Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2103

Stella sat in a worn-out armchair, her mind wandering as she looked out over a desolate stretch of North American borderlands. This place was poor and chaotic, not unlike the Wild West she'd read about in dusty old books. It was the perfect hideout for someone like her, someone who needed to disappear for a while.

Dave knew this area like the back of his hand, and she felt safe here, away from trouble. But no matter how secure she felt, a wild idea kept flickering in her mind—she wanted to have Beck's child. She wanted Beck to remember her forever.

She had always been like a street rat, scurrying through life, secretly admiring Beck, the golden boy who seemed to have it all. It was foolish, she knew. Her affection would only bring him trouble. But for once, she wanted to be reckless. Dave was right; maybe she was just fooling herself, but she couldn't help it.

She lowered her lashes, her fingers absently playing with the bottle of pills. "Dave, just think of me as crazy," she said with a wry smile. "I really do like Beck."

Her words were tinged with resignation, a hint of defiance in her voice. "Hopelessly in love. I don't even know why. Maybe it's karma. I've always seen men as meal tickets, using them to get by. But Beck is different."

When you love someone, you just know they're unlike anyone else.

Dave was at a loss for words. He opened his mouth, then closed it, glancing at Stella's frail form. He sighed. "As long as you know what you're doing. I can't stop you, but there's no guarantee you'll even get pregnant."

That thought made Stella recall their heated encounter. Beck had been unyielding, leaving a lot behind. She refused to believe she couldn't get pregnant.

A week later, news reached Beck that Bonnie had died—a gruesome death from some rare poison. Beck had always thought Stella was crafty, but where did she find such a toxin?

Was it revenge for Bonnie's past bullying? Beck knew bits and pieces about Stella's rough past; it seemed she was settling old scores.

Walter called, first asking about Bess, confirming Beck was still considering it, then surprising him by asking about Stella.

Beck was puzzled. Walter had never met Stella. Why the sudden interest? "Beck, I'm in a tough spot," Walter admitted. "You know Jason, right? He's distantly related, but my parents owe his family a favor. Jason's in trouble, and his folks begged us to find Stella, to get an antidote. If you know where she is, please, for my sake, let me know. Jason's still alive, but if he dies, Stella won't be safe anywhere in North America."

Beck wanted to know where Stella was too. After taking her to the hospital, she'd vanished without a trace. He remembered her saying she wanted to stay by his side, and he chuckled at the thought. He'd almost believed her, worried about what to do if she was that persistent. But Stella was full of lies, a woman who couldn't commit to any man.

"Walter, I truly don't know where she is."

Beck sat on his couch, frustrated by the lack of news about Stella. She had vanished as if into thin air.

Meanwhile, his father and brother bombarded him with daily calls about Bess. Overwhelmed, Beck finally agreed to marry Bess, but postponed the wedding until next year.

Too many things had happened this year; marriage was the last thing on his mind.

Dylan, sensing his brother's relief, promptly informed the Moore family, solidifying the alliance. With only a year until the wedding, Bess frequently visited the Sanders estate, but Beck's lukewarm reception deterred her. She decided to bide her time, believing that once they shared a home, she'd win him over.

A year later, the Sanders and Moore families gathered for the wedding. Beck stood in a crisp white suit beside Bess in the church, as the officiant asked the fateful question.

"Mr. Sanders, do you take Miss Bess to be your lawfully wedded wife?"