Chapter 525
Chapter 399 Sunday afternoon, Isabella called to say she was coming over. Remembering her promise, Maggie agreed. The driver dropped her off. Isabella hopped out and flung herself into Maggie’s arms. After a bout of playful clinging to Maggie and Old Mrs. Miller, she proudly announced she’d won first place at her fencing competition. She’d even stuffed the trophy into her little backpack and pushed it into Maggie’s hands. The old lady was all smiles, showering Isabella with praise. When it came to fencing, Maggie hadn’t contributed much.
She knew she wouldn’t be able to do much in the future either. After a moment’s thought, she said, “How about Mom buys a frame later and we mount the trophy?” “No need,” Isabella chirped. “Daddy already had one custom-made before the competition. It’s super pretty.” She pulled up photos on her phone and showed them off. “Isn’t it nice?” One glance told Maggie the frame was expensive. The fact Franklin had commissioned it in advance also showed how thoughtful he was with Isabella. Even so, Isabella was delighted that Maggie wanted to commemorate her win.
She was happy just to be taken seriously. That night, Isabella stayed over at the Miller home. The next morning, Maggie slipped the household registration booklet into her bag. Isabella happened to see it but didn’t understand what it meant, so she didn’t ask. Looking at the girl’s clear eyes, Maggie realized Franklin still hadn’t told Isabella about the divorce. She hesitated, then decided it was better for Franklin to handle. “It’s nothing,” she said. “Mom’s heading to work. Don’t run around.” “Got it. Bye, Mom!” Maggie nodded and headed out. Googlá´‡ search
By the time she arrived at the Civil Center, Franklin was already waiting at the entrance. “Morning,” he said. Maggie gave a silent nod and walked in with him. They barely spoke. The paperwork went quickly. Just as they finished and Maggie stood to leave, Franklin’s phone rang. He also rose, but seeing the caller, he answered and slowed his steps. Maggie walked ahead, but still heard his side of the call: “All smooth. It’s done. I’ll come over to you in a bit.” Then: “I’ve sorted the Wilson Tech matters and the plan on my end-don’t worry.
I’ll swing by in person.” After that, he and Julia drifted into other topics. The distance between him and Maggie widened, and she could no longer hear. She got in her car and drove off. Franklin left shortly after. And that was that: they hadn’t even said goodbye.