CHAPTER FIVE

KATIE’S POV

It had been days since the wedding, and Maverick had kept his promise and stayed in his lane. We never slept in the same room, but no one knew because I always ensured to sneak into the room late and wake up earlier than everyone.

Walking down the stairs, I head towards the kitchen, wanting to help with something. Sleeping, waking, eating, and doing nothing daily took a toll on me because I hated being idle. I wanted to do anything at all to take my mind off the predicament I was going to be stuck in for months.

The thought of telling Maverick about resuming school crossed my mind, but I had no clue how he would react. It was either that or I take up a job, anything at all.

The aroma of the soup filled the air with Zina’s back turned towards the door.

“Is there anything I can help with?” I asked and watched her fidget a little out of fear before turning around to look in my direction.

“No…Ma. We can handle everything. It’s our job.” She responded, her purple hair packed up in a bun covered by her bonnet. Beads of sweat broke across her face due to the heat.

Zina was an incredibly attractive woman in her late thirties. She reminded me of my late mom, who loved cooking a lot.

“Can I at least help?” I questioned and watched her shake her head in refusal, causing a sigh to slip past my lips.

“I’m so sorry, Madam, but it will cost us our jobs.” She clarified, and I nodded, then smiled before leaving the room.

It's funny how I couldn’t even relate with anyone here well because every time, I could tell that they feared me.

On my way back to my room, I caught sight of Hunter in the playroom, so I turned there, pushing the door open fully to see him playing with his Batman collection.

“Hi!” I greeted him softly and watched him look my way before returning his eyes to his toys. But I don’t give up. It was going to be some long months. After all, it was best I started making some friends.

Closing the door, I crouched beside him.

“Is that Batman?” I asked and watched his hand hang midway before he carefully brought his eyes my way.

“You know him?” He asked, and I nodded gently. His eyes lit up before they suddenly darkened as though he remembered something. “Do you also think it’s stupid that I still play with toys?”

My heart clenched when the words fell from his lips because they held more sadness than his eyes could contain.

“Of course not. Who said that?” I asked and heard him sigh.

“No one ever plays with me. They are all so busy and….and at school, the kids….Father said I’m grown up now, and I shouldn’t…” His voice broke as he gasped and quickly threw the toy away, moving backward. “Are you going to tell Father you saw me here? He…He will scold me and…please don’t tell. I know you are Father’s wife, but please…I will…I will have no one to…”

Tears rolled down his cheeks, and I could tell just how much pain the little boy bottled up inside. It was heartbreaking how no one saw through his constant smile.

Moving towards him, I ran my thumb over his face and felt him shudder in fear, his face lowered. My hand cupped his face up to look at me.

“I won’t tell your Father, I promise. Besides, I’m not just your Father’s wife. I’m your Mother, too. Step-Mom, but still the same thing.” I assured him and watched his pupils dance.

“Promise? I mean, on both?” He asked, and I gave him a smile accompanied by a nod. “Then can you…I don’t know…Go to school with me someday…I mean…” His eyes drifted while his toes made invisible lines on the floor. “The kids there said I have no Mama and…” His voice broke again.

I let out a silent sigh because who was teaching these kids?

“Of course, Hunter. You have me. Just let me know when, okay?” I asked and watched his eyes light up with excitement.

Deep down, I knew I was going too far by assuring him all that, despite knowing I was leaving in a few months. I knew that he would probably get hurt in the long run, but for now, I was willing to make him get comfortable. No child deserved a loveless life.

“I need to go before your Father starts looking for me, but I will see you during breakfast. Also, close the door well next time.” I said and squeezed on another smile, then stepped out of the room, taking a last glance at him before closing the door.

The smile on his lips caused my heart to lighten a little. Maybe the lie was for a good cause.

I returned to my room, pushing the door open and finding comfort on my bed. As I stared into the space, I heaved a sigh because all I could see was boredom. I didn’t have a phone. I never bought one because I never knew it was necessary, and now I regret that decision.

But I doubted that they would let me use a phone. The TV was, however, there, but somehow I wanted something more.

A soft knock landed on the door, and I rasped out a go-ahead, causing the person to push the door forward gently before proceeding in.

“Hi, Katie. You slept well?” Maverick asked, and I nodded, not wanting to tell him yet about wanting to do something rather than sit.

“You?” I asked and heard him sigh gently. His face started to get slightly wrinkled to signify his aging.

“Not really.” He answered, quickly adding, “I want you to get dressed. I have some places to show you. Can you meet me downstairs in thirty minutes?”

“Huh!” I exclaimed softly and quickly added, “Yeah!”

Even though I was a bit scared of what he planned to do to me.

“It’s nothing serious, Katie. I promise I won’t hurt you. I want you to know some things about me. Like my company's tour.” He informed, causing a sigh of relief to slip free.

My increasing heart is starting to calm down.

“Okay then, I will done in thirty,” I informed and watched him nod, then turn around to leave, his hand on the doorknob before he paused to look backward.

“I’m so sorry about what Blaze said the other day. He..He can be a dick at times.” He paused and chuckled lightly, his eyes holding so many untold tales. “Also, thank you for going on with this.” He added.

Swallowing the lump of saliva in my throat, I nodded and smiled at him.

“It’s fine, Maverick,” I responded, then watched his lips flatten before he stepped out fully, closing the door behind him.

And I couldn’t help but wonder how a sweet soul could have such an uncoordinated family. Maverick didn’t seem like the wicked type. He appeared relaxed and calm.

Deep down, I know I would have given him a chance only if he was younger, maybe around my age.

At least I was glad I wouldn’t regret this in a few months.