Chapter 5
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At Pinehurst Apartments, Maeve had taken a day off to prepare the room for Byron’s arrival. It wasn’t big, but getting it ready had consumed her entire afternoon.
After dinner, Maeve started browsing online for bedding. The prices at local stores were way too high, while the online options were much more affordable and just as good.
But what style would he like?‘ she wondered.
Out of courtesy to her soon–to–be roommate, she thought about calling him to ask. That’s when it hit her–they hadn’t even exchanged phone numbers.
It wasn’t entirely her fault; Byron had been so aloof during the marriage registration process that he’d seemed almost intimidating.
Maeve sighed, tucked the drying rack away, and was about to head back to her room when a sudden knock echoed through the silence. She hurried to the door, opening it to find Byron leaning against the wall, his face unusually pale and his expression as frosty as ever.
Maeve glanced around, surprised to see he hadn’t brought any luggage. “Didn’t you bring anything with you?” she asked, puzzled.
Byron’s visit had been a spur–of–the–moment decision. Gilbert’s people were keeping a close watch on him at home, and letting Anthony come by would only draw attention to his injury. Even his other properties were under his grandfather’s watchful eye.
After weighing his options, Maeve’s apartment stood out as the only safe haven that remained off the radar.
“Can I come in?” Byron asked, his voice gravelly.
“Sure,” Maeve replied, quickly stepping aside when she noticed how unwell he looked.
Byron walked in, his gaze sweeping over the small but impeccably tidy living room. The decor was simple yet charming— bright flowers adorned the table, wind chimes tinkled gently by the window, and a few stuffed toys were scattered on the couch.
The space radiated warmth and life, feeling cozier and more inviting than the vast villa he owned in the city’s most exclusive neighborhood. For a brief moment, a wave of comfort washed over him.
With Byron’s commanding presence filling the space, Maeve couldn’t help but feel a bit uneasy, even though he was now her husband.
She stammered, “Um… I didn’t expect you to come over tonight. I just finished getting your room ready this afternoon, but I haven’t had a chance to buy any furniture or bedding yet.”
“Don’t bother,” Byron replied, his gaze turning toward her, eyes deep and hard to read. “I’m only staying for a couple of nights. There’s no need to go out of your way. Besides, I could offer you a better place to live, as compensation.”
Maeve blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before quickly shaking her head. “Oh, no, I’m perfectly happy living here. I know your work keeps you busy, so there’s no need to go through all that trouble or expense over something so minor.”
She hesitated, then added, almost as an afterthought, “Besides, we’re married now. No need to be so formal about everything.”
Byron stared at Maeve’s earnest face and felt a strange discomfort creeping in. He cleared his throat and looked away. “Look, even though we’re married, some things should stay… separate. But if you’re going to insist, fine–do whatever you want.”
21:47 Thu, Dec 26
Chapter 3
53%
“Alright…” Maeve bit her lip, feeling warmth creep into her checks as her palms began to sweat. A subtle tension settled in the living room, shifting the atmosphere around them.
“Do you have a first–aid kit?” Byron asked, pulling his gaze back to her.
“Yeah, just a second. I’ll go get it,” Maeve replied, nodding before heading to the TV cabinet. She didn’t bother asking why he hadn’t gone to a hospital; clearly, he had his reasons.
Byron gave a nod and sank down onto the
sofa
Maeve quickly found the first–aid kit and placed it on the table. “Need any help?”
“No.” Byron’s tone was curt as he pulled up his shirt, revealing bandages around his abdomen, stained with traces of blood.
A chill ran through Maeve. “You should really go to a hospital. No one’s chasing you now, so it should be safe…”
Her words sounded so naive that Byron almost laughed. But just as a hint of a smile crossed his lips, it vanished. He caught sight of something–a tiny red dot in the corner of the living room. Instantly, he stood up and moved to the TV cabinet, grabbing a small stuffed bear.
“What’s wrong?” Maeve asked, confusion clouding her expression
Byron didn’t answer. Instead, he twisted the bear’s head, revealing a hidden mini camera tucked behind its eyes.
“A camera?” Maeve’s face drained of color. “Why the hell would there be a camera hidden in a stuffed toy?”
The bear had been positioned directly facing the couch, and a chilling thought raced through Maeve’s mind: ‘Has someone been watching my every move?‘
“This is your house–why do you look so shocked?” Byron’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he crushed the camera in his hand. His eyes turned cold and piercing as he glared at her. “A camera in a toy’s eyes… I gotta admit, I didn’t think you had it in you.”
He could hardly believe how easily he had been fooled by her innocent act.
Maeve’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You think I put that camera there to spy on you? I had no idea it was even there!”
“You seriously expect me to buy that?” Byron’s voice was like ice, filled with contempt. “Marrying a sneaky piece of work like you is probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.”
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