Chapter 9 One Last Favor & +2 Bonus Hearing Maxen's condescending question about whether she had decided to apologize , Lyra couldn't help but laugh . She tightened her grip on the finalized divorce papers in her hand and tried to keep her voice steady . " Are you coming home tonight ? " Right then , Veronica's sweet , syrupy voice came clearly through the speaker . " Who's calling , Max ? " " Just a call from the office . When are you off ? I can go with you to get Felix , since I'll be heading that way anyway , " Maxen said offhandedly , not even caring that he was still on the line with her . Veronica laughed even more cheerfully . " I'm off at six . I'm not busy today . " By the time Lyra snapped out of it , the call had already ended . Her expression dimmed as she looked down at the divorce agreement she had already signed . She had only called to ask if Maxen could come home to sign the papers , but he hadn't even had the patience to hear her out . She found the situation almost laughable and regretted ever trusting his promises . 1/5 21:04 Chapter 9 One Last Favor ***** # 3 +2 Bonus Later that day , Maxen went with Veronica to pick Felix up from kindergarten . Just as they arrived , Felix came walking out with the school director , Hannah Brooks . The moment he spotted Maxen, he broke free from her hand and sprinted toward him . " Daddy ! " Right in front of everyone , Felix threw himself against Maxen's legs and hugged him tight , beaming , " Daddy , did you and Mommy come to get me ? " Hannah walked over with a bright smile and greeted them . " Mr. Hawthorne , Mrs. Hawthorne , little Felix was wonderful in class today . He even earned a gold star for good behavior . " All of a sudden , Maxen's eyes briefly darkened , and he looked right at Hannah , asking , " Mrs. Hawthorne ? " Hannah froze . Wait … she's not his wife ? Veronica hurriedly grabbed Maxen's arm . " Max , don't be upset . Ms. Brooks didn't mean to call you that . " Then , she turned to Hannah . " Don't call me that in front of others again . " Hannah looked completely lost . She was baffled , because it had 2/5 21:04 Chapter 9 One Last Favor હા +2 Bonus clearly been Veronica who hinted at the kindergarten that Felix was Maxen's son . If she's not Mrs. Hawthorne , then whose kid is this … Ugh , these rich families are so messy . Felix shrank back , startled by Maxen's expression just now . " Daddy … did I do something wrong ? " Maxen looked down at Felix , but he reminded himself that the boy was just a child who didn't know any better . He placed his large hand on Felix's head and softened his tone . " It's not your fault . But I'm not your dad , so you have to call me Mr. Hawthorne . " He could understand that Felix craved fatherly affection , but for some reason , hearing the word " Daddy " in front of everyone earlier had really gotten under his skin . Veronica clenched her fists , hiding the flicker of resentment in her eyes . He never used to mind before … Felix lowered his head , looking visibly disappointed . " Okay … " After Hannah left , Veronica finally spoke up , her tone laced with wounded helplessness . " I'm sorry , Max . I didn't expect Ms. Brooks to get the wrong idea about us . Felix and I have caused 3/5 21:04 Chapter 9 One Last Favor & +2 Bonus you trouble again . If this is really a problem , maybe I should transfer him to another kindergarten . " Maxen rubbed the bridge of his nose , keeping his voice calm . " It's fine . Just don't let it happen again . " He figured that since he had already clarified things in front of Hannah , she wouldn't make the same mistake twice . With that resolved , the three of them got into the car . Unbeknownst to them , the warm little scene had been quietly caught on camera . ***** Lyra sat at the home bar and had two glasses of whiskey . She was never much of a drinker , only occasionally mixing herself a drink when she had nothing else to do . When she heard the door open , she froze in surprise . Maxen stepped into the entryway , his suit jacket draped over one elbow , wearing only a gray satin shirt . He changed into house slippers , his gaze settling on her . " You've been drinking ? " Snapping out of it , Lyra answered calmly , " Just a little . " She set the glass down and walked past Maxen . Under the bright white light , the redness and swelling on her otherwise flawless skin stood out clearly . 4/5 21:04 Chapter 9 One Last Favor Maxen's eyes narrowed . " What happened to your face ? " & +2 Bonus Lyra paused , the question catching her off guard , and it almost made her laugh . When did he start paying attention to me ? Before Lyra could respond , Maxen's voice came again from behind . " Did Andrew hit you ? " 5/5 Write your comment ir Gifts