At Pinehurst Apartments, Maeve took the day off to prepare the room for Byron, her soon-to-be roommate. The space was large, but getting it ready consumed her entire afternoon. After dinner, she began browsing online for bedding. Local stores were far too expensive, while online options offered better prices and comparable quality. "But what style would Mr. McDaniel like?" she wondered.

Out of courtesy, she considered calling him to ask, but then realized they hadn't exchanged phone numbers. This wasn't her fault; Byron had been aloof during the marriage registration process, making her feel intimidated.

Maeve sighed, put away the drying rack, and was about to return to her room when there was a knock at the door.

She opened it to find Byron leaning against the wall, looking unusually pale and as cold as ever. Surprised to see him without luggage, she asked, "Didn't you bring anything with you?"

Byron's visit was impulsive. Gilbert's people were surveilling his house, making a doctor's visit risky. His other properties were also under surveillance. Maeve's apartment was the only safe option. "Can I come in?" he asked, his voice rough.

"Sure," Maeve replied, stepping aside, noticing his unwell appearance. Byron entered, his gaze sweeping over the small but tidy living room. The simple yet charming décor—flowers, wind chimes, stuffed toys—created a warm and inviting atmosphere, far cozier than his city villa. For a moment, an unidentifiable emotion flickered in his brown eyes. Despite his commanding presence, Maeve felt uneasy, even as his wife.

She stammered, "Um... I didn't expect you tonight. I just finished preparing your room, but haven't bought furniture or bedding yet."

"Don't bother," Byron replied, his gaze intense. "I'm only staying a couple of nights. There's no need. Besides, I could offer you a better place to live, as compensation."

Maeve quickly shook her head. "Oh, no, I'm perfectly happy here. Your work keeps you busy; there's no need for that trouble or expense. Besides," she added, "we're married now. No need to be so formal."

Byron felt uncomfortable. He cleared his throat and looked away. "Look, even though we're married, some things should remain separate. But if you insist... do whatever you want."

Maeve felt her cheeks flush and palms sweat. A tension settled in the room.

"Do you have a first-aid kit?" Byron asked.

"Yeah, just a second," Maeve replied, retrieving it. She didn't ask about the hospital; he clearly had reasons.

Byron sat on the sofa. Maeve placed the kit on the table. "Need help?"

Byron curtly pulled up his shirt, revealing bloodstained bandages around his abdomen.

Maeve felt a chill. "You should go to a hospital. No one's chasing you now."

Her naiveté almost made Byron laugh, but the smile vanished as he spotted a tiny red dot in the corner. He went to the TV cabinet, grabbing a stuffed bear.

"What's wrong?" Maeve asked.

Byron twisted the bear's head, revealing a hidden mini camera.

"A camera!" Maeve exclaimed. "Why would there be a camera in a stuffed toy?!"

The bear faced the couch. Maeve's mind raced. Byron's voice dripped with sarcasm. "This is your house—why do you look so shocked? A camera in a toy's eyes... I didn't think you had it in you?"

He couldn't believe her innocent act.

Maeve's eyes widened. "You think I put that camera there to spy on you? I had no idea!"

"You seriously expect me to believe that?" Byron's voice was icy. "Marrying a sneaky piece of work like you is probably the dumbest thing I've ever done."

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