After lunch, Maeve returned to the studio to catch up on sleep and say goodbye to Lynn at the intersection. "Go back to the hospital early," she reminded Lynn. "Remember to tell the doctor where you're feeling unwell. Don't force yourself." Maeve patted Lynn's head and crossed the road. Lynn shyly covered her head, thinking, "She touched me. Does she like me, too?"

Lynn returned to the hospital ward in a happy mood, but her smile vanished when she saw the visitors. "Didn't I tell you not to come?" she said.

A man and a woman rose from the sofa. They appeared much older, though their well-maintained faces were wrinkle-free. Dressed in bright, beautiful clothes, they possessed a graceful and noble demeanor.

"You're getting married," Duke Hosen said. "How could we not send someone? Your parents are gone. As your guardians, what if others look down on you if we don't offer our support?"

Duchess Krisisa chided, "Look at you! If you want to marry, fine. But why didn't you tell your family? We heard about it from the news! You're our daughter, a noble princess of the royal family. How could you marry so easily?"

Lynn, annoyed by their nagging, replied, "There won't be any wedding. That's why I didn't want you to come."

"What?" Duke Hosen frowned. "Did your fiancé change his mind?"

Duchess Krisisa speculated, "Is it something to do with his ex-wife? Did she interfere?"

"No, it has nothing to do with Maeve!" Lynn vehemently denied.

However, Hosen remained suspicious that Maeve had bullied Lynn. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Tell me what she did, and I'll back you up."

Lynn was nearly helpless. "Hosen, she really didn't. Maeve is wonderful. She's the most beautiful and kindest person I've ever met. How could she bully me?"

Hosen and Krisisa exchanged astonished glances. Lynn had previously complained about her fiancé's ex-wife; her sudden change of heart puzzled them.

"What was that all about?" Krisisa asked.

"It's nothing. You'll know in time," Lynn said vaguely. "By the way, did His Majesty approve your sudden trip to Setigal?"

Their expressions turned solemn. "His Majesty sent us on a very important mission," Hosen said.

"What's so urgent?" Lynn asked.

"Prince Hosea is missing," Krisisa revealed. "He's suspected to have recently wandered into Setigal."

"What? Hosea?" Lynn exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Maeve returned to the studio to find Tom still on the rooftop. She left the cake she'd brought on his table, saying, "You still have to eat. There's no obstacle you can't overcome."

"Thank you," Tom replied listlessly.

"Don't mention it," Maeve said. Seeing his lack of appetite, she felt compelled to help. "My son has some medical knowledge; perhaps he can help with your anorexia. Don't give up." She couldn't afford to lose a bodyguard.

Tom knew his problem wasn't anorexia, but he didn't explain. He nodded. "I will. Don't worry." He couldn't die on her watch and bring her bad luck. He looked at the cake.

As the wedding approached, Maeve's depression deepened, though she didn't realize it. Her sons, however, noticed.

Theo had repeatedly asked Will to pack his bags and stay with them, fearing Byron's infidelity.

Will defended Byron, "Dad won't really marry Miss Anderson. There's no wedding venue, no dress, no ring. He wouldn't be so perfunctory if he really wanted to get married."

Theo vehemently shook Will. "Everyone online is celebrating his wedding! How can he cancel it now? What proof do you have? Stop nagging!"

Will protested, "Stop shaking! If Dad marries her, you can kidnap me to stop him!"

Theo stroked his chin. "That's a good idea. As expected of you!"

Maeve, entering and hearing this, was speechless. "Where did they get these ideas?" she thought. She bumped their heads together. "Don't do anything rash. If your father finds out, you won't see Mommy again!" The boys quickly shook their heads.

"But Mommy, aren't we going to do anything?" Theo asked. "What if Will gets bullied with a stepmother?"

Maeve gently cupped his face. "How could that be? Byron wouldn't allow it." She knew his concern was genuine, and Lynn wouldn't mistreat Will.

However, the thought of Will having another mother weighed on her. She longed to escape with Theo and Will, but couldn't. Will loved Byron deeply, and she couldn't be so selfish. She couldn't leave Will behind.

Maeve's eyes reflected her struggle. Sensing her distress, Will hugged her neck. "Mom, don't worry. I'll always be with you."

Theo jumped on her. "Me too! Wherever Mommy is, I'll be there. Daddy is nothing!"

Maeve smiled, her gloom lifting. "What am I conflicted about? Byron is just a man who once forced a miscarriage. I don't care for him. If he doesn't like me, I won't like him. It's no big deal." She masked her sadness from the children.

The day before the wedding, Dreamscape Studio was bustling. They didn't leave until 6 PM. Outside, waiting reporters swarmed Maeve.