The Heir's Secret Bride

The two little ones sat on the bed, staring at the bathroom door, then exchanged glances.

"Why did Dad pull Mommy in there? Is he planning to bully her?" Theo frowned, sounding annoyed.

Will sighed, feeling the fever patch on his forehead realizing their dad already fell from Theo's regard. "Maybe he has something private to say to her.

"But Mommy's been ignoring him all week," Theo pouted. "Do you think they'll fight?"

"Let's wait and see. If they start arguing, we'll knock on the door and interrupt them," Will answered.

"Alright."

They sighed, feeling the weight of adult troubles, even as kids.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, things weren't quite as the boys expected.

When Maeve was pulled inside, her shoulder brushed the wall switch, and the room plunged into darkness. She leaned back against the wall, barely able to make out Byron's outline as he stood close, head slightly bowed. His expression was unreadable. Maeve tried to slip past him, but Byron's hand darted out, sensing her movement in the dark. He caught her around the waist, pinning her gently against the wall.

"Where do you think you're going?" Byron's deep voice was like a soft, steady drumbeat close to her ear, making her shiver.

Maeve tensed, wanting to push him away, but instead, she folded her arms and gave him a frosty look, remaining silent.

"You didn't answer my question," Byron prompted.

Maeve ignored him, refusing to respond.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Byron's frown deepened.

Maeve shut her eyes, treating him like thin air. She wanted him to know what it felt like to be ignored, just as he had done to her.

Picking up on her defiance, Byron's lips curved faintly. He let his fingers brush through her hair, and as his touch traced down, he noticed her eyes were still closed, her lashes trembling at his fingertips.

When he gently pressed a fingertip against her lips, his voice softened. Are we really going to keep this up? Maeve, just talk

to me."

Maeve felt a pang in her chest but refused to budge.

"So, you're not going to say anything?" Byron's voice dropped as he leaned down, pressing a featherlight kiss to the corner of

her eye.

Maeve clenched her fists, resisting the urge to open her eyes, staying perfectly still.

Byron continued, his touch trailing down her cheek, his fingers brushing her lips and laying a kiss there. "If you don't say anything, I'll assume you want me to keep going."

Maeve's lips tingled under his touch, and even with her eyes closed, she could feel his closeness, his breath cool and minty against her skin. In the darkness, every sensation seemed amplified, even the faint drip from the sink,

This made Maeve's heart race but she remained silent, determined not to give in.

Byron's finger slipped from her lips, and his mouth pressed gently against hers.

Maeve's mind went blank for a moment. She couldn't believe he dared to kiss her after what he did.

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She wanted to push him away but resisted, knowing he'd see it as a reaction to get what he wanted. She wanted him to realize she wouldn't be so easily swayed or controlled by his whis.

Maeve wondered if her easygoing nature in the past had given him the impression that she was overly casual. As this thought crossed her mind, the flutter in her heart faded, replaced by a quiet calm.

After the kiss, Mr. McDaniel, who had always meticulously weighed the pros and cons of maintaining control, felt for the first time that things were slipping beyond his grasp. It felt like racing downhill without the reins, and Maeve was the broken reins.

Byron released her, his fingers loosening from her wrist. He drew back, saying softly, "I'm sorry. I lost control."

Maeve opened her eyes, processing his words. 'Is he trying to explain why he kissed me? But I don't want an explanation,' Maeve thought.

She didn't respond, reaching for the doorknob and stepping out of the bathroom.

The boys were mid-knock when she emerged, and they quickly scrambled back into bed, pretending they hadn't been eavesdropping. But their parents' expression, and the way they came out of the bathroom, didn't go unnoticed, making them wonder if those two got into a fight.

Theo quietly tugged Will's arm, gesturing him to think of a plan

Will looked at him, as if to say, "Why is it always up to me?"

Theo gave Will a look that seemed to say, "Because you're my big brother!"

"But you've never called me that."

"I will call you when the time is right."

Will sighed, then, in a small voice, said, "Mom, I still don't feel so great. I'm coughing again."

Maeve immediately went to him, feeling it was still warm but they'd already used up their cooling patches.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"Do you want me to call for a doctor?" Maeve asked.

Will denied, "Mom, maybe you and Theo should stay a bit farther from me so I don't get you sick."

Theo quickly caught on, scooting to the far edge of the bed. "I'll sleep over here, then."

Maeve paused, realizing they'd made it so she didn't have anywhere to sleep.

"Mom, you should probably share a bed with Dad tonight," Will added, glancing meaningfully at her. "You've just recovered, and I don't want you catching anything from me."

Byron lifted an eyebrow, turning toward Will with mild surprise!

Theo, meanwhile, patted his tummy with satisfaction, thinking. This is my last act of generosity towards Stinky Daddy!'

Maeve realized Will was doing this to ease her strained relationship with Byron, but the last thing she wanted tonight was to share a bed with him.