---- Chapter 391 Maggie always said she was busy, that she had no time. But no matter how busy, surely she had
tfor a phone call? And yet, when Isabella called, Maggie rarely answered. To expect her to call first? Even
rarer. It felt as though everything in her mother's world mattered more than she did. The more Isabella thought
about it, the more wronged she felt. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Before Maggie could speak, Franklin had
already begun wiping her face. "Your mom really is busy with work right now. But next year...
next year, it should ease up." Still a child, Isabella took comfort in his reassurance. Her tears slowed as she
looked up at Maggie with hope. "Really? Next year, you'll have more tfor me?" ---- Isabella was still the
daughter Maggie had carried for ten months. No matter the custody papers, she wanted her well. Faced with that
hopeful gaze, Maggie couldn't bring herself to shatter it outright. But she also couldn't casually promise
something uncertain. "My projects will mostly wrap up by the end of this year. But next year, there may be new
responsibilities.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt| can't guarantee I'll be free..." It wasn't the answer Isabella wanted, but she had seen that flicker of pain on
Maggie's face earlier. That alone told her her mother still cared. And that was enough. Her mood lifted. She slid
out of Franklin's arms, ran to hug Maggie. "That's fine then. But Mommy, when you do have time, you have to
pick up my calls, okay?" Maggie faltered, glancing at Franklin. ---- He only looked back, expression unreadable-as
if to say: do as you will, | won't interfere. Maggie lowered her gaze.
After a pause, she murmured, "Tl try." Isabella's bad mood melted as quickly as it had come. "Okay!" The waiter
knocked and brought in their dishes. They returned to their seats. Isabella dragged her chair closer to Maggie,
happily chattering as she ate, recounting funny moments from training camp. Halfway through, she even pulled
out her tablet to show photos. Maggie listened. Franklin said little, only quietly deboning fish and serving her
food. Because Isabella talked so much, their meal stretched long. At last, weary, she climbed into Franklin's arms
and fell asleep.
---- With Isabella asleep, only Franklin
and Maggie remained, sitting in
silence across from each other.
Maggie glanced at Req@augtiterin
. | ©
hfs afd then picked up her bag and
ny +
rose. "I'll head out first. Take good
I" FT : n
care of her." Franklin: "Alright.
Without another word, Maggie pulled
the door open and left. Franklin sat
for a while longer, holding Isabella,
before finally rising to go. The
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