Ten Days to Leave My Stepbrother (Beatrice) novel Chapter 25

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**Across Quiet Meadows Rise Dreams Waiting For Their Moment**
**Chapter 25**

Three hours had passed since Maverick had left, and the anticipation in the air was palpable as he returned, the door creaking softly as he pushed it open.

His gaze immediately fell upon Beatrice, who was seated quietly in the corner, her posture rigid and her eyes downcast. A wave of satisfaction washed over him; she was still there, just as he had hoped. He approached her, a small bag of provisions in hand, and offered her the water and food he had picked up on his way back.

“Bex, you should eat something. I promise, we’ll get out of here soon,” he said, his voice laced with a reassuring warmth.

Beatrice remained silent, her attention fixed on the contents of the bag. Her reluctance was palpable, and she seemed to be lost in thought, contemplating her next move. Time ticked away, and Maverick’s patience began to wear thin. Just as he was about to speak again, she finally raised her hand, her fingers trembling slightly as she retrieved a bottle of water.

The day had dragged on without sustenance, and as she attempted to unscrew the cap, her fingers fumbled. Frustration creased her brow, and with a soft sigh, she offered the bottle to Maverick, her eyes barely meeting his.

A surge of delight coursed through Maverick at her gesture. “Thank you,” he said, his smile broadening as he took the bottle from her. He twisted the cap off effortlessly and, with a gentle pat on her head, added, “You’re doing great, Bex. Just hang in there a little longer.”

“Have you thought it through?” he continued, his tone shifting to one of earnestness. “We’re meant to be together. Just stay by my side, and I’ll take care of everything with Mom and Dad.”

Beatrice nodded slightly, her gaze still averted. “Okay,” she murmured, the single word carrying the weight of all her doubts and fears. In that moment, it felt as if the burdens of the past month had evaporated into thin air, leaving behind a fragile glimmer of hope.

Maverick, feeling a rush of relief and happiness, finally acknowledged his own hunger. He reached for a piece of bread and took a generous bite, savoring the taste. Meanwhile, Beatrice took a few cautious sips from the water bottle before returning it to him. She then reached for her backpack, claiming she wanted to check if any important documents were missing.

Trusting her, Maverick handed over the bag, unaware of her true intentions. As he took another sip of water, Beatrice quickly rummaged through her belongings, her heart racing. In a swift motion, she slipped her ID card into the sofa, hiding it from view.

After pretending to search a bit longer, she returned the bag to him, her expression carefully neutral. Maverick, oblivious to her subtle maneuver, had just finished his meal and was checking the time. It was nearly the hour they had planned for their escape, and he gently pulled Beatrice to her feet.