**Freedom 471**
**Chapter 471**
“I have something pressing to attend to,” Maggie stated, her voice steady and unwavering, a calm facade masking the storm of emotions swirling within her. “We can discuss this when I return.”
Glen barely nodded in acknowledgment, ready to let the matter slide, yet a persistent thought tugged at his mind. He recalled that Maggie had no appointments scheduled outside the office that day. It was unusual for her to step away from her desk during working hours unless it involved something deeply personal, a matter of the heart, perhaps.
He had been quietly observing the unfolding drama surrounding her impending divorce, acutely aware that delays had become the norm, courtesy of Franklin’s endless excuses about being “too busy.”
Now, as he watched Maggie swiftly gather her belongings, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
“You’re… going to the Civil Center, aren’t you?” he blurted out, almost instinctively, his heart racing as he spoke.
Maggie paused for a brief moment, taken aback by his perceptive deduction. After a fleeting hesitation, she offered a soft “Mm,” before continuing on her way, her determination evident in her stride.
As he stood there, watching her retreating figure, a torrent of emotions stirred within Glen’s chest—a blend of curiosity and something sharper, a deep concern that he couldn’t quite shake off.
For just a heartbeat, he considered following her, driven by the nagging question of what kind of man could ensnare someone as remarkable as Maggie in such a convoluted predicament.
But then, he caught himself.
Since the moment Maggie had uncovered his feelings for her, she had maintained a cautious distance, as if guarding her heart against any further emotional entanglements.
If she were to discover that he had tailed her out of mere curiosity, the ire on her face would be unmistakable, a look he dreaded to see.
So, in the end, he remained rooted to the spot, watching her figure disappear down the hallway, the rhythmic click of her heels gradually fading into silence. With a heavy heart, he turned back to his office, feeling the weight of unspoken words pressing down on him like a heavy shroud.
Approximately ten minutes later, Franklin burst into the Civil Center, slightly out of breath, his expression tinged with apology. “Sorry,” he panted, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “The meeting ran over by about ten minutes. I came as fast as I could.”
Maggie scrutinized him, noting the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt and the tousled state of his hair, his phone still clutched tightly in his hand, vibrating incessantly.
He genuinely seemed to be in the thick of things, endlessly tangled in his chaotic life.
“It’s fine,” she replied, her tone calm and collected, masking the turmoil beneath. “Let’s just get this over with.”
“Okay,” he said, nodding in agreement, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape.
As they navigated through the paperwork, Franklin’s phone buzzed relentlessly, a constant reminder of his chaotic schedule. Each vibration felt like a reminder of the life they were leaving behind.
When it came time to sign the documents, Maggie found herself waiting for several agonizing minutes while he wrapped up yet another call, the seconds stretching into what felt like an eternity.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, they officially completed the divorce procedure, a bittersweet punctuation marking the end of their marriage.
He had, in a way, carved out a sliver of time from his jam-packed agenda solely to finalize their separation, a task he seemed to treat with the same urgency as a business deal.
Once everything was signed and sealed, Maggie felt a wave of relief wash over her, ready to leave the sterile confines of the Civil Center when Franklin spoke again, his tone shifting slightly, almost hesitant.
“I’ve got some work to finish. I’ll reach out later when I have time,” he said, his voice trailing off, leaving an unfinished note hanging in the air.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Maggie didn’t even glance back.
There was simply nothing left for them to discuss.
To Julia, that was irrefutable proof.
No matter the history shared between Franklin and Maggie, it was clear in Julia’s mind that the one he truly cherished was still her.
Maggie had never posed a real threat in her eyes.
As Maggie felt the weight of Julia’s stare, she chose to remain unresponsive, focusing on her breath, grounding herself in the moment.
In that very moment, Franklin turned and caught sight of her as well.
Before he could utter a word, she averted her gaze, her expression remaining calm and detached, and slipped into the car alongside Claremont and the others.
