Ten Days to Leave My Stepbrother (Beatrice) novel Chapter 5

**Across Quiet Meadows Rise Dreams Waiting For Their Moment – Chapter 5**

**288 Vouchers**

“Look at those lovebirds!” a voice exclaimed, filled with playful exuberance.

“Seems like it won’t be long before I’m raising a toast to my son’s wedding!” Derek’s voice boomed from behind, laced with pride and anticipation.

Beatrice, momentarily lost in her own thoughts, snapped back to reality at the sound of his voice. She quickly lifted her camera, her fingers deftly pressing the shutter as she captured the unfolding moments, each click a testament to the evening’s joyous climax.

On stage, the couple exchanged shy glances before pulling apart. Maribel, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, waved enthusiastically towards the third floor. “Bex, thanks for all your hard work! That’s enough for today!” she called out, her voice ringing with gratitude.

A wave of relief washed over Beatrice as she finally exhaled, the tension that had built up throughout the evening dissipating. She hurriedly packed her equipment, her mind racing with thoughts of the night’s events. Descending the staircase, she found herself standing beside Celia and Derek, who were deep in conversation.

Celia clasped Maribel’s hand, her voice bright and cheerful, “Derek and I got held up on our way here, Ria. You’re not upset with us, are you?”

“Of course not! You arrived just in time. We haven’t even cut the cake yet!” Maribel replied, her excitement palpable.

Derek turned his attention to Maverick, a proud smile stretching across his face as he patted his shoulder. “Mac, I’m genuinely thrilled to see you settling down. Since you’ve given Ria the family necklace, shouldn’t we invite her parents over? It’s time our families discussed setting a wedding date.”

Maribel’s face turned a vibrant shade of crimson, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she looked at Maverick, her heart swelling with joy. Then, she turned her gaze towards Beatrice, her expression hopeful. “I’m available any time! But I don’t have many friends here. Maybe Bex could help out and be my bridesmaid?”

Beatrice, her hands sore from the long hours of work, was momentarily oblivious to Maribel’s request. It took Celia nudging her gently and repeating the offer for Beatrice to finally comprehend.

She looked up, her expression remaining neutral, a mask of indifference. “I’m sorry, but I’ll be tied up with things later. I don’t think I can make it to the wedding. However, I sincerely wish your brother a happy life together.”

Her words elicited smiles from Celia and Derek, but Maverick’s face fell, a shadow passing over his features. He shot Beatrice a look filled with disappointment, the faint smile that had lingered on his lips fading into nothingness.

After enduring the long, exhausting evening, Beatrice headed straight for the bathroom upon arriving home. The weight of the night’s events pressed heavily on her shoulders.

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