Byron’s icy he spat. “Neville McDaniel. This jaw clenched as thought. Using Grandpa to check if I’m hurt-nice try. really go easy on you just for Grandpa’s sake? a chance” “Archer,” Byron’s cut through the room, sharp commanding. “Yes, sir. Archer stepped the room, orders. “Get of all of Neville’s crap from his office, Byron ordered, his voice to freeze. “Then turn it a public almost lost his composure, barely managing to stifle a laugh. Byron’s return. Neville had the General Manager of the McDaniel practically a heartbeat away from the CEO title. But now, even if his office into a restroom, Byron’s authority company wouldn’t budge an inch. It was slap the than any outright turning Neville into a the office “And tipped Neville off injury. Byron’s eyes with a dangerous glint. “When do, deal with them. However you see fit. without hesitation. office fell back into silence. Byron rubbed temple, trying to ease dull when his phone rang. It was Ray. He answered casually, what’s up?” we’ve each other for a decade. We’re like brothers. And you’re hiding girl from me? the man. Ray’s voice was sarcasm. went blank. “What the hell are you talking about?” “I saw her today-a cute little thing with a photo of your injury, to the hospital to get checked, Ray teased. find her? Can you set me up with someone like that too?” Byron sprang from chair. “She had a photo of my injury? What did like?” “You want me to describe your woman?” Ray quipped, though he went ahead described Maeve’s features. Byron’s instantly turned dark. He’d already suspected someone on his team, but he never thought Maeve would have the nerve sneak a picture of him. “We’ll talk Byron snapped, Ray off before storming out the door. was mid-sentence, confusion written all his face. Hewildered, he to himself, with the sudden rage? I didn’t even get to tell that seemed about him-like she’s head heels…. But Byron was long leaving Ray’s words hanging air. Pinehurst Maeve was in kitchen, tasting the soup when door slammed open and shut. 14:41 Mon, 14 G B Rushing out to see was happening, she froze at the sight of Byron’s stormy expression he stormed in. “Why do you “Did you take a photo my injury?” Byron cut her off, voice as cold as ice. “And then you took it to the hospital to show at doctor, didn’t you?” Maeve was taken aback but nodded. “Yes, I noticed your wasn’t healing well. I thought the medication might help…” Before she could finish, Byron’s expression hardened even further. His voice was sharp he snapped, “Who gave you the right to meddle? Do you think you’re important to me?” He at her, his tone almost frighteningly harsh, “Do I need to remind you? Apart from the marriage license, we have nothing between us? Maeve stood frozen, stunned grasp what was happening. “I wasn’t to said, her voice trembling. “I was just trying to you…” “I don’t need help. Byron interrupted, his brow furrowed irritation. His voice dripped with disdain. so desperate to play the caring wife, we get divorced right now, “And those photos you took. make me repeat myself!” had known for a while, she had never seen him like this-cold and terrifying. The man who gentle while applying ointment her injuries the night before now felt like stranger. had been so barely to out her phone, trembling as she deleted the photo. Tears her eyes, and it felt like a was stuck in her throat, suffocating her. fought to keep in check as she held up her phone. “It’s deleted. only took one photo while you asleep. I didn’t mean any harm. it caused trouble, sorry. Byron had been in a calmer state, he might noticed tremor in her voice. But his anger clouded his judgment, and all he was rage. Byron always that Maeve hidden motives getting close to him. He had watched her with the patience of a cat stalking intrigued her every move. But he hadn’t expected her reveal her hand so soon. actions had nearly derailed his meticulously crafted plans. Byron shot Maeve look of sheer disdain before turning his heel and walking out, leaving without another word. Maeve’s legs buckled, and sank to the floor, staring at ground tears welled in her eyes. She wondered, ‘Had I really overstepped? Is everything done wrong? I wasn’t trying to be intrusive-I just wanted his to heal faster. Why is he treating like this?” A wave of confusion and despair leaving feeling more lost than ever. didn’t come back after left. Maeve sat alone at the staring the soup all afternoon making, now barely her own spoon. She couldn’t taste a thing. Her mind blank, swallowed up by the around her. She didn’t sleep that night. When she dragged herself of bed the next morning, her head was she forced herself up make breakfast. she she grabbed her sketchbook and flopped onto the small couch trying to focus on her latest 14:41 Mon, Oct 14 GB. Chapter 20 But she kept getting distracted. Her mind kept drifting, and then it hit for hundredth time: marriage Byron was about love was just a way to avoid marrying Jell. Now that she had what she wanted-the marriage license-she didn’t need anything Byron a divorce, fine. I will move on. There are plenty of other options there, she thought. Lately, between had made her think that maybe-just maybe-they could make it work the long run. But Byron’s words yesterday snapped back to reality. She wasn’t built to catch feelings anyone. With realization, a weight her shoulders. Three days went without Byron showing up the apartment. Maeve back into her solitary about her days if nothing had changed. During the day, scoured online jobs listings for positions. In the evenings, she to Starlight Pub. Starlight Pub only opened in the evenings and a strict code. Maeve rarely wore dresses, but she made exception that night, stepping out of comfort zone. Maeve settled struck up conversation with the bartender, inquiring job openings. a trainee would for her. The drinks at Starlight Pub were too pricey her to afford regularly, but working would make it easier to gather material for her comic. “Interested in learning to mix the bartender asked, a c***il way with a smile. “Next time I see the I can in a good word for you. with a pretty face like yours. I’d be happy to mix drinks for you forever” Maeve hadn’t expected such a corny line. She let out an awkward a of drink to cover up her She wasn’t much of a drinker, so she made pace herself. Downstairs, bar was warmth and conversation, but in the section on the second it cold, like the heating had decided to give up. Ray leaned against railing, his locked on down below. “Isn’t Byron’s girl?” he said, a sly spreading across his face. “Looks like she’s having of a time with the bartender. What do make that, Byron?”