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.

he wanted that portrait by his side?'

likely doing this to push her away, but of all ways, he chose the one that

no longer convince herself that Byron cared for her. Perhaps, all along, he only tolerated her because she looked like

her cheeks burned with shame, and she

glanced at Byron, concerned. "Mr. McDaniel, Ms, Reese seemed distressed when

for Archer to find the painting that was discarded casually in storage, so Archer figured Byron didn't care all that much for

fingertips tracing the edge of the gauze.

for him despite his coldness? She was kind but strong-willed, not the type to

and Maeve's reaction wasn't from guilt. Her heart ached for him more than she

1/2

Thu, Nov

Chapter 372

someone who suffers 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

collapsed onto her pillow, too

phone rang. She ignored it at first, but the ringing persisted

a photo to review," Paige's cheerful voice sounded over

Any idea when you'll be

"Maybe a week, two

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