Chapter

45

Maeve thought, 'Little girl? Seriously?'

""What

What do you mean, little?" Maeve felt her chest tighten with frustration at his comment.

like an unripe fruit-still green and far from mature.

Byron narrowed his dark eyes and gave her a slow, deliberate once-over, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips. "I know what I mean." him, she was Maeve cou

couldn't shake the feeling that he was looking down on her. With a pout, she finished helping him get dressed and was about to leave the room. But Byron stopped her. "You're staying in this room tonight."

"No way!" Her face was still flushed from the earlier interaction, and she avoided meeting his gaze. Her voice was low as she muttered, "I have my own room, thank you very much." Byron's tone left no room for negotiation. "It'll be easier for you to take care of me if you're here."

It might be convenient for him, but it was anything but convenient for her.

All Maeve wanted was some space to clear her mind and figure out how to deal with her family issues.

"Mr. Mcdaniel, I'm a restless sleeper. I might end up disturbing your rest."

"You'll be on the temporary bed. Toss and turn all you want."

At this point, if she kept refusing, it would seem like all her previous promises were just empty words.

"Alright."

Reluctantly, Maeve went back to her room to grab her phone and then settled onto the temporary bed the nurse had prepared.

With the main lights off, the room was bathed in the soft, warm glow of a wall lamp.

As she lay there thinking about Valda, Maeve stared at the ceiling, certain she wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.

She let out a soft sigh, barely realizing she'd done it.

"Maeve." Byron's deep voice cut through the darkness.

Maeve instantly held her breath and turned her head. "Did I wake you?"

She'd momentarily forgotten she wasn't in her own room and had let that sigh slip out without thinking.

She was already mulling over how she'd explain herself if he asked why she sighed when his voice came again, calm and steady. "Come help me to the bathroom."

out of bed,

leaned most of his weight on her, and the close proximity allowed her to catch a faint whiff

but still fresh and

was

expecting him

08:28 Wed, Oct 16

Chapter 45

she urged

to rinse my mouth. Why

didn't need to use the toilet?" "When did I

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Maeve bit her lip in embarrassment

asked casually, "You've been out of it all night. Is taking care of me really that much of a burden?"

this, you don't have to come back

ITY

Maeve

to explain but t found herself at

she finally said, "I don't mind at all. I promised to take care of you until you're

"It's just...

my mom this afternoon, and I've been feeling off

eyes. "Did you two

difficult and want me to take care of it all, without considering how it might affect me. We had

even with that brief explanation, Maeve felt the weight

then softly said, "Mr. Mcdaniel, thank

look down on you," Byron replied as he set the towel down, his deep, dark eyes

wasn't fazed. "Would

her question.

If the

was Jeff, given that she was staying at his place, he wouldn't mind stepping in. But

back in

hadn't figured out a solution yet, she didn't feel

on, she'd focus on living her own life and just visit home less often, as she thought, 'Out of sight, out of

Byron lying across the room. In the dim

silhouette.

the hospital, his parents hadn't shown up once.

Chapter 45

thinking it over, Maeve asked, "Mr. Mcdaniel,

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