The warm tip of his tongue re-entered her mouth, sending a tingling sensation through her body. She could barely remain still. He seemed intent on watching her lose control. His fingertips lifted the hem of her clothing with suggestive movements, igniting passion within her. Maeve's shoulders trembled slightly, a blush of enchanting red blooming at the corners of her eyes. Her heartbeat pounded so loudly it was all she could hear.

"Enough," she finally breathed, finding a moment of respite. Her voice trembled as she pressed her forehead against Byron's shoulder, begging softly, "Enough."

"Tsk," Byron responded, his Adam's apple bobbing alluringly. His voice, thick with desire, was low and hoarse. "It's just a kiss. Can you be a little more composed?"

Maeve blushed, clutching her collar and glaring at him angrily. "It's just a kiss? Why are you touching me everywhere?" she demanded. She thought, Assuming I have no sensation, huh?

Byron slowly adjusted her sweater, teasing, "Weren't you enjoying it? You were even moaning a little when I slowed down."

Maeve's rage exploded. She leaped from the low cabinet, her legs weakening, and she almost fell. Byron quickly caught her hand, pulling her back. Before she could thank him, he said with a smile, "Even if you're embarrassed and angry, there's no need to jump. You won't die from falling from that height."

She ground her teeth. "Do you have any antidotes at home? Give me some."

"With that sharp tongue of yours, I'm afraid I won't live much longer," Byron replied, speechless.

After her retort, Maeve snorted, pushed him away, and walked to the sofa. She sat cross-legged on the carpet and began cutting the cake. Sensing Byron approaching, she lowered her gaze to the cake, feigning calmness. "Mr. McDaniel," she asked, "I have a question."

Byron knelt beside her. "Ask away."

"What kind of relationship are we in now?"

Byron raised his eyelids, staring at Maeve's emotionless face. He squinted. "The kind listed on a marriage license?"

"But kissing is something couples and married people do," Maeve said, pursing her lips. "People listed as cohabiting on a marriage license don't do that."

Byron showed no reaction.

Maeve looked at him seriously. "I just want to clarify. What exactly do you consider me? Your cooperative wife, or something else?"

Byron's smile faded. He looked at her for a long moment, silent, as if weighing the worth of answering. The aroma of cake filled the silent living room.

Maeve retracted her gaze, cutting the cake and arranging the snacks, a deep sense of disappointment washing over her. She thought with self-mockery, Forget it. Why did I have to be so silly? I was dazed by this rare warmth and asked such a humiliating question.

"I'm going on a business trip tomorrow," Byron suddenly announced.

Maeve replied listlessly, "Okay. You mentioned that yesterday." She thought, The next day is Christmas. He's celebrating today because he leaves for an overseas business trip with his boss tomorrow.

Byron stirred the cocktail in his hand, saying indifferently, "The answer to your question, along with your Christmas gift, will be given to you when I return."

Maeve was stunned, looking up at him. He was also looking at her, his blue eyes deep and intense, as if capable of drawing in all her thoughts and feelings. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Okay," she murmured, lowering her head and taking a bite of cake. "You said it yourself. I didn't force you."

Byron smiled, his usual cool demeanor melting away, revealing an unexpectedly lazy and handsome charm. He chuckled softly.

The next day, Bonnie invited Maeve to her house for Christmas. The villa buzzed with Christmas cheer: a crackling fireplace, festive ribbons, and melodious carols. After dinner, Bonnie produced a large booklet, handing it to Maeve.

"Maeve, this booklet contains profiles of some outstanding single young men," Bonnie said boldly. "Look through it and let me know if anyone catches your eye. If you want to set up a date, just tell me."

Maeve nearly choked on her juice, quickly pressing down on the booklet. "Bonnie, I was joking the other day. I don't want a divorce for now…"

Bonnie frowned. "Don't you two have any feelings for each other? Being together is just wasting your youth. You might as well end the marriage quickly and choose a considerate guy."

Maeve laughed at Bonnie's tone, as if she were selecting cabbages. Bonnie looked puzzled. "Maeve, you've truly fallen for him, huh?"

The events of the previous night flashed through Maeve's mind, her cheeks flushing. Before she could reply, Bonnie exclaimed, "Not at all!" Maeve scratched her cheek. "I just wasn't sure before."

Bonnie squeezed her shoulder suggestively. "Oh, looks like something good happened recently. You didn't admit it the other day. Are you sure he's the only one for you now? Aren't you afraid he'll keep treating you like a maid?"

Maeve shook her head. "He went overseas on a business trip with his boss this morning. He said he'll tell me what he thinks of me when he returns."

Bonnie exclaimed, "Is there a need to wait until then? He certainly sees you as his dear wife and treasure! Good thing I only brought out this booklet now." Maeve laughed. "Alright, alright. Why are you acting like a cute, enthusiastic puppy?"

As she finished speaking, a news report flashed on the LCD television. "Breaking news. Brax Airlines flight QS1617 from Shroatia to Kleymond had an accident and veered off the runway while landing… It is reported that Byron McDaniel, the CEO of the McDaniel Group, is also on this flight. He has been sent to First Hospital for emergency treatment."

The smile on Maeve's lips froze. She stared at the television screen in disbelief. A photo of the McDaniel Group CEO appeared—a cold, indifferent man in a black suit. It was a shock, a bolt from the blue. She was stunned.

The news continued, but she registered nothing except "Byron McDaniel, CEO of the McDaniel Group," and "sent to the hospital for emergency treatment."

Her hand holding her cup trembled. "Ma-Maeve," Bonnie stammered, her voice frightened. "I remember now. The scion of the McDaniel family is also named Byron McDaniel. Isn't that the same name as your husband's? Isn't that too much of a coincidence… Oh right!" She remembered the socialites sending gifts, hoping for Maeve's forgiveness. "It's because of this…"

Maeve closed her eyes, her mind a whirlwind. She felt as though she were in an icehouse despite sitting near the fireplace. The crackling fire snapped her back to reality. Her fingertips trembled as she picked up her coat. "Bonnie, I'm going to the hospital."

Bonnie, finally grasping the situation, quickly jumped up. "I'll drive you there."

The extraneous numbering and website promotion have been removed. The story has been significantly improved for grammar, punctuation, and flow.