chapter 8

I didn't know how long I had been asleep. When I finally woke up, I heard voices nearby.

"Has he lost his mind? Stephie just lost her baby, and he's still with another woman! I can't take this—I need to talk to him!"

"She said she didn't want Maverick to know the baby even existed," Yrian replied, stopping Mabel. "Since they've already agreed to split up, maybe it's better this way."

Mabel's voice was shaky with emotion, clearly holding back tears.

Yrian sighed. "Once she wakes up, I believe she'll choose for herself."

Mabel's tone grew softer. "But ... that was her first baby."

My chest ached, and my eyelids trembled slightly.

Was my baby truly gone? Could it be lost just like that?

Before I even made up my mind, it had already disappeared.

In a daze, I seemed to hear Maverick's voice.

"Stephie, let's have a baby."

He had been drinking. The strong scent of alcohol hit me as he pushed me onto the bed, forcing himself on me.

"It's what Grandpa wanted—"

That night, drunk and careless, he got me pregnant. He never wanted the baby.

If that was how it was meant to be, then fine.

Mabel said nothing more, and Yrian also stayed quiet.

The ward was filled with silence. I slowly opened my eyes, my hands clenched into fists.

"You're awake, Stephie!"

Mabel rushed over and grabbed my hand tightly. Her eyes were red.

"I didn't tell your parents what happened."

I blinked weakly and nodded. "Yeah, don't tell them."

My parents weren't in the best of health, so I didn't want to worry them. It was just a small issue.

"How are you feeling now?" Yrian asked, "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "I'm fine."

I placed my hand on my stomach, which felt empty, like something was missing.

Yrian hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Then, my phone rang.

Mabel picked it up and paused. She didn't hand it to me.

"Is it Maverick?" I asked, my lips dry. "Give it to me."

The call connected, and Maverick's cold voice came through. "Where are you?"

"At the hospital."

"Why are you at the hospital again?" Maverick said in a low voice. "Grandpa wants us to have breakfast. I'll come get you."

His tone was normal, as if he had forgotten everything that happened yesterday. He never cared why I was at the hospital.

"I'm busy," I replied, not wanting to see him at all.

In just a few days, my feelings for Maverick had completely faded. After losing the baby, there was nothing left between us. There was no need to see him anymore.

"If it weren't for Grandpa wanting to see you, do you think I'd want to see you now? Stephanie, I still haven't forgotten that you hit Reagan yesterday!"

I could feel the change in Maverick's attitude since Reagan returned. It was like he didn't even try to pretend anymore.

"Stephanie," he added sharply, "don't think I don't know. It was your idea to send Reagan abroad when my dad wanted to!"

My grip on the phone tightened, my heart racing as if I had been caught.

"Fine. I'll be there soon," I said, hanging up the phone.

I started to get out of bed, but Mabel stopped me.

"What are you doing? Are you truly going? Have you lost your mind?"

I reached for Mabel's hand, feeling her warmth, which calmed my cold heart.

"I have to go, Mabel. This time, I'll set things straight with Maverick. I don't want anything to do with him anymore."

Seeing the determination in my eyes, Mabel nodded slowly.

Yrian picked up his coat and draped it over my shoulders. "I'm coming with you. If anything happens, I'll help."

I nodded. "Thank you."