Chapter 38
Gilbert’s eyes widened slightly. “Who is she? Which family does she come from?”
“You don’t know her. She’s not from any big–name family, Byron replied, his voice hoarse. “Once you’re feeling better. I’ll bring her by to meet you.
“Good, good.” Gilbert managed a faint smile. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“Mr. Mcdaniel, the patient needs to rest. You should leave for now the nurse said gently.
Byron released his grandfather’s hand, giving him one last lingering look before turning to leave. Take it easy, Grandpa. Ell be back soon
Maeve lingered outside her home, steeling herself to go in. As she approached the doorway, she overheard her mother’s voice from inside.
“The Graves family suddenly wants their 200 thousand dollars engagement gift back. But we barely have any savings- where are we supposed to come up with that kind of money?”
Scott took a long drag on his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke “Whoever got us into this mess should pay. Maeve can’t come up with the money, then her useless husband will have to doubt they’ve got that kind of cash”
Valda’s voice was anxious. “You know they don’t have it, so why ask? It’s just a waste of time.”
“If they can’t come up
up with the money, their lives will be a mess you really think Maeve and her husband have any real feelings for each other? A bit of pressure and they’ll probably divorce.
“Then we can find her another husband and still make some money off her, Scott said, his tone cold and detached, i were discussing an inanimate object.
as if he
Valda sighed, her worry evident. “She’s already been married once. Who’d want her after a divorce? The Graves family still seems like our best option”
Scott scoffed. “She stabbed Jeff’s hand. We’re lucky the Graves family hasn’t sued us. Forget about Jeff marrying her. There might not be any high–status first–time grooms available, but plenty of older, remarried men would be interested.”
Hearing this, Maeve froze, a chill spreading from her head to her toes. She had come with one last hope to reason with her parents, believing that after divorcing Byron, they wouldn’t push her into another marriage. But she had been naive. If not Jeff, then someone else.
What should I do now? she thought, her mind racing. Byron’s already planning to divorce me
Maeve hurried back to her apartment, feeling lost and empty. To her surprise, Byron was already there.
“Aren’t you supposed to be at the hospital?” Maeve asked, puzzled “What happened this morning” Byron, lounging on the couch and rubbing his temples, replied, “My grandfather was hospitalized.” Maeve asked, “Is it serious? Shouldn’t you be at the hospital? Can I do anything to help-
She cut herself off, adding, “Actually, never mind. I guess it’s not my place to get involved.”
Hearing this, Byron turned to her, noticing her pale face and distant look. “His heart isn’t in great shape, but luckily, it wasn’t 100 serious. What about you? Where have you been?”
15:06 Fri, Dec 27
Chapter 38
I went to my parents‘ house, but didn’t go inside,” Maeve said, forcing a smile.
Byron frowned. “Didn’t you have enough of that last time?”
Maeve bit her lip, struggling to find the right words.
Byron didn’t press further and instead said, “There’s something Ineed to discuss with you.”
Maeve’s eyebrows knitted in confusion at his choice of words. “What’s it about?”
“My grandfather’s health isn’t good, and his only wish is to see me married and settled. So, we heed to postpone our
divorce.
“Postpone?” Maeve asked, hesitating. “For how long?”
“Until he recovers.”
Byron expected Maeve to agree, but instead, she said quietly. “I’m sorry, but can I refuse?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “What did you just say?”
