bChapter /bb3 /b

b“/bYou trying to ditch the hospital already?” Sebastian’s deep voice rumbled through the phone. For a second, it almost sounded like he bcared/bb. /b“bYou’re /bstill a mess. Stay put a few more days, yeah?”

Maxine’s heart twitched, old feelings rippling faintly.

‘When was thest time Sebastian cared?‘ she wondered.

Probably before Kathleen waltzed back from abroad, snagging a job at Maxine’sw firm and gluing herself to Sebastian, ying the “best bro” act.

Six months into their marriage, Maxine hadn’t batted an eye at Kathleen–this loud, tomboyish girl they’d known forever.

But then she saw it: Kathleen getting too cozy, using “friendship” as an excuse for flirty moves and sly jabs that chipped away at their marriage.

Her instincts screamed to watch her back, but when she finally started shielding herself, it was toote.

Sebastian and Brian were already in Kathleen’s corner, treating Maxine like an afterthought–or worse, a pest.

Like when she wasid up with a 102–degree fever, begging Sebastian toe home. He ditched her for Kathleen’s birthday bash.

Shaking off the memory, Maxine gave a dryugh. “I’ve got cases to crush,” she said, voice t. “No time for this.”

“What, you pissed or something?” Sebastian’s tone was cocky, like he had her pegged.

Usually, she’d scramble to exin, but today? She was just done–worn out, like she was sinking in quicksand.

“Save it, Sebastian. I don’t need your half–baked concern,” she shot backb, /bice in her voice.

Silence lingered until he grunted, “Fine. I’ll grab you tomorrow afternoon.”

Click. He hung up. Typical.

Maxine didn’t flinch. She was over his games. nk–faced, she handed the phone back.

The next morning, Maxine didn’t wait around for Sebastian. She checked herself out of the hospital early and grabbed a cab to the immigration office to sort out her visa.

Halfway there, her phone buzzed–Sebastian’s assistantb, /basking where she was. When she said she’d already left the hospital, all she got was a brisk “Stay safe” before the call ended.

Guess being Mrs. Mason didn’t carry much weight. Even the assistant brushed her off like she was nobody.

The visa went through without a snag, and Maxine was home by noon.

Still feeling rough from her hospital stay, the morning’s/hustle had her wiped. She just wanted to crashb, /bbut when she opened the doorb, /bthe smell of home–cooked food hit her like a warm hug.

Muffled voices came from the kitchen. Curious, Maxine started toward them, only for someone to step out and spot her. “Maxine! You’re backb!/bb” /bthe voice squealed, all bubbly.

It was Kathleen.

She looked like she’d stepped out bof /bba /bmagazine in a wine–red silk blouse and a tight ck skirt that hugged her curves. Her chestnut curls bbounced /bloosely, screaming confidence and charm.

Maxine peeked down bat /bher own in white shirt and ck cks–dull as dishwater.

b10:43 /bbTue, /b17 bJun /bCD

b‘/bbNo /bwonder my boys are all over Kathleen,‘ she chuckled to herself.

She swallowed a bitter smirk, her eyes going cold. “What’re you doing here?”

Kathleen practically skipped over, grabbing her arm. “Heard you got out today, so I whipped up a big lunch to celebrate! Come on, don’t keep everyone waiting.”

She tugged Maxine into the dining room.

There, five or six of Sebastian’s buddies were goofing off,ughing and nudging each other. The second they saw Maxine, their smiles dropped, and the room got awkward, the easy vibe gone.

Kathleen chimed in, “I heard about Brian’s stupid gas leak stunt thatnded you in the hospital. I’m so sorry. that crap. I already gave him an earful.”

The way she moved, the way she talked–it was like she was the queen of this house.

If it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t have bpulled /b

Maxine kept her lips zipped, her eyes darting to the staircase. There was Sebastian, sauntering down in a crisp ck shirt and cks, cool as ever, with Brian tagging along behind.

Brian was sporting a white short–sleeve tee with a goofy teddy bear stered on it, paired with faded blue jeans. The look made his still–chubby bface /bseem even more huggable.

But back in the day? No way he’d wear something this yful.

Ever since he could think for himself, Brian had been Sebastian’s mini–me, always going for slick, grown–up clothes. Anything with a whiff of fun was just “kid stuff” to him.

“Mom, I’m not five anymore. I’m done with your silly dress–up crap,” he’d once huffed, tossing the clothes she’d picked out right into the garbage.

Maxine pushed the memory aside as Brian got closer. Thest flicker of holding on in her heart snuffed out. Family ties weren’t always the rock–solid stuff people made them out to be.

“Hey, Kathleen,” Brian said, barely giving Maxine a nce as he headed straight for Kathleen.

Kathleen’s eyes sparkled with a sneaky hint of victory. She shed a warm grin and grabbed Brian’s hand. “Hey, champ, remember what we talked about? Go on, tell your mom you’re sorry.”