The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 9

Valda stared in disbelief. "What the hell did he just say? Maeve, you need to explain what's going on with you and this guy right now!" Maeve's shoulders shook slightly, but she forced herself to stay composed, recalling Valda's earlier harshness.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed onto Byron's arm, her eyes a mix of anxiety and determination. "He's my husband. We're legally married-papers and all"

Byron glanced at her hand gripping his arm. Her slender fingers were trembling, revealing the fear she was trying to hide. He noticed but didn't pull away. "Have you completely lost it?" Valda's face twisted with rage. She lunged forward, trying to slap some sense into Maeve

Maeve quickly stepped behind Byron, using him as a shield, her voice firm. I'm married now. There's no way I'm marrying Jeff. Return the Graves family's engagement gifts. From now on, I'm staying away from Jeff. This is my marriage, my life, and I'll make my own decisions." Valda's face flushed with fury, her lips quivering. "Fine, ignore me all you want. You'll regret this!" With one last furious glare, she stormed out.

Maeve stood there, feeling an unexpected wave of relief wash over her. Saying "no" to Valda hadn't been as terrifying as she'd imagined; the hardest part was just summoning the courage to do it.

Once they were in the elevator, Maeve realized she was still gripping Byron's arm. Embarrassed, she quickly let go and flashed an apologetic smile. "Sorry for dragging you into this mess." Byron casually slid his hand into his pocket, his tone cool. "Was that your mother?"

Maeve nodded, hesitating before adding. "My dad owed the Graves family a favor, so they've always expected me to marry my ex.

Byron made a noncommittal sound, but his mind wandered back to their earlier visit to city hall. 'So, her family pushed her into this, and that's why she came to me? The timing seems a bit too perfect' His eyes narrowed in suspicion. Until he could figure out whether Maeve showing up that night was just a coincidence or something more calculated, he wasn't about to trust her blindly.

The elevator dinged at the tenth floor, and once inside the apartment, Maeve headed straight to the kitchen with the groceries.

over at Byron. "I'm making soup tonight-it'll help with

as he remembered the breakfast she had made earlier. 'Can she even make soup that's edible? he

"I'm not a fan

but persistent. "Is there anything you

hiding his irritation. "Even if you

just throw everything in and hope for

made his way to the sofa, collapsed into it, crossed his legs, and

Oct

Chapter 9

voice heavy with fatigue,

Π

cry of pain rang out from the other end, followed by Archer's voice. "Mr. McDaniel, we've got everyone

their hands and legs, then toss them in the sea. Let them cool off a bit." Archer replied with his

living off the name-was nothing more than a joke

the harvest-barely hanging on. Send the company documents I

the call. He leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes, letting the