Chapter 8: Are You Really My Beverly?

Beverly POV

Almost immediately, I watched the color drain from Marcus’ face the moment I said my name. His eyes widened so much they looked ready to pop out, like he had just seen a ghost he never expected to face again.

“What… you’re joking, right?”

I slowly turned to look at him, letting the silence stretch just long enough to make him uncomfortable.

“What do you think, Marcus?”

My lips curled into a cold, sharp smile. And honestly, nothing could have been more satisfying than the horrified expression that flickered across his face in that next second like reality had just slapped him.

“Beverly Hamilton? Do you even know who that is? Tell me did my ex bitch of a wife put you up to this? Find a way to sneak into my life by helping my son and then torment me with her name?”

He growled out the words, his eyes flashing wildly, jaw locked so tight with nostrils flaring with every angry breath he took.

 God… it was crazy seeing him like this.

To think he was the same Marcus who had been acting all sweet and caring toward me minutes ago but now standing in front of me looking like a ticking bomb of pure rage.

I studied him for a second the vein pulsing at his temple, the way his fingers twitched like he wanted to grab something… or maybe someone.

“I see you still haven’t changed from your obnoxious ways, Marcus.”

My voice came out smoother and steadier than expected almost bored as if I was talking to a child and it surprised me because never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be active before him but guess I was wrong it was me underestimating how much power I had gotten over the years.

“But honestly? I don’t care what you think. You’re free to believe whatever you want.” I said with all the sass I could muster and with that I turned away from him, ready to leave, my fists instinctively tightening at my sides.

By now I could feel my blood boiling hot in my bloodstream with the longer I stood talking to him and listening to him say crap about me.

How dare he call me an imposter?

But I didn’t want to cause a scene at least not here in front of the same hospital I'd brought Liam and that's why I I'd decided to leave and I felt so bad because if given a chance I'd have loved to stay much longer… at least until I was sure Liam was safe.

But after seeing Marcus after hearing those words I doubt I'd be able to stay here any longer without losing my shits.

So I guess I’d just have to come back tomorrow early morning maybe when I'd be in a better mood. When I could handle him without wanting to rip his head off.

As I approached the hospital entrance, I saw Nanny Marcy rushing toward me from around the corner. She looked breathless at the same time apologetic.

"Beverly" She offered me a warm and polite smile as she approached one I couldn't help but forcefully return.

“Thank you so much for bringing Liam here if it weren't for you I don't know how things would have gone and please don’t mind my behavior earlier, I was just—”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

I nodded gently, cutting her off before she could spiral into guilt. Truthfully, I wasn’t even annoyed with her. She was scared and anyone in her position would have been.

I offered her another small smile and with that I turned to fully exit to the hospital.

However, suddenly —

A hand grabbed me from behind.

My whole body went rigid at the unexpected contact.

Gritting my teeth in sharp annoyance at the unwanted touch something I absolutely hated I whipped around.

And came face to face with Marcus.

Rage coiled hot and vicious inside my chest. I glared at him, every nerve in my body buzzing.

“Let go of me,” I snapped, forcefully wrenching my hand out of his grip.

His fingers hesitated before releasing me like he didn’t want to, like he wasn’t sure if I was real.

“Tell me… are you really my Beverly? Or is this some kind of farce…?”

His voice cracked slightly on Beverly.

And for a split second… something familiar twisted painfully inside me.

But I crushed it fast.

Not again. Not after everything he did.

“What do you think? That I’d stoop so low just to fool you?” I scowled deeply at him.

He didn’t answer but just stared at me his eyes scanning me from head to toe gaze searching and piercing like he was trying to peel me apart layer by layer… trying to find the girl he used to know.

 I couldn't help the smirked that grace my lips seeing him like that watching his dilemma, watching him trying to believe at the same time doubt me.

Never in his wildest dream he must have thought I'd glow up this much obviously.

“The truth is, you’re the one being delusional, Marcus.”

I leaned slightly closer to him now lowering my voice as I said.

“But you know what? I don’t mind reminding you.”

With that I reached forth and flipped my hair to the side, exposing the birthmark on the right side of my neck.

The second his eyes landed on it I watched his face go completely pale his eyes bulging so wide they looked ready to roll out of their socket.

And hell I felt my stomach did a crazy flipped.

I had imagined this moment a hundred times. Thought about all the ways he might find out it was really me.

But I never thought it would feel this… satisfying.

“At least if nothing else proves it… this should prove I’m not an imposter. Like you think.”

“But… how… how is this…”

For the first time since this conversation started, Marcus looked completely lost for words utterly speechless.

And God… what could be sweeter than that?

Seeing the man who used to tower over me, control me, break me… now standing there looking like a confused child.

“What? You thought I was going to remain that fat, ugly duckling you could stomp on forever?”

His mouth opened slightly but no words came out.

“But that’s where you’re wrong, Marcus.”

My voice dropped, softer now colder even.

“In case you forgot… I was once pretty. Life just… made me otherwise.But now?” I lifted my chin slightly as I stared him right in the eye.

 "I found my footing.” I let my gaze sweep over in a painstakingly slow and mocking manner.

“And I did it without you in my life.”

Afterward I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear, and my diamond wristwatch caught the light the limited edition one I bought three days before coming here.

I saw it immediately —

The shock disbelief and quiet, bruised ego look that crossed his face as his eyes saw it.

I hadn’t planned to flaunt my wealth in front of him.

But if he noticed?

That was his problem.

“B-but…” he started saying again.

But I was already done with him.

Straightening up I smirked and turned, leaving him standing there, still frozen, still staring — and honestly, the sight sent a small thrill through me.

I had barely taken a step when a panicked voice rang out behind me.

“Mr. Hawthorne! We need you right now! Liam is not responding to treatment again and we don’t think he’s going to make it!”