Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time novel Chapter 453

Chapter 453

Before Maggie could even find the words to answer, Franklin’s voice came through the phone, calm but urgent. “Where are you? I’ll come and get you.”

She had assumed they were out somewhere, but hearing that they were actually at their place made her pause. “No need,” she replied quickly. Then, after a brief moment, she added, “Put Isabella back on.”

Franklin didn’t push further. Instead, he handed the phone over without another word.

“Mommy?” Isabella’s voice was bright and hopeful on the other end.

Maggie’s heart tightened. “I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she said softly, trying to keep her tone gentle. “Something came up, so I might not be able to talk to you today. But next time, when I’m free—”

She could almost see Isabella’s little face fall through the phone. The disappointment was so clear that it tugged at Maggie’s chest.

She hesitated, torn between wanting to ease the hurt and her own reluctance to go over there. In the end, she kept her voice steady. “I’m sorry, Isabella. Mommy—”

“If you’re busy, take care of that first,” Franklin interrupted gently, sensing the tension. Then, quickly adding, “Are you free at noon? If so, let’s have lunch together.”

Maggie understood his intention—he didn’t want Isabella to stay upset. Lunch was something she could accept more easily than going to their place.

After a brief pause, she agreed. “I’m free.”

“Then it’s settled!” Isabella’s cheerful voice bubbled up again. “No backing out this time, Mommy!”

“Mm. I know,” Maggie replied with a small smile, feeling a little warmth despite herself.

They chatted a bit longer before Maggie ended the call.

About thirty minutes later, as she was absorbed in a book, a new message popped up on her phone. It was a video from Franklin.

The thumbnail showed Isabella, and Maggie’s curiosity got the better of her. She tapped to open it.

The footage was clearly taken from a distance, secretly filmed by Franklin. Isabella was talking briefly with her drum teacher before resuming her practice.

Franklin: “Okay.”

A few minutes later, he sent an address, followed by, “We’ll come pick you up.”

Maggie started typing, “No need,” but then another message arrived.

“Isabella insists.”

Her fingers froze. She deleted her reply and typed back simply, “Got it.”

About half an hour later, Franklin and Isabella showed up.

Franklin stepped out of the car and opened the door for her.

Maggie hesitated for a moment, then quietly slid inside.