chapter 6

The divorce hadn't gone through yet, and Robert's 80th birthday was coming up.

No one in the Stones knew that Maverick and I were planning to split.

Early that morning, he showed up at Mabel's house.

"Grandpa's birthday is soon. He wants to see you. Come back with me," he said, not giving me a choice.

Maverick's grandfather, Robert Stone, had always treated me kindly. I didn't want to upset him. So, I picked up a gift and went back to the Stone Residence with Maverick.

The Stones welcomed me warmly. Robert held my hand and asked when we were planning to have a baby. He said he'd been hoping for one for a while.

I touched my slightly bulging belly and felt a mix of emotions.

Maverick used the moment to grab my hand and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa. We'll give you a chubby grandson by the end of the year."

Under the lights, his handsome features were just as striking as when we first met.

"You little rascal. As long as you treat Stephie well, I'll be happy," Robert said.

"Grandpa, I've treated Stephie well. I promise I'll always take care of her," Maverick reassured again, but his attitude made me feel disgusted.

I felt nauseous and couldn't hold it in anymore. I pushed Maverick aside and rushed to the bathroom to throw up. Afterward, I felt a lot better.

When I went to wash my hands, Maverick caught up to me and handed me a tissue. "What's wrong with you? I saw you at the hospital last time. Are you sick?"

I ignored him and used my tissue to wipe my mouth.

I was completely repulsed by Maverick. I hated his act, and even his scent was starting to make me sick.

"How long are you going to keep this up?"

Sensing my rejection, Maverick stepped closer, but I quickly backed away, keeping my distance.

"Maverick, you're truly good at pretending."

I mocked him, and of course, he heard it.

"I'm not pretending. I've treated you well all these years, haven't I?"

He turned and walked away coldly, leaving me with those words.

As I watched him go, a cold feeling ran through me.

Maverick was right. He had treated me well, but it was never genuine.

Standing in front of the mirror, I gave a weak smile to my reflection.

Even with lipstick on, my face was still pale.

Since I got pregnant, I'd been throwing up almost every day, barely eating, and struggling with insomnia. My health had gotten worse over time.

"Stephanie, what have you done to yourself?"

I mocked myself. I was supposed to be a modern woman. How could I let myself live like this for a man?

"Not feeling well?" A familiar voice came from behind. It was Reagan.

She turned on the faucet and smiled at me. But her smile was chilling.

I ignored her and started to leave, but she stopped me.

"You're aware enough to talk about divorce. You've always known that you're just my stand-in in Maverick's heart."

Reagan smiled smugly. "Now that I'm back, it's time for you to move aside."

"Even if I move aside, it might not be you he marries next."

I looked at her coldly. "Robert doesn't like you, and Philip won't let Maverick marry an orphan. Otherwise, you two would've been together seven years ago, wouldn't you?"

Reagan was pissed off, glaring at me viciously. "Do you think you're better than me? You're only slightly better off. I've hated you all these years! Why is your background better than mine? Why do Philip and Robert like you but not me? Why did I have to leave, while you got to stay with Maverick?"

I sneered. "Why? Because only Maverick is blind! Everyone except him can see what kind of person you are."