NovelEnglishChapter 0077 That afternoon, as Mary tended the garden with music blasting from her small speaker, she didn't notice the shadow looming behind her. Maximus had returned. The loud music had drawn his attention to the garden, where he found his wife singing cheerfully, her clothes smudged with dirt and her face glowing with happiness. For a moment, he hesitated, taken aback by the scene. Then his eyes landed on the speaker, and he turned it off.
Hearing the sudden silence, Mary called out, "Emma, know, I know! The music's too loud, but the roses at the back can't hear it otherwise." "Mary," cMaximus's deep, unmistakable voice.
She froze, her body stiffening as she turned around. Her hazel eyes met his, and the sight of his tired, serious expression sent a jolt through her.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"1... I'm sorry. I thought you were Emma." "I see you've been busy in my absence," he said flatly "No, I just... The garden needed attention,” she stammered, fidgeting with her sleeves. Maximus's gaze swept over her disheveled appearance. He said nothing more, but the way he turned and walked away felt like a silent judgment. Mary's brief period of peace had ended. Her husband was back, and with him cthe weight of their strained relationship. She quickly put away her tools and ran inside to bathe, determined to avoid giving him any reason to criticize her further.
From the kitchen, Emma had watched the brief exchange and sighed heavily. Like Mary, she understood that their tranquil days were over. Now, she could only pray that the couple wouldn't fall into another fight.
Maximus entered the house, his face cold and unreadable. As he passed through the kitchen, Emma approached him cautiously.
"Sir, "Sir, will you be having dinner at home?" she asked.
"Of course I will, Emma. Make it ready. And one more thing-don't let Mary do any more gardening. That's what the staff is for." sorry, sir. It won't happen again. She just enjoys it and has a good touch with the plants." "That may be, but she's my wife. She should be attending to me, not getting her hands and clothes dirty." After her bath, Mary opened her closet and chose a simple casual dress. She pulled her hair into a neat bun, offering herself a small smile in the mirror.
"Con, Mary, you can do this," she whispered, though the knot in her throat grew tighter. “He's only here for the night. You just have to get through it." Chapter 0077 She repeated the mantra as she left the room, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
+25 BONUS Maximus's return to the mansion wasn't entirely by choice. He and Alexia had fought bitterly for the first tsince her return. The arguiment had escalated to the point where Alexia had thrown him out of her apartment.
After the fight, Maximus had cback to his hwithout offering any explanations. Though the mansion was legally his, the workers were on edge. While Mary's rule had been relaxed and amiable, Maximus's presence brought a tense, rigid atmosphere.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIn the kitchen, Emma noticed Mary's trembling hands as she helped set the table.
"Calm yourself, dear," Emma said gently. "He's not as bad as he seems.
badas Just stay calm, and don't provoke him.
Mary nodded, but her nerves remained on edge. The large dining table felt almost mocking as she placed silverware for just the two of them. When it was tto call him for dinner, she hesitated. "Emma, please, can you tell him dinner is ready?" she asked, her voice nearly pleading.
"Ma'am, if I go, he might get upset. Just knock on the door and let him know."
Reluctantly, Mary made her way to the study. Each step felt like dragging herself through quicksand. Finally, she reached the large wooden door and knocked softly. To her surprise, Maximus's voice cfrom within, "Cin." "Maximus," she said cautiously as she opened the door. "Dinner's ready. You can cdown now."
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