Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time novel Chapter 460

**Freedom 460**

**Chapter 460**

Maggie shook her head, her heart heavy with resignation.

Johnny, sensing the weight of the moment, asked, “Is it because he’s caught up with work again?”

“Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

A thick silence enveloped them, stretching out like an uncomfortable pause in a conversation. Johnny’s mind raced, grappling with the implications of Franklin’s incessant busyness. It was undeniable that Franklin’s recent investments had consumed his time, but surely no one could be so overwhelmed that they couldn’t spare even half an hour to sign divorce papers.

If Johnny hadn’t been privy to the deeper truths of their relationship, he might have succumbed to the thought that Franklin was intentionally dragging his feet in the divorce process. But knowing the reality of their situation, he realized that such a notion was far from feasible.

He placed a reassuring hand on Maggie’s shoulder, offering her a moment of comfort. “Just hang in there for a few more days. If he still doesn’t make time before the decision period runs out, then you should file for divorce without hesitation.”

Maggie nodded, a flicker of determination crossing her face. “Okay.”

Yet, despite her words, a part of her clung to the hope that things wouldn’t escalate to that point.

In just two days, Maggie’s birthday would arrive—a day that should have been filled with joy and celebration.

That morning, she awoke early, the soft light of dawn spilling into her room. The familiar sounds of the household stirred her from her slumber. Old Mrs. Miller and Helen were already bustling about, their laughter and chatter echoing through the halls as they prepared a special cake for her.

They had also taken the time to wrap her gifts with care, the vibrant colors of the wrapping paper reflecting their affection for her.

As Maggie descended the staircase, the warmth of their smiles enveloped her like a comforting embrace.

“Maggie, happy birthday! Our dear Maggie is one year older today!” Old Mrs. Miller exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

“Happy birthday, cousin!” Helen chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious.

Maggie’s heart swelled with gratitude as she accepted each gift, her voice filled with sincerity. “Thank you so much.”

They chatted and laughed, the atmosphere brimming with love, when suddenly, the housekeeper’s voice broke through the moment, announcing a visitor at the gate.

The moment Maggie heard the license plate number, her heart sank. It was Franklin.

Instantly, the smiles on everyone’s faces froze, replaced by expressions of concern and unease. They all understood the unspoken truth—Franklin and Maggie hadn’t finalized the divorce earlier because he had been too preoccupied.

He had always seemed eager to conclude the matter. If he was showing up today, it was likely because he finally had time—not because he had remembered her birthday.

Soon, the sound of a car pulling up outside broke the tension in the air.

Hugo, ever impulsive, sprang toward the door, but Maggie quickly raised a hand to stop him.

“Cousin—” he protested, his voice tight with frustration.

Maggie shook her head firmly, signaling him to hold back. She needed to face this alone.

As she stepped outside, the cool air brushed against her skin, heightening her senses. When the car door swung open, she braced herself for Franklin’s familiar figure. But to her surprise, it was Isabella who emerged, a bright smile lighting up her face as she ran towards her.

“Mom, happy birthday!” the girl exclaimed, cradling something in her arms.

Maggie stood frozen for a moment, her heart swelling with unexpected joy.

Isabella handed her the gift, her eyes shining with excitement. “Mom, this is my present for you.”

Before Maggie could gather her thoughts or respond, Isabella dug into her backpack and pulled out another small box. “And this one’s from Dad. He couldn’t make it today, but he asked me to bring it and tell you ‘happy birthday’ from him.”

In that moment, the complexities of the day faded into the background, replaced by the pure love radiating from her daughter.