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 had already barged into the

burned with venom as he spat on the floor.

hardened. "Jeff, you're the one who cheated arst. I already told you it's over. Who I'm

bellowed, his rage boiling over. "I'll deal with this a***le first, then I'll take

the metal rod with a vicious force, aiming straight for Byron's head,

turned as white as a sheet, her heart pounding with fear. She barely managed to

1/3

1/5

14

out!"

Π

as the rod came hurtling down, a powerful hand shot out, stopping it 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 the rod as if it weighed nothing. In one swift motion, he twisted his body and grabbed Jeff's arm,

brutal; the sharp crack of ribs echoed in the air. Jeff didn't even have time to groan

movements, however, reopened his wounds. He grimaceel,

and rushed over to him, not sparing a glance for Jeff, who lay motionless on the floor. "Did

from her nightgown before he quickly shifted his focus back to Jeff. "What are we supposed to do with this piece of

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

shown up. The idea of being watched

I

him, she thought, biting