The Heir's Secret Bride

She couldn't bear to be so intimate with a man who still held someone else in his heart.

Maeve glanced around the room and let her gaze settle on the sleek, modern sofa, a perk of a private room. It had a setting as luxurious as a five-star hotel.

"No need, I can manage," she began, ready to refuse Will's suggestion, when Byron's quiet voice interrupted from behind.

"You take the bed. I'll sleep on the couch," Byron said.

Startled, Maeve turned to see him already heading toward the couch, moving with calm determination. She opened her mouth to protest, but Byron added, "Bring me a blanket." Despite her reluctance, Maeve couldn't help but reply, "I'll take the couch. You're the patient. You should have the bed." She felt awkward taking a bed from someone recovering.

But Byron was already lying on the couch, his voice steady. "I don't shift around in my sleep. It doesn't matter where."

"Are you saying I do?" Maeve snapped.

"I never said that," Byron replied.

Fuming, Maeve stepped over and kicked the edge of the couch. "For your information, I'm a very peaceful sleeper! Now, get up! I'll sleep on the couch."

Byron didn't budge, lounging comfortably with one arm behind his head, exuding a lazy confidence. "I told you to take the bed. What's there to argue about?"

Maeve grumbled to herself but finally tossed the blanket on him, letting it fall over his head. If he wanted to sleep there, then so be it.

The two young boys watched in silence. Will leaned toward Theo, whispering, "Are Mom and Dad fighting?"

Theo tilted his head thoughtfully. "No, they're just playing around."

Later that night, Maeve woke several times to check on Will's temperature. When she felt him burning up again, she called in the night shift doctor, and after a restless stretch, Will's fever eventually subsided.

Maeve adjusted his blanket, then lifted Theo and carried him to bed. She hesitated, casting a glance at Byron sleeping on the sofa. Despite its size, it could hardly replace the comfort of a bed, especially for someone as tall as Byron, who was over six feet three. Though Maeve thought Byron deserved the discomfort, she still quietly approached intent on pulling his blanket up over his chest. But as she reached out, Byron's hand shot up, grabbing her wrist.

Maeve froze, startled, looking down at him. He didn't seem awake, reacting only on reflex.

Maeve Reese glanced at his hand gripping hers tightly and suddenly felt a surge of discomfort.

Unable to see, he was more guarded than ever. Even in sleep, his nerves stayed tense. That might have been why he warned Theo not to approach him casually again.

Maeve waited for Byron to relax his grip before gently adjusting the blanket. Just as she turned to leave, her curiosity won out. She leaned in, wondering what's wrong with his eye injury, which was still covered in gauze after all this time.

Feeling bold since Byron was asleep, Maeve reached to peel back a corner of it. But Byron's hand caught hers again.

20.09 Sat, Nov 16

"What are you doing?" Byron's voice was low and gravelly, with a hint of irritation at being disturbed.

Maeve stammered, flustered. "J-just checking if you're still breathing!" She blurted out, embarrassed.

Byron frowned, then calmly pulled her close, his other hand pressing gently on her back. "Do you want to see my eyes?" Byron asked. This made Maeve panic and try to get away from Byron. Byron didn't seem fazed as he said, "If you want to see my eyes, all you have to do is kiss me."

"P-pervert!" Maeve muttered, wrenching free. "Forget it!"

Letting go of her, Byron added, "Come to me if you change your mind."

Maeve ignored Byron and hurried back to her bed, wrapping herself tightly in her blanket.NôvelDrama.Org © content.

She must be crazy for caring about him. He seemed perfectly fine. she didn't need to worry. Maeve snuggled Theo, who had joined her in bed, offering reassurances to herself.

Unnoticed, from his spot on the sofa, Byron's faint smile faded until he lay expressionless, his fingers brushing the edge of the gauze covering his eyes. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep this secret for much longer.

Will's illness persisted even after Maeve was discharged. His recovery was slow, made worse by a weak constitution and complications from his birth.

During the day, Maeve focused on the studio, preparing for a new product exhibition with Trazir. As soon as her work was done, she'd rush back to the hospital. Thankfully, Theo's help in caring for his brother lightened her load. Though Byron had been ill even longer than Will, Byron's own recovery seemed to stall, his eyes still concealed by bandages.

'Can he really get better?' Maeve thought.

Maeve's worry grew, though she kept her doubts to herself. She'd even tried asking Will about Byron's condition, but he remained in the dark as well.

On this particular visit, she found Byron away from the ward for an exam and would return in half an hour. Theo noticed proposal sticking out of Maeve's bag and asked, "Mommy, are you going to Greenhaven soon? I heard they have the best cheesecakes there!" Clearly, he was hoping she'd bring some back.

"You got me." Maeve handed Will his medicine. He no longer needed to be spoon-fed and was managing well. Maeve said softly, "I'm not sure if I'm going for the partnership exhibit."

Sensing her hesitation, Will chimed in gently, "Mom, you don't have to worry about me. Theo and the doctors are taking great care of me. I'm nearly better. Dad just wants me to stay for observation to avoid a relapse." Maeve felt reassured.

"That's right, Mommy! I'll keep a close eye on Will. There's nothing to worry about!" Theo promised, puffing his chest with pride.

Maeve playfully tapped his forehead. "Or are you just trying to get me to bring back some cheesecakes, hm? Keep that up, and you'll start ruining your teeth."

Theo grinned, showing his teeth. "I'm not worried. I'm still young! I've got more teeth coming in."

Maeve shook her head, amused. He was truly obsessed with food.

F.

"Fine," she finally relented. "If you two can take care of yourselves, I'll go for a few days and be back before you know it."