Mr. CEO, Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time Novel

**Chapter 472**

It was a typical Friday evening when Maggie’s phone buzzed, breaking the gentle hum of conversation around the dinner table. The familiar name flashed on the screen—Isabella. With a lilt of excitement in her voice, Isabella expressed her desire to come over later that night.

Maggie was seated at the table, sharing a meal with the Miller family, the clinking of cutlery punctuating the air. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a word, Old Mrs. Miller, with her warm, motherly demeanor, interjected, “Of course she can come! We’d love to have her.”

The next day unfolded with a sense of adventure as Maggie, Isabella, and the entire Miller clan set off together, their spirits high, exploring the world outside their usual confines. They didn’t return until the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple.

Even after a full day of excitement, Isabella seemed to radiate energy. As they drove back home, she leaned closer to Maggie, her phone poised in her hand, a bright smile illuminating her face. “Mom, I want to go back next time and play with the little turtles again!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Maggie glanced at the screen, where vibrant photos of their day were displayed—images of them joyfully catching baby turtles and giving them a playful “bath.” A tender smile crept onto Maggie’s face as she absorbed the warmth of those memories. “Mm,” she replied, her mind swirling with the day’s events.

Despite the excitement that Isabella exuded, Maggie felt the weight of fatigue settling in her bones. She must have looked weary, as Isabella, ever perceptive, nestled down in her seat and softly suggested, “You can rest, Mom.” With that, she returned to her phone, fingers dancing across the screen as she began texting someone.

Maggie didn’t dwell on it, her thoughts drifting elsewhere as she turned her gaze out the window, watching the world blur by. Unbeknownst to her, Isabella had sent a majority of their day’s photos to Franklin, eager to share the joy they had experienced.

Meanwhile, in another part of town, Franklin and Julia had just finished their dinner. As Isabella’s message chimed in, Franklin opened it, scrolling through the delightful snapshots. Each image captured Isabella’s laughter and Maggie’s radiant smile, the latter glowing with a serene beauty that seemed to light up the entire frame.

Julia emerged from the restroom, her gaze catching on Franklin’s focused expression. She paused, a flicker of curiosity crossing her face as she noticed the way Franklin’s eyes lingered just a moment too long on Maggie’s images.

When their eyes met, Franklin quickly locked his phone, his demeanor casual as he said, “You’re back?”

“Mm. Let’s go,” Julia replied, her tone steady as she picked up her purse. “Those are from Isabella? Looks like she had a blast today.”

“Yes, they went to a resort,” he confirmed, a hint of pride in his voice.

As they stepped out of the private dining room, Franklin took a moment to respond to Isabella with a brief voice message:

[The pictures look great. But no matter how much fun you had, you still need to go to class tomorrow.]

Isabella pouted at the sound of her father’s voice, but she quickly typed back, her fingers moving obediently across the screen, “Okay, I know.”

Julia slipped her hand into Franklin’s as they walked, a sense of intimacy blooming between them. “Franklin,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper, “I want to go somewhere tomorrow. Will you come with me?”

Franklin paused, considering her request. “When?”

“Tomorrow morning,” she replied, a faint smile gracing her lips. “About Isabella… maybe she can stay where she is for the day?”

Without asking for details about Julia’s plans or expressing concern about leaving Isabella waiting, Franklin simply nodded. “All right.”

A few minutes later, he sent Isabella another voice message:

[Something came up. I can’t go with you to class tomorrow.]

Upon receiving the message, Isabella turned to Maggie, a small frown forming on her face. “Mom, Dad says he’s busy tomorrow and can’t take me to class. Will you come with me?”

Maggie hesitated, her brow furrowing in thought. Just as she was about to respond, Isabella climbed into her lap, her voice a soft plea.

Old Mrs. Miller, observing the exchange from her spot nearby, seized the moment. “Maggie, since you don’t have anything planned for tomorrow, why not go with her?” she suggested, her eyes twinkling with encouragement.

After a moment of contemplation, Maggie finally relented. “…All right,” she agreed, a mix of resignation and affection in her voice.

The following morning dawned bright and early, and Maggie rose with a sense of purpose. She accompanied Isabella to her class, feeling a swell of maternal pride as she watched her daughter engage with her peers.

When the lesson concluded, Isabella had a group activity lined up, and Maggie stayed to cheer her on, her heart swelling with love as she observed Isabella’s excitement.

That evening, they returned to the Miller house for dinner, the familiar warmth of family enveloping them.

As the night wore on, Isabella began to prepare for her return to Franklin’s place, the allure of being closer to school tugging at her. However, when she called him, Franklin’s voice came through the line, tinged with regret. He informed her that he was out of town and wouldn’t be back that night; instead, he suggested she stay at the Miller residence.

Isabella’s heart sank slightly at the news, but she understood the circumstances. She glanced at Maggie, who offered her a reassuring smile, knowing that the love of family was always just a heartbeat away.