The Heir's Secret Bride

Warren, sa by the bed, peeling an apple with a relaxed smile on his face. His gentle, refined features and the way he looked at Wren were warm and affectionate, like a calm stream.

He looked so well-preserved, it was hard to guess his age. With his distinguished, gentlemanly vibe, everything he did felt effortless, like a breeze on a warm day.

"I know you're not really up for romance right now, and I'm not trying to pressure you," he said. "At our age, it might seem silly to bring it up, but my answer's the same as always. If you ever need me, I'll be here." Wren shook her head. "You're not getting any younger. I don't want you waiting around for me. There's no point."

"It's not waiting, though," Warren replied, his voice gentle. "My feelings for you haven't changed. I'll be here, no matter how long it takes, waiting for you to look my way."

"Warren, I'm not getting married again. Right now, I'm focused on protecting my kids. Romance just feels so far away, and I'm not set for it. I'm sorry."

Warren smiled, unfazed. "You might not be ready for me, anything else. Just being close to you is enough for me."

but you haven't let anyone else in either, right? I don't need

Wren sighed, not sure how to convince him to stop being so stubborn.

Just then, Maeve appeared at the door, and Wren's face lit up. "Maeve, you're here! Did you have lunch?"

"I had lunch with my uncle," Maeve explained, stepping inside. "I wanted to swing by before my class later." She nodded at Warren. "Mr. Richard, what a surprise to see you here."

"Ms. Reese," Warren smiled, his eyes warm. "I didn't realize you were Princess Wren's daughter. If I'd known earlier, maybe you two would've met sooner."

Wren squeezed Maeve's hand, beaming with happiness. "It's not too late. Finding Maeve was something I never even dared to hope for in the first half of my life."

They had been separated by a whole country, thousands of miles, and over 20 years. But in the end, fate had brought her daughter back.

Maeve felt so touched by the love in Wren's eyes that she couldn't help but lower her gaze,

feeling a

bit awkward.

really had that kind of pure, unconditional parental love before. It was like being a

react.

a response. Just being here, having Maeve

was time to leave, taking with her the gifts-snacks, clothes, bags-that

though she hadn't used

had been for Maeve, so even though

left, Wren sighed, clearly not wanting to

you're going to miss her that

1/3

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Chapter 463

She has her own life to live. I'm

before speaking again. "Is it because of her biological

for this for years. My mother and I just didn't want Maeve to

up straighter, "there's another option. His voice grew serious. "If you want, I could treat your children

meant and shook her head. "I couldn't ask you to do

I care about you and your kids more than anything. I'll treat them like my own, no matter what." Warren gently took Wren's hand, his voice earnest. "Please, let me take care of you and them. Give me that

gently pulled her hand

I appreciate it, but I don't think it's necessary. You've got your life, and I've got mine.

color, and the smile that had been there quickly faded

headquarters, when class ended that evening, Maeve stepped outside and noticed Zephyr standing not far off, like he was waiting for someone. Then it hit her-she hadn't returned his suit jacket yet. Maeve had been so caught up in everything lately that it completely slipped her mind. She

over and said, "Hey,

he heard