The Heir's Secret Bride

32

As soon as the apartment door opened, Macve rushed inside, clearly panicked.

She didn't expect to run straight into Byron, who was walking toward her. Her forehead bumped into his chest, causing her to stumble back several steps. quickly grabbed her arm to steady her before letting go. His voice was stern as he asked, "What are you running around for?" someone was following me," Maeve gasped, still out of breath from her sprint. She was so winded that her legs were trembling. this, Byron opened the door and glanced outside. He didn't see anyone suspicious, so he turned back to her.

one

out there. Did you see what t this person looked like?"

shook her head, her face pale.

like?

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"I didn't dare turn around, but I kept hearing footsteps getting closer. The breathing was really heavy-it sounded like a man." pression darkened. "Has this been happening just today?"

"No, it's been going on for a couple of days now. I've had this feeling that someone's been following me..."

"And you're only telling me now?" Byron's voice grew colder. "Do you think keeping quiet about it will make it go away?"

Maeve opened her mouth, unsure why he was suddenly so angry.

Suppressing the frustration rising within him, Byron fixed her with a sharp look. "The security around here isn't great, especially at night. Do you honestly think you could outrun a grown man with your stamina? "You were lucky today, but what makes you think you'll be lucky next time?"

The more she thought about what could've happened, the more Maeve felt the blood drain from her face. Her palms started

to sweat.

And

did you even consider," Byron continued, his voice icy, "what that person might do now that he knows where you li Maeve froze. That hadn't even crossed her mind. She thought running home meant she was safe. But if that person had bad intentions and started lurking around her building, she wouldn't be so lucky next time. Her eyes reddened with anxiety, and she muttered, "Why do these things always happen to me?"

She had hoped that after cutting ties with Jeff, her life would finally settle down. She wondered, 'Why does trouble keep finding me?'

Byron

had planned to scold her more to drive the point home, but when he saw the tears welling up in her eyes, he hesitated.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "How long have you been renting this place?"

Maeve wiped the corners of her eyes, determined not to let herself cry in front of him. "I rent month-to-month."

"Go pack your things. You're moving out tonight,"

Maeve was so shocked that her sadness instantly vanished. She stared at him in disbelief. "Moving? To where?"

"My apartment."

Maeve was taken aback.

F=

She thought he was just saying it on impulse, but when she found herself standing in the living room of his apartment, she still couldn't quite wrap her head around it.

She didn't have much to pack-just two suitcases. The furniture in her old place belonged to Pinehurst Apartments, so there was no need to bring it.

As for the plants and vegetables on her balcony, it was already late, so Byron said they could move them tomorrow.

In the span of just two hours, her entire living situation had changed.

"What are you standing there for?" Byron asked as he walked over.

Even though it wasn't her first time in his apartment, last time she was only using the kitchen counter. Now, she'd be living here long-term, and that made her feel unexpectedly nervous. are you sure it's okay for me to stay here? I won't be a bother?"

Um, a

Byron shot her

shot her a glance. "When I stayed at your place, did you feel bothered?"

"Of course not."

"Then what are you worrying about?"

His straightforward reply eased the tension in Maeve's chest, making her feel much more at ease. Mcdaniel, which room is mine?" Maeve asked.

Mr.

At this

tomorron looked slightly awkward. "The guest room is empty right now. I'll have someone bring in the furniture

Maeve blinked in surprise. "So, tonight...?"

Sho

"You'll sleep in my room," Byron replied with a straight face. "Unless you prefer to squeeze onto the couch-it's up to you." Maeve quickly shook her head. "If you're willing to share the bed, I'm not going to be difficult about it." thought, 'Sleeping on the couch in this weather? I am not that eager to catch a cold.' she

Still,

Pushing couldn't help but feel like their roles had somehow reversed since the last time.

thoughts aside, she turned her attention to the open balcony outside the living room.

Mr. Mcdaniel, can lask you a favor?" she asked.

Byron grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and looked at her. "What is it?"

"Could I use part of your balcony to grow some vegetables?" Maeve's cheeks flushed as she made the request. "I only need a small section, and I promise I'll keep it neat and clean. I'll even take care of the regular upkeep." "You don't need to ask me about things like that. Do whatever you want," Byron replied, handing her one of the water bottles, his dark eyes meeting hers. "And not just the balcony-anything in this place." Maeve stared at him, momentarily stunned.

She thought, 'Is he saying I can treat the whole place like it is mine? As if I were the lady of

the house? Wait-what am I even

thinking?"

Her ears grew warm, and she quickly averted her gaze. "I-I think it's getting late. I'm going to take a shower."

She dashed into the bathroom, hoping to escape before he noticed her flustered state.

Half an hour later, Maeve emerged in her pajamas, her hair still slightly damp.

As she walked into the living room, she couldn't help but feel how empty and lifeless it was. Probably because Byron didn't live here regularly, the space felt cold and lacked the warmth of a home. Maeve opened her suitcase and began unpacking: a pile of throw pillows, cozy blankets, picture frames, wind chimes, and some small decorative items.

After arranging them around the room, the atmosphere instantly softened, transforming the space from cold and sterile to warm and welcoming.

As she mentally noted what else she could bring later to make the place more homey, she headed toward the master bedroom.

Byron had just finished his work and stepped out of his study. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the newly decorated living room.

The layout hadn't changed, but the addition of Maeve's little touches had brought a warmth and coziness to the space, filling it with small details that made it feel more lived-in. Suddenly, the idea of having her live here didn't seem so bad after all.

Later that night, lying in the spacious, comfortable bed, Maeve found herself unable to sleep.

She turned her head to glance at Byron, who was lying on the other side. The space between them was wide enough to fit two more people, so there was no chance she'd roll into his arms this time. With renewed determination, she clenched her fists under the blanket while staring at his silhouette. "How long are you planning to keep staring?" Byron's deep voice cut through the silence as he turned slightly, catching her

gaze.

Maeve quickly ducked under the covers. "Y-you're not asleep?"

"With all your tossing and turning, how could I be?"

He thought, 'Do you really think I didn't notice your sneaky glances this whole time?'

Turning toward him, Maeve hesitated before asking in a small voice, "Mr. Mcdaniel, now that I'm staying here, what about when your grandpa sets up his tarot stall again? What's going to happen?" That was what had been weighing on her mind the most. She couldn't bear the thought of an elderly man out there working alone.

As she shifted slightly, a light floral scent from her hair drifted over, causing Byron to frown. He turned to respond but accidentally caught a glimpse of the delicate skin peeking out from her pajama collar.