"Yeah," Marvin said, his expression serious. "Mr. O''Brien hasn''t treated you well, and you haven''t been happy with him. I don''t want you to be with Mr. O''Brien. You


    deserve someone better and a happier life."


    Ste couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Even Marvin, who had only seen Haynes a few times, could tell that Haynes wasn''t good for her.


    Abby chimed in, "Since you''re busy tomorrow, should I let Anthony know to reschedule?"


    "No need," Ste replied. "I have to meet him briefly to finalize the divorce cooling-off period. It''ll probably take less than half an hour. Could you tell my mentor that I can join him for rehearsal in the afternoon?"


    "Sure," Abby said, picking up her phone and quickly sending a message.


    Marvin, curious as ever, asked, "Ste, where are you and Mr. Watson performing?"


    Ste recalled Mr. Burton''s words, "I think it''s at a retirement home or something like that."


    Marvin''s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Ste, I''d love to join you for the performance. Do you think I could?"


    Ste hesitated for a moment. If it were a performance she organized, she wouldn''t mind Marvin joining in. But this event was organized by Mr. Burton, and she couldn''t make that call..


    Seeing Ste''s hesitation, Marvin said earnestly, "Ste, I''ve been practicing my piano every day. I promise I won''t slow you down."


    "Well," Ste said gently, "I can''t decide on this, but I''ll ask Mr. Burton tomorrow and let you know, okay?"


    Marvin''s face lit up. "Okay!"


    He loved performing with Ste. It gave him an unparalleled sense of pride, and being with her felt asforting as being with his mom.


    He was growing more and more attached to Ste.


    Marvin made a silent vow to himself.


    He was determined to be even better to Ste, to make her his!


    ...


    The next morning.


    Ste, anxious about beingte, got up early.


    After checking multiple times to ensure she had all her documents, she set out.


    Haynes was punctual to a fault. He never waited for anyone, except Rachel. To avoid traffic, Ste left well in advance.


    When she arrived at the town hall, it was just past 9:10 AM.


    Ste patiently waited outside the town hall.


    ...


    At exactly nine o''clock, Haynes picked up his car keys, ready to leave, when his phone rang.


    "Haynie, you''ve got toe quickly! Rachel slipped in the shower and lost consciousness. She''s been rushed to the hospital!"


    Haynes'' expression shifted. "How bad is it?"


    "It''s pretty serious. I couldn''t wake her up no matter what! Haynie, I''m in the ambnce now. You need to get here as soon as you can!"


    "I''m on my way," Haynes said, his voice cold and tense, as he quickly left the house.


    ...


    By 10:05 AM, Ste stood outside the town hall, frowning at her watch.


    It was already past ten. Where was Haynes?


    Was he caught up in traffic or dyed by something else?


    Ste considered this and decided to give Haynes another ten minutes.


    But fifteen more minutes passed, and still no sign of Haynes.


    Not even a message or a call.


    If he was truly dyed, he could at least call, right?


    Or could it be... an ident on the way?


    With that worrying thought, Ste''s fingers dialed his number.


    Ring, ring, ring... The phone rang for a long time with no answer.


    Could something really have happened?


    Just as she began to worry, the call was finally picked up. A man''s voice, slightly hoarse, came through the line.