Chapter 588
—- Chapter 460 Maggie shook her head. Johnny asked, “Because he’s busy with work again?” “Yes.” Johnny fell silent. It was true that Franklin’s recent investments had been keeping him busy, but no one could be that busy-too busy to spare half an hour to sign divorce papers. If Johnny hadn’t known the real situation between them, he might have thought Franklin was deliberately delaying the divorce. But knowing the truth, he understood that wasn’t possible. He patted Maggie on the shoulder. “Then wait a few more days.
If he still doesn’t make time before the decision —- period ends, file for divorce directly.” Maggie nodded. “Okay.” Though she said that, she didn’t think it would come to that. Two days later was Maggie’s birthday. That morning, she woke up early. Old Mrs. Miller and Helen were already up, busy making her a cake. They had also prepared her gifts in advance. When Maggie came downstairs, they handed them to her with smiles. “Maggie, happy birthday. Our Maggie is one year older today.” “Happy birthday, cousin.” Warmth filled Maggie’s heart. She accepted each gift one —- by one.
“Thank you.” As they were chatting, the housekeeper received a call from the gate-there was a visitor. When Maggie heard the license plate number, she recognized it immediately. Franklin. The smiles on everyone’s faces froze. Their expressions darkened. They all knew Franklin and Maggie hadn’t gone to finalize the divorce earlier only because he’d been busy. Franklin had always seemed eager to get it done. If he was showing up today, it was probably because he finally had time-and not because he remembered her birthday.
Even though everyone wanted Maggie to move on and officially end things, doing it today, of all days, felt cruel. If Franklin came just to divorce her on her birthday, that would still be a wound, no matter how calm she acted. —- They all looked at Maggie. Maggie paused, then said quietly, “Let him in.” When the call ended, Xavier glanced at her, worried she might break down. Hugo’s face was dark with anger. “He’s going too far.” Even if he didn’t love her anymore, did he have to hurt her like this? Old Mrs. Miller and Helen said nothing.
They could call Franklin and ask him to postpone it-he would probably agree out of respect for Old Mrs. Wilson. But… what difference would it make? It would still happen sooner or later. Maggie understood their concern. She turned back to them and said gently, “I’m fine.” A divorce was a divorce. What difference did the date —- make? Soon, they heard a car pulling up outside. Hugo, impulsive as ever, immediately started toward the door, but Maggie stopped him. “Cousin-” he protested through clenched teeth. Maggie shook her head, signaling him not to interfere. She went out alone.
As she reached the front steps, the car door opened. To her surprise, it wasn’t Franklin who got out-it was Isabella. The girl ran toward her, holding something in her arms. “Mom, happy birthday!” Maggie froze in place. Isabella handed her the gift. “Mom, this is my present for you.” —- Before Maggie could respond, Isabella reached into her backpack and pulled out another small box. “And this one’s from Dad. He couldn’t come today, so he asked me to bring it and tell you ‘happy birthday’ from him.”