The Heir's Secret Bride

Secret Bride 372

Chapter 372

"Byron, you don't really mean what you say," Maeve said in a huff.

Byron instinctively tightened his hold on her hand, the familiar touch catching him off guard. A moment later, realizing his reaction, his expression darkened, and he tried to pull away, though gently, not wanting to hurt her. For a moment, they stood in tense silence.

Maeve, however, seemed unfazed by Byron's cold demeanor. The fact that he'd stepped out of his ward to see her after hearing her voice messages hinted that he didn't truly want her gone. That was enough for her.

No matter why he kept pushing her away, Maeve knew if she didn't back down, he couldn't force her out. She half-expected him to repeat his harsh words from the previous night, but instead, he turned silently and headed back to his room. Seeing him hesitantly navigate along the wall, she held back from offering help, simply following quietly in her wheelchair. She knew Byron would refuse her assistance. His pride would never allow it.

Inside the ward, he completely ignored her. No matter what she said, he acted as though she wasn't there, even waiting for the staff to bring him water instead of taking it from her. It was as if he'd built a wall of ice around himself.

"Yet if he truly didn't care, why make such an effort to ignore me? Maeve thought. The thought comforted her a little.

Just then, Archer entered with a bag, nodding to Maeve before respectfully addressing Byron. "Mr. McDaniel, I have the items you requested."

Byron nodded indifferently. "Put them on the table."

Archer carefully took out the items and placed them beside the bed. Maeve's eyes drifted over and froze when she recognized a particular object, the portrait that Byron kept in his study, the one of his first love.

right now, yet he wanted that portrait

It wasn't that she didn't understand he was likely doing this to push her away, but of all ways, he chose the one that hurt her most. He knew how

for her. Perhaps, all along, he only tolerated her because she looked like

paled, her cheeks burned with shame, and she

left, Archer glanced at Byron, concerned. "Mr. McDaniel, Ms, Reese seemed distressed when she left. It may have upset

that was discarded casually in storage, so Archer figured Byron didn't

remained calm, his fingertips tracing the edge of the gauze. "Good.

Jaylen had already told her the full truth. Otherwise, why would she continue trying to care for him despite his

assumption was wrong. Jaylen and Alexis had only shared the same limited information, and

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Chapter 372

from sensory deprivation, Maeve understood it could make someone irritable and emotionally volatile. She saw Byron's treatment of her as a way to keep her from worrying, not as a personal rejection. But that portrait was a blow. She hadn't caused his blindness, so she didn't owe him anything. She didn't

her pillow, too drained to

it at first, but the ringing persisted until she gave in,

the uniform has been modified. I'll send you a photo to review," Paige's cheerful voice sounded over the line. "Alright, send it over," Maeve

are you feeling? Any idea when

week,

on anything important," Paige said. "Oh, and there's something strange I wanted