---- Chapter 391 Maggie always said she was busy, that she had no time. But no matter how busy, surely she had time for a phone call? And yet, when Isabe 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 Isabe 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, Isabe tookfort in his reassurance. Her tears slowed as she looked up at Maggie with hope. "Really? Next year, you''ll have more time for me?" ---- Isabe 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.

I can''t guarantee I''ll be free..." It wasn''t the answer Isabe 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, ncing at Franklin. ---- He only looked back, expression unreadable-as if to say: do as you will, I won''t interfere. Maggie lowered her gaze.

After a pause, she murmured, "Tl try." Isabe''s bad mood melted as quickly as it hade. "Okay!" The waiter knocked and brought in their dishes. They returned to their seats. Isabe 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 Isabe talked so much, their meal stretched long. Atst, weary, she climbed into Franklin''s arms and fell asleep.

---- With Isabe asleep, only Franklin and Maggie remained, sitting in silence across from each other. Maggie nced at her daughter in his arms, then picked up her bag and rose. "I''ll head out first. Take good care of her." Franklin: "Alright." Without another word, Maggie pulled the door open and left. Franklin sat for a while longer, holding Isabe, before finally rising to go.style

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