Ten Days to Leave My Stepbrother (Beatrice) novel Chapter 11

**Across Quiet Meadows Rise Dreams Waiting For Their Moment**

**Chapter 11**

As the Sterling family arrived in the bustling heart of London, the atmosphere buzzed with the promise of new beginnings. Beatrice, filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, found herself being whisked straight home. She had longed to visit the apartment, to feel the walls that would soon be her sanctuary, but Lilith, with her warm yet firm demeanor, swiftly dismissed the notion.

“The apartment isn’t fully furnished yet, my dear,” she explained, her voice a soothing melody amidst the chaos of the city. “And you have plenty of time before school starts. Stay with me for now; it’s simply more convenient.”

With a smile that masked her reluctance, Beatrice acquiesced. How could she possibly argue against such heartfelt hospitality? As they walked, Lilith clasped her hand, her grip reassuring, as she regaled Beatrice with tales from the past—stories of laughter, shared secrets, and the vibrant life they once lived together.

Beatrice felt a swell of joy for her mother. Even after all these years, Lilith’s heart remained tethered to their shared history, the memories of youthful camaraderie still alive and vibrant in her mind. Yet, beneath that joy lay a bittersweet pang. The depth of their friendship now spanned continents, sustained only by the aching distance that separated them. Her mother was here, but her own heart ached for the presence of the two people she cherished most, now so far away.

Wasn’t this longing a form of cruelty in itself? The thought lingered in her mind like a shadow.

As they conversed, Lilith’s demeanor shifted, a sigh escaping her lips that spoke volumes. “If only Celia could come too,” she lamented, her eyes reflecting a wistfulness that tugged at Beatrice’s heartstrings.

In an attempt to lift her mother’s spirits, Beatrice quickly interjected, “It’s okay, Mom. You know she’ll visit as soon as her visa is approved. She’s excited to see you!”

Instantly, Lilith’s face lit up with a radiant smile, transforming the atmosphere once more. “Just one sentence from you, and you’ve brightened my day, Bex. You’re such a sweetheart—so different from Greyson, who barely manages to string three words together in a single day!”

Beatrice blinked in surprise at this revelation. So, Greyson wasn’t merely aloof with strangers; he was similarly reserved with those close to him. A flicker of curiosity ignited within her, prompting her to glance up at Greyson through the rearview mirror. Their eyes met briefly, a fleeting connection before they both looked away, a shared moment that felt charged with unspoken thoughts.

This lighthearted atmosphere enveloped Beatrice, coaxing her worries away and allowing her smile to grow even wider. When the car came to a stop, she eagerly hopped out, ready to retrieve her luggage, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

As the trunk opened, she reached for her suitcase, only to have another pair of hands beat her to it. Startled, she looked up to see Greyson nodding at her, his chin lifted slightly in a gesture of quiet confidence.

“Let me handle it. You and my mom go check out the rooms first,” he said, his tone leaving little room for argument.

Beatrice felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her; she was acutely aware of how heavy her luggage was. Just as she was about to protest, Greyson’s voice cut through her hesitation, tinged with a hint of resigned helplessness. “It’s fine, really. Just go ahead. Otherwise, I’ll get scolded again.”

His words hung in the air, and Beatrice couldn’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and admiration for his willingness to help, even when he seemed so reluctant to engage. The dynamic between them was still new, yet a thread of understanding began to weave itself into the fabric of their interactions as they stepped into this new chapter of their lives.