Ten Days to Leave My Stepbrother (Beatrice) novel Chapter 1

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

**Chapter 1**

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“Mom, Derek, I just got the news—my application for studying abroad has been accepted! I’m heading to London!”

Beatrice Filmore’s voice, though soft and light, carried an electric thrill that filled the quiet living room.

Across from her, her mother, Celia Harrell, perched on the couch, her face lit up with joy. “So soon? It got approved that quickly? When will you be leaving?”

“In just ten days,” Beatrice replied, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of anxiety.

Celia’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of reluctance dancing in her eyes. It was clear she hadn’t anticipated such a swift departure. “I’ll start packing for you right away! This is your first time going so far away, especially to another country. I’m genuinely worried about you. You know, I reached out to an old friend of mine. Her son happens to be living in London too. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to him. I mean, it’s not like you’re bothering him! Our families had even joked about you two getting married when you were kids! So, who knows? You might hit it off! And if not, at least you’ll have a friend there.”

Beatrice nodded, trying to absorb her mother’s well-meaning but overwhelming enthusiasm. “Okay, Mom.”

Celia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Bex, you’re okay with all this? Did you… finally break things off with that boyfriend of yours?”

Instantly, Beatrice fell silent, her heart racing.

Derek Melton, her stepfather, caught on to the tension immediately and slammed his palm on the table with a fierce determination. “He never even bothered to come meet us! It was clear he wasn’t serious about you! Good riddance to that loser!”

“Boyfriend? What boyfriend?”

Suddenly, a voice sliced through the thick tension that hung in the air.

All three of them turned to see Maverick Melton stepping through the front door, his presence commanding.

He was dressed in a sleek black shirt and tailored trousers, tall and poised, exuding an effortless, lazy elegance with every stride he took.

Beatrice felt a flutter of nerves and stood up, her voice barely above a whisper. “Mac.”

Maverick responded with a lazy, knowing “Mhm,” tossed his car keys onto the table, and ascended the stairs without another word.

That evening, Celia prepared a lavish feast, the aroma of her cooking wafting through the house, and uncorked a bottle of rich red wine.

With a bright smile illuminating her face, she raised her glass high, eager to share the joyous news. “Come on, let’s celebrate today! Bex’s soon…”

Sensing impending trouble, Beatrice quickly interjected, “Mom, this wine tastes a bit off. Is it expired?”

Celia looked taken aback, momentarily puzzled, certain that she had chosen a good bottle. But Beatrice had already taken her by the hand, leading her into the kitchen under the guise of fetching a new bottle.

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**22:44**

**Chapter**

“Mom, please don’t mention anything about my plans to go abroad to Mac just yet.”

Celia raised an eyebrow, initially perplexed by her daughter’s request.

But as she reflected on the bond between her stepson and Beatrice, a warmth spread through her. Over the years, Maverick had always been protective of Beatrice; it was the kind of sibling bond that was hard to break. So, she nodded in agreement, understanding the unspoken connection they shared.

After only a few bites of her meal, Beatrice excused herself, retreating to her room.

Once she had washed up, she lay in bed, her thoughts swirling as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

At the stroke of midnight, she felt a warm presence sliding into bed beside her.

Hot breath tickled her neck, followed by soft lips that grazed her skin, sending a jolt through her. The cool, damp sensation snapped Beatrice awake.

Her body tensed instinctively. She pushed him away and sat up abruptly, her voice sharp and defensive. “Maverick!”

“What’s the matter?” Maverick’s lips curled into a subtle smile in the dim light, his voice dripping with lazy amusement. “Now that the family’s trying to set you up with someone else, am I not allowed to touch you? After all these years, do you really think you can just walk away?”

Beatrice felt a rush of confusion and frustration but chose not to clarify.

The silence between them thickened, Maverick’s expression darkening as he reached out, pulling her into his embrace. “Beatrice, have I ever mentioned this? You’re not allowed to have a boyfriend. You can only be with me.”

Feeling the warmth radiating from his body against her back, Beatrice didn’t want to argue. She lied, “I’m on my period. I’m just not feeling well.”

At her feeble excuse, Maverick’s expression softened slightly, though a frown still lingered. “Didn’t that just end? It’s back already? Fine. I’ll leave you alone tonight. Just go to sleep.”

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