The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 24

"I understand and appreciate your concern for your grandfather, and I don't mind helping you with the act. Maeve said calmly, her eyes steady as she looked at Byron. "But Mr. Mcdaniel, 1 think you've forgotten something." She paused, her gaze not wavering as she continued, "I've thought a lot about what you said to me last time. I just can't figure out what I did wrong to make you dislike me so much. "You's

said I was meddling and overly sentimental. Fine, I admit I was trying to be kind. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered with saving you, making you soup, or changing your bandages if knew it might go unappreciated..." Maeve didn't meet Byron's gaze as she spoke. Instead, she looked down, a faint, weary smile playing on her lips.

"At least I can say I acted with a clear conscience. But it seems you don't see it that way, which is why I agreed to the divorce."

Maeve's voice was steady, but there was an edge to her words. But now you're asking to delay it. What exactly do you see me

The truth was, Maeve knew she couldn't divorce Byron right now. But the idea of staying with someone who clearly disliked her was unbearable.

More than the fallout from the divorce, she couldn't stand the thought of being seen as meddlesome when all she had done was try to help.

Byron was taken aback by her words. He remained silent, his lips a tight line as he processed what she'd said. It was clear now that she didn't know his true identity or have any ties to Neville

But he couldn't wrap his head around why she'd proposed after just one meeting or why she had gone out of her way to please him.

A sudden thought hit Byron like a ton of bricks, He rose from the Maeve, still tangled in her emotions, was jolted by his question.

Couch

and moved closer to Maeve, his gaze unwavering and intense. In a low, probing voice, he asked, "Maeve, have you fallen for me?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Byron said, recalling Ray's confident theory. Macve's flustered reaction seemed to confirm it. It was as if a secret had slipped out. So she does have feelings for me. No wonder she kept finding excuses to be near me, he thought.

Maeve's

mind spun in confusion. After everything she'd said, he focused on something entirely off-base. How did that make any senset

"No! Absolutely not! How could you even think that? I'd never have feelings for someone who dislikes me!" She shot back, her voice sharp

But her frustration and defensiveness only made her seem more like she was trying to cover up her true feelings. "Alright, let's just pretend you don't, Byron said, his eyes darkening slightly. "I was out of line that day, jumping to conclusions and saying things that hurt you. I'm sorry" Maeve bristled at his use of "pretend," but his apology caught her off guard, leaving her momentarily stunned

her ground. But his softened tone made her uneasy about pushing

scratching her ear and lowering her voice. "Since you

it

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Chapter 24

slight smile as he extended

about a

50

56

for a moment before reaching out to shake his hand, but she

a moment

by his unusually serious expression really am sorry,"

Maeve blin

back, her tone deliberate. A

want?"

do you want?

up to me by buying me drinks for a week?" Maeve considered for

Byron

off guard. He had expected something extravagant. After

be too short. A week

looked at her earnest expression and couldn't help but chuckle. "You

raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "You're not

a grin. "Actually, I was thinking a week might be too

Drinks might not be pricey individually, but a month's worth will add up. I won't feel bad about you spending the money. "You don't need to. Byron replied, puzzled by her choice

with

go for a run and burn off the calories,

Shaking

s temple. "Alright. But

time I was at the hospital, the doctor said I need to exercise more because of my weak constitution," Maeve explained. "I'm too busy during the day, so the only time I have is at night. She glanced at the clock and exclaimed, "I