The Queen's Back

Returning to the Clem family honte felt different for Mona this time. Today was the day she and Maxwell were getting their marriage license, and nothing-not even the paternity test results-could dampen her mood.

Mona quietly tucked the test results into her bag, deciding to deal with them later. Just then, she felt a pair of strong hands wrap around hers. Looking up, she saw Maxwell's deep, reassuring gaze. "Don't be upset. None of this is your fault," he said softly. He seemed to get how she felt.

Maxwell thought back to his own childhood, before he was brought into the Carter family. Back then, he lived with his mother and had to endure being called a bastard. Even after joining the Carters, he still felt the sting of being seen as illegitimate. No one dared say it out loud in the Carter house, but the bitterness and sense of inferiority never really went

away.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

He could imagine how hard it must be for Mona to learn that her father wasn't her real father.

"Yeah, I know. Let's go inside. Grandma and Grandpa must be waiting," Mona said.

It wasn't her fault anyway. The real troublemakers were Barbara and Teddy-the ones who'd pushed her off a building in her past life-and Beatrice and Jeremy, who had caused her mother's death. If she wasn't supposed to hold onto her feelings, then she wouldn't. She'd learned that lesson the hard way.

As soon as Mona and Maxwell walked in, she handed their marriage license to Jane. Meanwhile, Mona noticed the envy in Barbara's eyes. It made sense-Maxwell was a big deal in Nathontown, a business powerhouse and a standout among his peers. Teddy wasn't even in the same league.

Mona, with her second chance at life, knew all too well that Barbara was incredibly selfish. She only cared about herself, her interests, and her status. Family and love didn't even register for her.

"Grandma, Grandpa, don't we look great together?" Mona asked with a smile. She had to admit, their marriage license photos were stunning. Both of them had bright smiles, and Maxwell's look of love in the picture really shone through.

"Oh, absolutely. You both look so beautiful. Mona, you're as lovely as your mother," Jane said, her eyes glistening. Mona was looking more and more like Emily, especially with those mesmerizing almond-shaped eyes.

"Indeed, beautiful." Bernard agreed. The Clem family genes were strong-each generation seemed to get even more beautiful.

"Mona, you look amazing! I can't believe you're actually married now," Beatrice exclaimed, genuinely surprised. She hadn't expected Mona to go through with marrying Maxwell. Wasn't Mona supposed to be in love with Teddy? But now that Mona was married, maybe she could convince Bernard and Jane to let Barbara marry Teddy.

The Powers family might not be as influential as the Carters, but they still had a good amount of sway in Nathontown. Plus, after the mess at Mona's engagement party, Barbara would have a hard time finding someone better than Teddy. "Thanks, Aunt Beatrice," Mona said, holding back her anger.

"Mona, I can't believe you actually got married. I always thought you'd end up with Teddy, Barbara remarked, glancing at Maxwell. She couldn't believe Maxwell hadn't seen Teddy's social media posts. 'How could he still be with Mona?' she wondered. Barbara's words put Mona on edge. "Yeah, I used to think that too. But here's something you might not know, Barbara-1 don't keep trash around. And that includes people. Didn't you realize you've already slept with Teddy?" Barbara had meant to provoke Maxwell, but she didn't expect Mona to expose her affair with Teddy so bluntly, Her face flushed red, as if she'd been slapped. "It's... it's my fault. I'm sorry, Mona," Barbara stammered.

"No need to apologize," Mona said with a sweet smile. "If anything, I should thank you. Without you, I might not have found

III

15.17 Sat, Oct

someone as amazing as-Maxwell." She took Maxwell's hand, giving him a loving look in public to really drive her point

home.

Mona, Barbara knows she was wrong. Let's just move on. You're married to Maxwell now, so focus on your life with him and orget about Teddy," Jeremy said firmly.

Mona chuckled. It was always the same-Barbara made a mistake, apologized, and everything was brushed aside. Back when Mona thought Jeremy was her dad, she put up with it. But now that she knew they weren't related, why should she?

Just as Mona was about to say something, Maxwell cut in. "Dad, that's not right. Barbara slept with Mona's ex-fiancé. If she has the nerve to do that, she should have the nerve to face the consequences. Mona's not out of line here."

"You..." Jeremy was so furious he jumped up from his seat. In this house, as long as he kept Bernard and Jane happy, everyone else had to listen to him. But now, Mona's fiancé had the nerve to stand up to him, and it made him feel completely disrespected. "Alright, everyone, let's calm down. Today's a happy day-Mona and Maxwell just got their marriage license. Let's not focus on the negatives. Polly, whip up something special for lunch to celebrate," Jane said, stepping in to diffuse the tension. She headed to the kitchen to make plans.

Jane was pleased with Jeremy as an in-law, but she was even more thrilled about Mona marrying Maxwell. Especially today, she'd found-out Maxwell had been in love with Mona since they were kids.

When Jane came back to the living room, she was pleasantly surprised to see Maxwell feeding Mona strawberries, and Mona was happily accepting them. "This boy's on the right track. If things keep going like this, they might be planning their wedding soon, she thought. "Mona, you and Maxwell should start planning your wedding in a few months," Jane suggested with a smile. She had originally hesitated about the marriage license that morning, but after hearing Maxwell's reasons, she changed her mind.

It was clear Mona needed to move on from Teddy and start fresh. It was better to be with someone who truly loved her than to chase after someone who didn't. And Maxwell was definitely that person for Mona.

Maxwell had initially proposed delaying the wedding because he wanted Mona to marry him out of genuine happiness, not out of revenge or spite toward Teddy. He was confident that Mona would eventually fall for him, and Jane believed it was just a matter of time.