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.

that kind of pure, unconditional parental love before. It was like being a kid again, unsure how

react.

Wren wasn't looking for a response. Just being here, having Maeve with her, was enough to

time, though. After a little while, she decided it was time to leave, taking with

though she hadn't used modern technology like a

things had been for Maeve, so even though she couldn't change the past, she wanted

clearly not

interaction, smiled. "If you're going to miss her that much, why

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Chapter 463

now. She has her own life to live. I'm just

her biological father that you've

for years. My mother and I just didn't

you want, I could treat

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

it," Warren said, his tone earnest. "I've never let go of our engagement. I haven't remarried. Arthur is only my nephew. 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

was moved, but she gently pulled her hand away

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

face lost color, and the smile that had been there quickly faded

hadn't returned his suit jacket yet. Maeve had been so caught up in everything lately that it completely slipped her mind.

and said,

to his assistant, turned when he heard her