Before Maeve could process her thoughts, Byron’s voice cut rough. “Wait until we’re actually you meddle in our marriage. heart skipped beat at his words. Byron didn’t Valda another glance carried Macve to the car and ordered the driver to leave. Valda watched helplessly the car away, frustration written all face. didn’t know much about cars, but it was clear this one was far ordinary-probably something the wealthy could afford. She the driver was a colleague of Byron’s, showing off by borrowing boss’s for a dramatic exit. Once they were in the car. settled into the him, then straightened up took his own seat “Sorry if my mother’s tone steady as regained her composure. glanced added cautiously, “No what the job even you’re a earning an living deserves respect,” her, his face unreadable but his curiosity piqued. He wondered. If weren’t the of the Mcdaniel would she have gone to this trouble to marry me? Would she be putting this act How long can keep the pretense? “So, saying you’d stick me even life got Byron asked, his casual. Hearing this, Maeve felt a surprising wave of relief. It was she had things-he was just a driver, after all She nodded firmly, “I won’t my and I have no of getting a divorce. I married you of own will. She to it that her mother’s words didn’t reflect her feelings. Even they some rough patches. her choice. With a little extra effort, their future didn’t have to look so bleak. Byron his gaze, a unreadable playing at his lips. She was skillfully sidestepping the issue. If that’s the way it was, he didn’t mind playing along, indulging in this little “poor man’s game. Maeve woke up, she found herself in the of the Pinehurst Apartments. She must have fallen asleep the car, and Byron had her inside. Her was still and sore, lips were chapped from dehydration. moment she her loudly, a protest. her pushed aside the blanket and to get out of bed Maeve had underestimated her condition. As as hit the her vision and she collapsed, to steady herself. The glass water by the bed shattered on the floor with a loud crash. As sweat beaded on her forehead, she reached for shards, only to a strong hand firmly grip arm. Byron had somehow appeared in the bedroom without noticing. “What are you doing?” Byron asked, his brow furrowed, his already stern expression seem even distant. Maeve froze. Tjust wanted to water the room, I knocked over the glass accident…” “Why didn’t you call me?” Byron her back onto the bed, his tone indifferent. “If you’re well, just stay put. “Fine… murmured, her voice soft and apologetic. 14:40 Mon, Oct 14 Chapter 14 Byron tidied up the shattered and set a fresh of water on bedside table. “Anything else you need?” Maeve hesitated before “I use something to eat just a simple of spaghetti would be fine. There should be ingredients in fridge. But, do you actually know how to cook?” She him with blend of curiosity skepticism, he didn’t exactly seem like type who would know way around. Byron’s face stayed impassive. “Spaghetti, got it. I’ll be right back Just as he was to leave, Maeve called after him, “Wait! I had a chance wash up in two days. Could you help me the bathroom?” Byron turned his cool and indifferent. “You can’t stand. Are you seriously asking me watch you bathe?” Macve’s face instantly flushed crimson. “N-No! That’s not what I meant!” She waved her hands frantically, her voice a mix of embarrassment urgency, just need rinse and wash my face-nothing more!” How did even think that? I wouldn’t ask for something like if a thick skin!” she thought. Byron at her flushed checks, then her with one her out bed. “Just lean me, get too close,” said flatly, disdain evident. Maeve fumed silently. ‘It’s been just two days without a he need to act this disgusted? Though clearly annoyed, she quickly rinsed her mouth and washed her face. to keep her balance, she leaned against the sink and one to up. splashed onto her shirt collar, a sliver of skin that Byron’s caught in mirror. He quickly looked away and casually, “So, why did your parents you up?” “We had bit a falling out,” Maeve replied vaguely, drying her face a towel. Byron had a good of what was up but didn’t to dig. Instead, asked, “So, why didn’t you hit up again after your call other day?” hesitated, droplet of water trailing stray strand of hair at her cheek. The memory of the voice on the phone mind. She glanced Byron’s in the mirror, her words catching in her throat. Admitting hoping his call felt too awkward, and the bothering him made uneasy. After all, they weren’t close enough for her to call on a whim “I forgot. ” Maeve said with a small, smile. “I didn’t expect my parents to keep locked for long. Her earlier resistance them had now turned into a deep sense of disheartenment. her efforts stay upbeat, a trace flickered across her face. Her tinged with a hint of sadness, made Byron feel oddly unsettled. He frowned, swallowed hard, “Are you “Yes,” Maeve replied. “Could you help me to bed now?”