Upon hearing the words, warmth spread through Ste''s heart. Marvin had been particrly attached to hertely, wanting to apany her wherever she went.


    The next day, Ste tried calling Haynes again, but there was still no answer. She nced at the messages she''d sent him on her phone.


    "Haynes, when are we going to finalize the divorce?"


    "Haynes, you promised we''d get this done. Are you going back on your word?"


    "Haynes, a real man keeps his promises. Do you?"


    "Do you even want to get divorced?"


    Despite the barrage of messages, Haynes hadn''t replied to a single one. His responses were always minimal: "Yes," "Okay," "Busy now," or "Got it." He often promised to call back, but eight times out of ten, he never did.


    This unreliable guy! No, it wasn''t that he was generally unreliable. He just couldn''t be trusted when it came to her.


    Not long after she put down her phone, it rang again. It was herwyer.


    "Ms. Cameron, the court has epted your divorce case. It looks like they''ll be notifying Mr. O''Brien after the holidays... You''re not nning to withdraw, are you?"


    Ste replied, "No, I''m not."


    "Good, if anything changes on your end, please keep me informed."


    After hanging up, Ste let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness she had a backup n, or Haynes would''ve fooled her again. Still, this path was bound to be a long and challenging one.


    Later, Ste took Marvin to an herbal clinic. The ce was eerily quiet, with not a soul in sight. Marvin looked around, wide-eyed.


    "Ste, are you sure this is the ce?"


    Ste nodded, "Yep, this is it."


    Marvin looked around curiously. "But didn''t Mr. Burton say he was really busy and short-staffed?"


    Ste found it odd too. In the past, when she had helped out, there were usually a few people waiting in line. Today, there was no one.


    Just then, Mr. Burton emerged from the back room, carrying some herbs. "Ah, you''re here," he said, cing the herbs on the table and eyeing Marvin. "Is this the kid you mentioned?"


    Ste nodded.


    Mr. Burton smiled, "Not bad, he looks more charming than your son."


    Mr. Burton was known for speaking his mind, a gruff exterior with a heart of gold, so Ste wasn''t offended.


    "Marvin,e say hello to Mr. Burton."


    Marvin, ever the sweet talker, said, "Hello, Mr. Burton. Ste always talks about you, saying you''re a kind and gentle grandpa."


    He handed over a bag, "Ste and I made these cookies for you. Mine aren''t as good as hers, but I hope you don''t mind."


    "Good kid, you''ve got a bright future," Mr. Burton chuckled, eyes twinkling. None of his own grandchildren were as polite and sweet as Marvin.


    Despite his age, Mr. Burton had a sweet tooth and was quite picky. It had taken Ste ages to perfect a recipe that suited his taste.


    Ste asked, "Mr. Burton, didn''t you say you were swamped? Why is it so empty today?"


    Mr. Burton waved a hand dismissively. "They''re probably on their way. Shouldn''t be long now."


    No sooner had he spoken than footsteps echoed, followed by a shocked voice. "Ste, what are you doing here?!"