The Ugly Wife’s Stunning Comeback (Felicia and Max) novel Chapter 624

They finished their shopping and headed down to the underground garage. Felicia loaded everything into the trunk, making sure not to leave anything behind.

Once they were both in the car, Felicia glanced over at Jeremy. “Your hand, is it okay? Maybe we should get it checked.”

Jeremy caught that little crease of worry in her brow. He couldn't help a small smile tugging at his lips. “Felicia, just because I got banged up once doesn’t mean I’m falling apart. Really, I’m fine.”

She shook her head, not convinced. “Still, you should be careful. Show me your hand.”

He sighed, but there was no real resistance. Slipping out of his coat, he pushed up the sleeve of his sweater, revealing a strong, lean arm with clean, defined lines—evidence of someone who worked out more than occasionally.

A red mark lingered there, still fresh enough to stand out. Clearly, Mrs. Carey had been enraged.

Felicia’s fingertips brushed over it carefully. She pressed it lightly, watching his face for any sign of pain. Jeremy just watched her, steady and patient, no hint of discomfort.

Dim light spilled in through the windshield, catching them both. He sat there, soft-eyed and focused only on her. She bent over his arm, fully absorbed. The moment she looked up and their eyes met, it felt like the world outside the car faded away.

Felicia let his hand go and smiled. “Looks like you’ll live.”

Jeremy rolled down his sleeve. “Let’s head home.”

She started the engine and drove off. Neither of them noticed the car parked across the row, or the person inside who quietly snapped a photo of that intimate little moment.

After lunch, Greg’s car pulled up out front, with Luke in the passenger seat. They packed up and all drove out to the countryside together.

Darin studied him for a second, then sat across from him and took a sip of lemonade. “I won’t be able to make it to Anne’s birthday party. Her present might not get here until a few days after, so she can open it when you all get back.”

Max stared off at nothing, every word steady and cool. “You’re avoiding her.”

Darin let out a dry laugh, but there was something sad underneath. “Being around her right now will only make her hate me more. I’d rather stay away.”

Max didn’t reply.

A few minutes later, Darin took a call. Once it was over, he hung up, unlocked his phone with a swipe, and switched to another account. He had only one contact on this one—Felicia, her avatar a candid shot of Anne from behind.

Colton had insisted she add Darin a while back, after he’d dropped off New Year’s gifts at the Ross house. Felicia just thought it was another of her dad’s friends’ sons, ended up adding him without a second thought.