Chapter 5

After forcing Beatrixa to comply, Maverick soon messaged her to join him at the mall to buy gifts.

He planned to confess to Bailee in ten days.

Coincidentally, that was the same day Beatrixa would leave the country with her parents.

Wanting to avoid trouble, she agreed to go with him.

They first visited a flower shop, where Maverick ordered a large bouquet of red roses.

"Make sure the petals are fresh. She loves pink, so include a pink card," he instructed the clerk carefully.

Beatrixa froze, her mind flashing to the hundred paper cranes he had given her.

Every single one was pink.

She didn't even like pink, but because they came from Maverick, she treasured them, storing them carefully.

Now, she realized those cranes were crafted with Bailee's preferences in mind.

The heartfelt gestures weren't for her-they were for Bailee.

Beatrixa gave a bitter smile, her heart aching despite herself.

After ordering the flowers, they went to a bakery to pick out a strawberry cake.

The top layer was decorated with strawberries arranged in a heart shape.

Beatrixa stared at the cake, lost in thought, remembering how Maverick often bought her strawberry cakes.

She never cared for strawberries, but because he gave them to her, she grew accustomed to their taste.

Maverick glanced back and saw her staring at the cake. He reached out, ruffling her hair with a faint smile. "Bailee loves strawberry cake. What do you think of this one? Oh, right, I remember you liking strawberry cake too. You always said it was good when I got you one. Let's grab one for you on the way back."

It was always about Bailee.

The sweetness she once thought was hers was just proof of Maverick's feelings for Bailee.

"No thanks. I don't like strawberry cake," Beatrixa said coldly.

Maverick glanced at her, assuming she was sulking. "Fine, if you say you don't like it, we won't get it."

Just then, his phone rang.

Bailee's cheerful voice came through. "Maverick, don't forget we're going to the amusement park today!"

He smiled warmly. "How could I forget? I'll be there soon."

Bailee added, "Oh, and bring your neighbor girl along. After that mess at your birthday party, she must be upset."

Beatrixa opened her mouth to refuse, but Maverick agreed first. "Sure, I'll bring her. You're so kind, Bailee."

Before heading to the amusement park, he warned Beatrixa. "Don't mention the flowers or the cake to Bailee. I want it to be a surprise."

Beatrixa forced a smile. "Don't worry. I won't say a word."

At the amusement park, Bailee greeted her briefly before pulling Maverick to ride the roller coaster and Ferris wheel.

Despite his fear of heights, Maverick agreed with a smile, showing no hesitation.

Beatrixa recalled the time before her entrance exams when Maverick took her to the amusement park to relieve stress.

She wanted to ride the roller coaster and Ferris wheel, but he told her he was afraid of heights and couldn't join her.

Yet now, for Bailee, he overcame that fear without a second thought.

All afternoon, Beatrixa felt like an outsider, watching their laughter and joy.

Occasionally, Maverick checked on her. "Beatrixa, is there anything you want to try?"

But Bailee always drew his attention away. "Maverick, it looks so fun over there. Let's check it out!"

Throughout the day, Beatrixa noticed Bailee's subtle hostility, her deliberate exclusion, and her veiled boasts.

By afternoon, they headed to a restaurant, reserving a private room for dinner.

Maverick stepped out to take a call, leaving the two girls to head up in the elevator.

Inside, alone with Beatrixa, Bailee dropped her pretense, her eyes cold. "You see it, don't you? Maverick loves me. If you still have any delusions about him, you'd better give them up now."

She looked Beatrixa's heavy figure up and down, her tone mocking. "With your body? If you weren't his neighbor, do you think he'd even notice you?"

Beatrixa forced a smile. "Don't worry. I'm over him. He really likes you. He's even planning to confess to you in ten days. Today, he made me go with him to order flowers and a cake for you. I wish you both the best."

Bailee's face lit up with a happy smile. "I knew he was being secretive lately, not telling me where he's going or what he's doing."

As they spoke, the elevator lights flickered out. A violent jolt shook the cabin before it plummeted.