The Heir's Secret Bride

"No." Maeve quickly looked away, explaining. "I heard a noise and thought you'd fallen, so I came in."

"Now that you're here, why don't you stay and watch me shower Byron mocked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

This time, Maeve wasn't deterred. Noticing a few bottles of shampoo on the floor, she leaned down, carefully picking them

1. up.

She glanced at Byron's foamy hair and felt sympathy, remembering how much effort he must have spent trying to wash it himself.

"Why not ask the caregiver for help since moving around is hard?" Maeve asked.

"Not necessary." Byron's voice was cold, laced with impatience. "How long are you planning to stay here?"

Maeve knew he didn't like people crossing his boundaries, especially in his private space. But seeing him struggle alone, she couldn't shake the worry he might actually fall.

Ignoring Byron's question, Maeve wheeled behind the tub, pumped shampoo into her hands, and pressed gently on his shoulders as he began to rise.

"Stay still. I'll wash your hair," Maeve said.

"There's no need," Byron said.

"Either let me help, or I'll join you in the tub," Maeve interrupted.

Byron's ears turned red as he grabbed a towel to cover himself, muttering, "Shameless."

Maeve chuckled, enjoying the rare moment where he couldn't quite control the situation. "You just don't know what's good for you," she replied, undeterred.

With his sight compromised, Byron found his other senses heightened. The faint smell of Maeve's coffee-scented perfume filled the air around him, and her gentle hands worked carefully through his hair, avoiding the gauze on his eyes. To his surprise, it was oddly comforting.

Gripping the edge of the tub, Byron felt a swirl of emotions. He had been curt with her earlier, hoping it would keep her

away.

Yet, there she was, unbothered by his cold words, ready to help him with something as intimate as washing his hair. 'How could she be so fearless?' Byron thought. Maeve marveled at Byron's thick, slightly soft hair as she worked 'Not quite the image of an executive one would imagine,' Maeve thought wryly.

Her muscles were starting to ache from the awkward angle, but she managed to rinse his hair and gently pat it dry.

Opening his eyes, Byron's first instinct was to dismiss her. "You can go now."

"Who said I was leaving? I haven't helped you shower yet, right?" Maeve replied innocently. "Since you can't see, I'll have to do it for you."

Byron nearly laughed at her audacity. "Weren't you just saying you'd leave?"

Maeve smirked. "You believe everything a woman says?"From NôvelDrama.Org.

Byron's face hardened. "Don't test my patience."

Maeve's heart skipped abeat, but she remembered Alexis's advice and softened her tone. "I came here without taking my medicine, and it's harder to move around in a wheelchair than is for you. Do you hate me so much that you'd rather I disappear?" The vulnerability in her voice sent a flash of panic through Byron. He hadn't meant to upset her, just to maintain some distance. Her soft whimpers made him feel like he'd kicked a wounded animal.

"Why are you crying?" he finally asked, his tone softer, though he tried to sound detached. "Fine. Do whatever you want."

Behind his back, Maeve smiled, no actual tears in her eyes, pleased her little trick had worked. 'Alexis's plan worked. He could be coaxed, after all, Maeve thought.

A beat later, Byron added coolly, "Next time, take your medicine first. I don't want you blaming me later."

"I will, unlike someone who tortures himself," she muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" she replied loudly, eyeing a towel floating nearby. "By the way, can you get the towel?"

Byron frowned, regretting his decision. 'Why is she so eager? It's nothing she hasn't seen before,' he thought.

"Oh, come on. It's not like I haven't seen it before. Why so shy now?" Maeve teased, enjoying his helplessness. Byron's expression darkened. "Maeve, keep this up and I'll make you regret it."

But Maeve was in her own world, brushing off his warning. 'Future me will deal with the future. What does it have to do with the current me?' Maeve thought.

It was a long bath, but thankfully the water stayed warm. Once back in his room, Byron started ushering Maeve out once again.

Instead, Maeve maneuvered herself onto the edge of his bed.

Byron's face fell as her soft fragrance filled the space. "Maeve, don't you have any shame? Did I invite you here?"

"I'm too tired to go back. I'll just stay here tonight," Maeve said.

"I'll get a nurse to take you back."

"Nope, I don't want to trouble anyone else."

Finally, Byron chuckled, frustrated. "Do you want me to throw you out?"

Settling into his pillow, Maeve closed her eyes, barely hiding a smile. "Throw me out if you like. I'll sleep wherever you put me."

Byron's chest heaved slightly. He felt exasperated yet oddly defeated, realizing he wasn't going to get rid of her. This woman was like sticky candy, refusing to let go.

'What can she possibly gain from pestering me? Does she want to be at my beck and call?' Byron thought.

Yet, Byron knew there was nothing he could do to stop her.