Chapter 438
In a dazed, half-awake state, Byron froze. No one had ever called him “Ronny” before. His friends simply called him “Byron” and others called him “Mr. Mcdaneil.” Byron was unused to the gentleness in Maeve’s voice.
Before Byron could react, Maeve pressed her lips to his collar, letting them drift over his Adam’s apple, sending a spark through him that felt like fire igniting.
Byron’s eyes darkened as he turned her beneath him, his kisses intense and insistent. The warmth of his skin made Maeve shiver, and she clutched his arm as he whispered in her ear, “Close your eyes and trust me.” His voice was low, magnetic, almost coaxing. “Say my name.”
Maeve’s cheeks flushed as she whispered, “Ronny.” The moment her voice fell, Byron tightened his grip on her ankle, his touch both possessive and gentle. Maeve closed her eyes, letting herself be swept up in the moment.
Afterward, exhaustion overtook her, and Maeve fell into a deep sleep before Byron even had a chance to carry her back to bed. He tucked her under the covers, adjusted the room’s temperature, and set the humidifier before quietly sitting beside her, watching her peaceful face.
She must have been truly worn out, for she slept very soundly, her cheeks flushed, her breathing steady Byron’s gaze softened, though a hint of cold determination remained as he thought of Fiora, thinking that a simple demotion to a maid was too light a punishment.
*****
The next morning, the twins woke early, eager to see Byron when he returned around noon to take them to visit Maeve. They’d been busy the past few days, finishing homework and preparing medicinal recipes to help their mother recover.
In the kitchen, three pots simmered, filling the air with the rich aroma of herbs and spices,
Two kids were perched on stools, debating between themselves.
“Should we add this herb now?” Will wondered aloud.
“If we add it later, it’ll be more effective but super bitter. And you know Mom hates anything bitter,” Theo reasoned. “Let’s add it now.”
“Is the fish soup milky white yet? Else we’ll have to boil it a bit more.”
“Let me have a taste,” said Theo, as he moved to the pot of fish soup to taste it, but the doorbell rang.
Will’s eyes lit up. “Dad must be back!”
“I’ll get it!” Theo ran to answer the door, but instead of Byron, he found two unfamiliar men standing outside.
The man in front, John, wore a brown suit with a golden medal on his chest, giving him a noble air. Behind him was a butler.
“Who are you?” Theo asked politely.
“Hello, young man,” John greeted with a warm smile. “My name is Connor Elliott. I’m your neighbor. We just returned from traveling abroad and wanted to introduce ourselves. Here’s a gift
The butler extended a beautifully wrapped gift, but Theo, keeping his hands behind his back, quickly assessed the situation. Living in an affluent area, neighbors rarely socialized, and it was the first time they’d seen anyone nearby. Even though it was a safe neighborhood. Theo wasn’t about to open the door for strangers.
“Nice to meet you, sir. There’s no need for gifts. We’ll be good neighbors,” Theo replied politely, not accepting the package.
1/2
18:03 Tue, Dec 10 GBG.
Chapter 438
Connor looked slightly disappointed but tried again. “Is either of your parents home? I actually have something I’d like to discuss with them.”
“If you have a message, I can pass it along to them. Theo replied smoothly.
Connor looked anxious for a moment.
At that moment, Will joined him, his calm gaze appraising Connor. “If that’s all, we’ll be going back inside now, sir.”
As they began to close the door, Connor hesitated, then spoke up, a look of concern crossing his face. “Actually, I wanted to ask about the incredible smell coming from your kitchen.
My wife has been struggling with severe anorexia. She hasn’t eaten in days, but when she smelled the aroma from your home, she actually asked to try some. It’s the first time in ages she’s shown any interest in food.”
Connor’s expression softened, his eyes filled with hope and love. “I’m sorry for the intrusion, but I’d be so grateful if you could share even a small portion with her.”
Connor was at his wit’s end. Connor clutched at this last bit of hope. He had to try no matter what
Hearing this, Theo and Will’s initial hesitation melted, mostly because Connor looked like a well-to-do man and he seemed to love his wife very much. Theo turned to Will. “What do you think? Should we share?” Theo might have provided the recipe and ingredients, but it was Will who made the food.
Will thought for a moment. If Connor had asked for himself, Will wouldn’t have agreed but since Connor was asking on behalf of his sick wife, it made Will think of their mother resting in the hospital, softening Will’s heart. With a nod, Will took Theo’s hand, leaving Connor with a promise to bring something shortly, and the two of them went back inside.