The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 4

Marrying me was that a mistake?' Maeve thought, feeling a sharp, painful knot tighten in her chest. The words cut deep, leaving a bitter sting in their wake, and a wave of anger surged through her. She couldn't hold back. "What the hell gives you the right to say that? Do you even know me?"

Just dealing with a nightmare she had only ever seen online was bad enough; now, confronted with Byron's doubts, Maeve felt a deep sense of injustice wash over her. Byron was about to respond when a series of violent bangs reverberated through the apartment, followed by Jeff's furious, accusatory voice.

"Maeve! You b***! I waited at city hall for half an hour, and here you are screwing around with another guy! If I hadn't checked the security footage. I wouldn't have known you dragged some random guy into your place! I know you're in there! Open the d***n door"" Jeff's voice was a frenzied roar, his rage so intense it practically seeped through the wood, each relentless pound punctuating his fury. Byron frowned and turned to look at Maeve. She was on the verge of tears, her eyes red and swollen from holding them back. He watched her closely, a flicker of realization crossing his face. So, she didn't put up t So, she didn

Maeve didn't didn't notice

the è camera? Maybe I got t this all wrong... he thought.

Byron's stare; she was too focused on the door that was now trembling under Jeff's violent assault. Her face had gone pale as she grappled with the situation. Outside, Jeff kept screaming, his voice a

hen he was pi***d or drunk. He could get violent over the smallest thing. With Byron hurt and just the two of us here, letting Jeff in could turn deadly, she thought, anxiety gripping her.

Jeff had never been the patient type, especiating mix of rage and bitterness. "You w**e! No wonder you've been playing coy, acting all high and mighty while sneaking around with some random guy behind my back! Think you can just not open the door? Fine!"

A loud, thunderous crash reverberated as something heavy slammed against the door, shaking the walls. Several more brutal hits followed, and then, with a final shattering impact, the door splintered and crashed inward.

Maeve instinctively jumped back, bumping into Byron. Remembering their earlier argument, she quickly pulled away, but his large hand shot out, catching her and pulling her behind him

His voice was calm but steely as he commanded, "Stay back."

time she snapped out of it, Jeff

metal rod, his face twisted with fury, Jeff's eyes burned with venom as he spat

already told you it's

"I'll deal with this a***le first, then I'll take care of you,

force, aiming straight for Byron's head, the kind of blow that could

white as a sheet, her heart pounding with fear. She

1/3

1/5

14

out!"

Π

mid-swing. Byron stood there, unfazed, his eyes cold and filled with contempt as he stared Jeff down. His arm muscles tightened, strong and defined, as he gripped

chest. The blow was brutal; the sharp crack of ribs echoed in the air. Jeff didn't even have time

wounds. He grimaceel,

glance for Jeff, who lay motionless on the floor. "Did you tear your wound open?

unintentionally flicked to Maeve's cleavage peeking out from her nightgown before he quickly shifted his focus back to Jeff. "What are we supposed to do with

a small, unexpected smile tug at her lips, but it faded as she looked around at the broken door

what might have happened if Byron hadn't shown up. The idea of being watched by Jeff

I

I never married him, she thought, biting her