Chapter 18
Though Maggie wanted a divorce and didn’t plan to fight for Isabella’s custody, Isabella was still her daughter, and she had both the obligation and responsibility to be good to her and meet her needs when possible.
So when Isabella asked her to peel the shrimp, Maggie responded, “Alright.”
As she put down her chopsticks and started peeling the shrimp, the elderly lady suddenly paused looking at her hands, “Mag, where’s your ring?”
At her words, everyone – including Franklin – looked at Maggie’s hands.
After marriage, despite their ice–cold relationship, Maggie had always worn the wedding ring the elderly lady had prepared for them. In contrast, Franklin had never worn his.
His wedding ring had been discarded somewhere unknown. All these years, Maggie had worn the ring everywhere, reluctant to remove it. Everyone was used to this.
Maria had often mocked her for it over the years.
She wasn’t wearing her wedding ring today. No one noticed at first – after all, people don’t
usually stare at her hands for no reason.
In fact, if the elderly lady hadn’t mentioned it, others wouldn’t have noticed at all.
Maggie’s shrimp–peeling motion paused imperceptibly before she responded casually, “I
was in a rush this morning and left it at home.”
The truth was, she had already removed the ring when she first prepared the divorce
papers.
She had placed it in the envelope along with the divorce agreement.
However, she and Franklin weren’t officially divorced yet. She knew the elderly lady would definitely oppose their divorce.
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Chapter 18
If she brought up the subject now, it would likely be impossible for her and Franklin to proceed with the divorce for the time being.
So Maggie didn’t tell the elderly lady the truth.
The elderly lady smiled upon hearing this. “Oh, I see.”
After that, everyone continued eating as normal.
After dinner, everyone moved to the living room to enjoy fruits and desserts while chatting.
The elderly lady had always tried to play matchmaker between Maggie and Franklin.
Once again, she urged them to sit together.
Franklin still wouldn’t even spare Maggie a glance.
While Maggie didn’t want to move closer, she couldn’t keep refusing the elderly lady’s
wishes, so she sat down beside Franklin.
This was the first time they had sat this close to each other in months.
Maggie could clearly smell the familiar, subtle masculine cologne on Franklin.
But now her heart remained unmoved as she took small bites of her fruit pudding, showing
no intention of initiating conversation with Franklin.
The elderly lady, however, was quite pleased, smiling at them both. “You two make such a perfect match.”
Indeed, he was handsome and dignified, while she was quiet, gentle, and extremely
beautiful – they did look perfect together on the surface.
But their compatibility ended at appearances.
In terms of other qualities, Maggie fell far short.
Nevertheless, seeing the elderly lady so happy, even though Maria and Stella didn’t agree,
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Chapter 18
they didn’t spoil her mood by saying anything.
That evening, following the elderly lady’s wishes, they stayed overnight at the family
mansion.
Around eight o’clock, Franklin went to the study to discuss business with the elderly lady, while Isabella tugged at Maggie’s hand, saying she wanted to take a bath and go to bed.
Maggie went upstairs with her to help her bathe.
Sitting in the small bathtub, Isabella looked at Maggie and tentatively asked, “Mommy, are you… busy tomorrow morning?”
Although she could compromise and let her mom take her to school tomorrow morning, deep down she still hoped it would be Auntie Julie accompanying her.
So it would be better if mommy was busy tomorrow morning.
Maggie shook her head. “No, I’m not busy. Why do you ask?”
Hearing this, Isabella’s lips turned down in disappointment as she said, “Nothing.”
Since she didn’t elaborate, Maggie didn’t press further.
After the bath, Maggie gently dried Isabella’s hair.
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The Heart I Gave, T