Without exchanging a single word, she shut the door with a quiet resolve, and the car pulled away, leaving Franklin standing in the sun, Julia still nestled against him, their laughter echoing in the air as they watched the vehicle disappear from view.
**Conclusion**
In the aftermath of the divorce, Maggie’s journey toward emotional liberation has taken a significant turn. The finality of signing the documents marked not just the end of her marriage but also the beginning of a new chapter in her life. As she drove away from the Civil Center, she felt an unexpected lightness, a sense of relief washing over her like a cleansing tide. The past, with all its complexities and heartaches, started to fade into the background, allowing her to focus on the present and the possibilities that lay ahead. Even as she returned to her work, the weight of unfulfilled emotions began to lift, leaving her with the clarity to embrace her independence.
However, the sight of Franklin with Julia served as a stark reminder of the emotional scars that may linger despite her newfound freedom. The juxtaposition of their laughter against her own quiet resolve was a bittersweet moment, highlighting the stark contrast between the past she was leaving behind and the uncertain future that awaited her. Yet, Maggie’s decision to remain detached in that moment underscored her strength; she was no longer defined by her relationship with Franklin. Instead, she was reclaiming her narrative, ready to face whatever came next with resilience and grace. As she drove away, a sense of hope blossomed within her—freedom was not just a word; it was the promise of a life she was now free to shape on her own terms.
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension between Maggie and her past continues to simmer, readers can expect the emotional fallout from her recent divorce to take center stage in the upcoming chapter. The juxtaposition of Maggie’s newfound freedom against the backdrop of Franklin’s apparent happiness with Julia will undoubtedly create a whirlwind of feelings for her. Will Maggie find the strength to confront her past and reclaim her identity, or will the shadows of her former life continue to haunt her? With each interaction, the stakes are raised, and her resolve will be tested as she navigates the complexities of moving on.
Moreover, the dynamics between Maggie, Glen, and Franklin will likely evolve in unexpected ways. Glen’s silent admiration for Maggie and his struggle to respect her boundaries hint at a brewing tension that could either blossom into something deeper or lead to further complications. As Maggie attempts to establish her independence, will she finally allow herself to embrace the support that Glen offers, or will she remain guarded, fearful of opening up once more? The next chapter promises to delve into these intricate relationships, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Maggie’s journey unfolds amidst the chaos of her past and the allure of new beginnings.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Mr. CEO Your Wife Has Wanted a Divorce for a Long Time
Alguém saberia dizer o que houve com o livro, sem atualização a tempos...
Nada de episódio novo?...
Does the book stop? When are we going to get a new chapter?...
Olá, A história parou no capítulo 288? O nome do livro me gerou mais expectativas, quando ela realmente vai desprezar os dois e brilhar???...
Everytime I read new updates I am hoping to see Maggie completely moving on with her life not always checking where Franklin is up to with Julia. I think everyone reading this story by now understand that Franklin doesn't care about Julia. So what is the point of always pointing out how indifferent Franklin is to Maggie and how attentive he is towards Julia....
What does Helen mean Maggie is still married? Married to whom? Franklin has made it clear that he doesn't consider her anything and is flaunting his relationship with Julia for anyone who has eyes to witness it.So Maggie should wait for the divorce to be finalized to date. Isn't that double standards. And Franklin is dragging the divorce deliberately since divorced or not he does what he wants without any consequences. Really women are emotionally oppressed even authors only know that point of view 😕...
I feel sad for Maggie and all married women who have to endure emotional abuse with no end in sight. By the look of it,Franklin doesn't want to divorce Maggie for whatever reason. Either the reason is good or bad, Maggie shouldn't be humiliated like this just because she loves him. And the grandmother should be helping her get a divorce not emotionally blackmailing her, if she really cared about her. Franklin is using Maggie's love for the grandmother to abuse her. Is really loving people wrong? Author this one-sided hurt is not right. Let Maggie move on with dignity. It shouldn't end up with Franklin professing his love for her and her accepting it....