Ten Days to Leave My Stepbrother (Beatrice) novel Chapter 6

**Across Quiet Meadows Rise Dreams Waiting For Their Moment**
**Chapter 6: 288 Vouchers**

The moment Beatrice’s voice trembled and tears glistened in her eyes, a wave of panic surged through Maverick. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, as if the ground beneath him had shifted. In all their four years together, he had never witnessed Beatrice in such a state of utter despair. She had always been a vibrant force of nature, her laughter and radiant smile lighting up even the darkest of days.

But now, the brightness that usually surrounded her was dimmed, replaced by a heavy cloud of sorrow. Maverick’s heart ached at the sight of her, knowing that she was trying to mask her pain, fearing that her vulnerability might make him doubt the strength of their bond.

“What’s wrong, Beatrice?” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He didn’t know what had sparked this sudden shift in her demeanor, but something deep within him compelled him to reach out. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. “I’m so sorry, baby. Please don’t cry. It’s my fault. I got so mad when you wished me a happy marriage. I promise I won’t do it again, okay?”

He leaned in, attempting to kiss her, hoping to convey his remorse through the tenderness of the gesture. This time, though, his movements were soft, careful, as if he were handling something fragile.

But Beatrice gently pushed him away. “I’m on my period,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration.

“Is it still going? It feels like it’s been ages,” he replied, concern etching itself on his features.

“Yeah, it’s dragging on. Maybe it’s because of the fever I had the other day,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maverick’s mind raced back to the memory of her delirious state, her forehead glistening with sweat as she fought off the illness. A flicker of worry crossed his face, but he didn’t press her further. Instead, he took her hand gently and led her to her room. As he turned off the light, he felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him. He carefully slipped into bed beside her, holding her close, wanting to shield her from the world’s troubles.

Beatrice, utterly drained, closed her eyes and succumbed to sleep the moment her head met the pillow. Maverick watched her for a long while, captivated by the serenity that enveloped her. The soft glow of the nightlight cast a warm halo around her, and he found himself lost in a whirlpool of memories—each one a testament to their journey together. It was well past 3 AM when he finally pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, surrendering to a light sleep himself, his heart still heavy with concern.

The gentle rays of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, waking Maverick from his slumber. He turned to the side, only to find Beatrice still peacefully asleep beside him. As she shifted slightly, a dull ache radiated through his arm, which had fallen asleep under her weight. He blinked against the light and glanced at the clock—9:00 AM. Panic surged through him as he realized he had overslept.

“Why didn’t I wake up like I usually do?” he thought, a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. Breakfast was typically a ritual they both cherished, and he had completely missed it. With urgency, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and quietly got up, careful not to disturb her.

He crept out of the room and padded down the hallway toward his own bedroom, hoping to shake off the remnants of sleep.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Beatrice halted abruptly. Sitting at the dining table was Maribel, who looked up with a bright smile and a wave.

“Bex, I’m here to discuss wedding plans with Mac. You don’t mind, do you?” she asked, her enthusiasm palpable.

Before Beatrice could respond, Celia chimed in with a laugh, “Silly girl, Bex is Mac’s sister, and you’re Mac’s girlfriend. Why would she mind you two discussing your wedding?”

Beatrice felt a faint smile tug at her lips. Right. From this moment on, she was merely his sister. Of course, she had no reason to feel threatened or concerned.

She settled into her seat at the table, her heart heavy yet silent as Maribel eagerly engaged Maverick in a lively discussion about the wedding.

“Mac, if we have a wedding, do you think a lawn ceremony would be nice? Or should we do it by the beach? Do you prefer diamond or gemstone rings…” Maribel’s voice danced through the air, filled with excitement and anticipation, while Beatrice listened, her thoughts swirling like leaves in a brisk autumn wind.