"I'm not joking," Maeve said, tears welling in her eyes. "You said we'd go to family court after Gilbert's health improved. It's been long enough. We need a divorce."

"It's my decision whether we divorce or not," Byron said. "When did it become your prerogative to bring this up?"

"You're being unreasonable!" Maeve retorted.

Buzz.

The elevator lurched violently, then stopped. All the lights went out. Pitch black. Maeve couldn't even see her hands.

"What's going on?" Terrified, Maeve grabbed something beside her, feeling a warm sensation.

"Maeve, what are you touching?" Byron's anger was cut short by the sudden stop. He removed her hand from his chest and held it. "It's an elevator malfunction. It won't be long."

Maeve bit her lip, silent. The suffocating darkness reminded her of her parents' confinement, the seconds ticking by in the blackness. It felt like fire in her heart. Fear and panic surged; her body trembled. She was afraid. Then, she found herself in Byron's broad, warm embrace.

His cold voice reached her. "Weren't you quite bold bringing up divorce earlier?"

Maeve wanted to pull away, but he gently pressed her head against his chest. "Don't move. If you're afraid, hold on tighter." He pulled her closer.

Maeve was stunned. Her cheek pressed against his chest. In the darkness, she couldn't see his expression, but she smelled his faint cedarwood scent—a sense of security, a grounding after a fall. She clung to the warmth in his arms, knowing it wasn't hers to keep, yet unable to let go.

Soon, the elevator resumed normal operation, the lights flickered back on. Maeve pulled away, avoiding his eyes. "Th-thank you."

Byron raised an eyebrow. "You hugged me tightly, nuzzled against me. Why so shy now?"

Maeve's cheeks flushed. "I'm not shy! It was necessary. You told me to hold on tighter." He made it sound like I took advantage of him, she thought.

Just as Byron's lips curved into a slight smile, Maeve continued, "We're getting a divorce. It's best to avoid this kind of physical contact."

His eyes darkened instantly. "Maeve, haven't I treated you well?"

"You have, but..."

Byron stared at her coldly. "You're dissatisfied with my background, then? You think I'm less than a driver?"

What does that have to do with drivers? It's the gap in our backgrounds, she thought. Maeve wanted to explain but remained silent, biting her lip.

Byron squinted. "You don't want your Christmas present anymore, then?"

Maeve's heart skipped a beat. He said he'd give me the gift and his answer. Before, I'd have been thrilled. Now... I can't accept it. She lowered her gaze, hiding her disappointment. Her mouth felt bitter. "I don't want it."

Byron's expression grew colder, the warmth in his eyes disappearing. "Very well. Maeve, you're something."

"Ding." The elevator doors opened. Byron leaned against the wall, looking cold. He walked away quickly, disappearing from Maeve's sight. Maeve leaned against the wall, biting her lip.

Of course, I want that gift. But I can't accept it. I don't want to be a decorative object, controlled by him. I don't want perfunctory responses. He hid my status; he thinks I'm not worthy. I won't be meek. The inequality is mine to deal with.

Half an hour later, the black Rolls-Royce arrived at Starlight Pub. Ray and Jarrett were already enjoying themselves in the top-floor private room. Byron entered, went to the bar, and poured himself a drink.

Ray approached. "What's wrong? McDaniel Group again? They don't dare bother you."

Byron, holding his drink, asked in a deep voice, "What does it mean when a woman loves you but wants a divorce?"

"Her love's a lie," Ray said bluntly. "Women lie."

Byron's expression darkened, showing clear emotional distress.

On her last day of leave, Maeve was taken to lunch by Bonnie, ostensibly to meet Bonnie's cousin. Maeve realized it was a setup; Bonnie was playing matchmaker. Upon seeing Bonnie's cousin, Maeve was shocked.

"Mr. Brown?" she exclaimed.

Alex was surprised. He smiled and pulled out chairs. "So, you're the friend my cousin insisted I meet."

"I didn't expect you and Bonnie were related."

Bonnie smirked, understanding at once. "You know each other. No introductions needed."

Alex smiled, handing them menus. "Order whatever you like. It's my treat."

"We won't stand on ceremony," Maeve replied.

After ordering, Bonnie leaned in. "Maeve, my cousin's twenty-six, single, owns a car and a house, is rich, and handsome. You already know him. What do you think?"

Maeve cleared her throat. "When did you become a matchmaker? I was wondering why you threw that booklet away."

Bonnie chuckled. "Don't let opportunities slip by. You and the Great Demon King are divorcing. I'm reserving him for you."

"Bonnie, I appreciate it, but even if I divorce, I don't think your cousin's interested. Besides, I work for him. It would be awkward," Maeve said seriously.

Bonnie thinks I deserve anyone, regardless. But it's not just about feelings.

"Let's ask him," Bonnie said, turning to Alex. "Alex, what do you think of Maeve?"

This revised version improves grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and flow. It also removes unnecessary repetitions and clarifies ambiguous phrasing.