "If you keep forgetting your place, I'll tell Mrs. Hawthorne exactly how you've all been acting lately." In any case, the divorce was imminent. For the next two months, Felicia saw no reason to tolerate their foolishness. Marian's gaze grew wide.

"What..." Tatiana had called yesterday, urging everyone to look after Felicia. The girl would be the only member of the Hawthorne family for three generations. Felicia was fortunate to have Miranda's focus. Marian choked down her rage. "Mr. Hawthorne is in the dining room waiting for you." Felicia didn't anticipate that. Max was eating as she entered the dining room. He raised his gaze to her. The white sweater she was wearing stretched tightly over her plump figure. She went slowly, her tummy, which appeared to be large enough for triplets, inadvertently supported by a hand. Felicia chose the seat farthest from him after sensing his attention.

Max spoke in a detached, soulless tone. "Marian has spent years with the family. They can't be expected to meet all of your needs. You're not defenseless; you're pregnant." merely expecting a child. Naturally. This infant presumably meant nothing to Max. It was obvious that Marian was gossiping at work during his haphazard lesson. It wasn't the initial instance.Perhaps they should just return to the main house if it's that difficult for them. Felicia stirred her porridge and murmured, "I can take care of myself." Nevertheless, she always prepared her own meals, cleaned her own room, and did her own laundry. Only when Max was at home did the personnel seem helpful.

Max scowled more deeply. Felicia understood what that implied. He was the type of person who detested challenges, both at home and at work.I didn't want your opinion. I wanted to remind you of your location." Felicia bowed her head and said nothing. Max gazed at her, his face darkening as he took in her dead appearance. Then he informed Marian and the others that Felicia was to manage her own affairs going forward. They didn't have to wait for her.

Felicia gripped her spoon more tightly. Max left after breakfast. Felicia attended Autumnridge University. When she got to Jeremy's office, she noticed him seated behind his desk with rimless glasses on his nose and a polished suit. Despite being only twenty-nine, he exuded maturity and composure. He is a financial prodigy and the youngest professor in Autumnridge's finance department. Felicia reached up and rapped on his door.