Chapter 3 Chapter 3 " You trying to ditch the hospital already ? " Sebastian's deep voice rumbled through the phone . For a second , it almost sounded like he cared . " You're still a mess . Stay put a few more days , yeah ? " Maxine's heart twitched , old feelings rippling faintly . ' When was the last time Sebastian cared ? ' she wondered . Probably before Kathleen waltzed back from abroad , snagging a job at Maxine's law firm and gluing herself to Sebastian , playing the " best bro " act . Six months into their marriage , Maxine hadn't batted an eye at Kathleen - this loud , tomboyish girl they'd known forever . But then she saw it : Kathleen getting too cozy , using " friendship " as an excuse for flirty moves and sly jabs that chipped away at their marriage . Her instincts screamed to watch her back , but when she finally started shielding herself , it was too late . Sebastian and Brian were already in Kathleen's corner , treating Maxine like an afterthought - or worse , a pest . Like when she was laid up with a 102 - degree fever , begging Sebastian to come home . He ditched her for Kathleen's birthday bash . Shaking off the memory , Maxine gave a dry laugh . " I've got cases to crush , " she said , voice flat . " No time for this . " " What , you pissed or something ? " Sebastian's tone was cocky , like he had her pegged . Usually , she'd scramble to explain , but today ? She was just done - worn out , like she was sinking in quicksand . " Save it , Sebastian . I don't need your half - baked concern , " she shot back , ice in her voice . Silence lingered until he grunted , " Fine . I'll grab you tomorrow afternoon . " Click . He hung up . Typical . Maxine didn't flinch . She was over his games . Blank - faced , she handed the phone back . The next morning , Maxine didn't wait around for Sebastian . She checked herself out of the hospital early and grabbed a cab to the immigration office to sort out her visa . Halfway there , her phone buzzed - Sebastian's assistant , asking where she was . When she said she'd already left the hospital , all she got was a brisk " Stay safe " before the call ended . Guess being Mrs. Mason didn't carry much weight . Even the assistant brushed her off like she was nobody . The visa went through without a snag , and Maxine was home by noon . Still feeling rough from her hospital stay , the morning's / hustle had her wiped . She just wanted to crash , but when she opened the door , the smell of home - cooked food hit her like a warm hug . Muffled voices came from the kitchen . Curious , Maxine started toward them , only for someone to step out and spot her . " Maxine ! You're back ! " the voice squealed , all bubbly . It was Kathleen . She looked like she'd stepped out of a magazine in a wine - red silk blouse and a tight black skirt that hugged her curves . Her chestnut curls bounced loosely , screaming confidence and charm . Maxine peeked down at her own plain white shirt and black slacks - dull as dishwater . 1/2 10:43 Tue, 17 Jun CD Chapter 3 ' No wonder my boys are all over Kathleen , ' she chuckled to herself . She swallowed a bitter smirk , her eyes going cold . " What're you doing here ? " Kathleen practically skipped over , grabbing her arm . " Heard you got out today , so I whipped up a big lunch to celebrate ! Come on , don't keep everyone waiting . " She tugged Maxine into the dining room . There , five or six of Sebastian's buddies were goofing off , laughing and nudging each other . The second they saw Maxine , their smiles dropped , and the room got awkward , the easy vibe gone . Kathleen chimed in , " I heard about Brian's stupid gas leak stunt that landed you in the hospital . I'm so sorry . that crap . I already gave him an earful . " The way she moved , the way she talked - it was like she was the queen of this house . If it wasn't for me , he wouldn't have pulled Maxine kept her lips zipped , her eyes darting to the staircase . There was Sebastian , sauntering down in a crisp black shirt and slacks , cool as ever , with Brian tagging along behind . Brian was sporting a white short - sleeve tee with a goofy teddy bear plastered on it , paired with faded blue jeans . The look made his still - chubby face seem even more huggable . But back in the day ? No way he'd wear something this playful . Ever since he could think for himself , Brian had been Sebastian's mini - me , always going for slick , grown - up clothes . Anything with a whiff of fun was just " kid stuff " to him . " Mom , I'm not five anymore . I'm done with your silly dress - up crap , " he'd once huffed , tossing the clothes she'd picked out right into the garbage . Maxine pushed the memory aside as Brian got closer . The last flicker of holding on in her heart snuffed out . Family ties weren't always the rock - solid stuff people made them out to be . " Hey , Kathleen , " Brian said , barely giving Maxine a glance as he headed straight for Kathleen . Kathleen's eyes sparkled with a sneaky hint of victory . She flashed a warm grin and grabbed Brian's hand . " Hey , champ , remember what we talked about ? Go on , tell your mom you're sorry . "