Maeve asked, "What?"

"Do you remember that year you first arrived in Erancia? I asked for a birthday wish," Jaylen said, shifting the conversation. "I want to cash it in now."

Maeve nodded immediately. "Just tell me what it is. If I can do it, I will!"

Jaylen's voice softened. "You can definitely do it, Maeve. Consider this my last wish before I leave this world. Be my fiancée. I don't ask for much else. Just that, during my remaining time, you are mine."

Maeve's eyes widened in shock. "Jaylen, you—"

He interrupted. "I have liked you for a long time. I don't know when it started, maybe I didn't even realize it myself, but I have kept you in my heart. Over the past two years, I've traveled all around the world, but the place I want to return to most is where you are. I admit this is selfish, but if I don't do this, I'll probably spend the rest of my time regretting it. I don't want to have regrets."

Holding her phone, Maeve felt a whirlwind of emotions, unsure of how to respond. She thought of Byron, feeling a tug-of-war within her heart. Jaylen saved her and her children. Even if she spent a lifetime, she couldn't repay that debt. His request wasn't unreasonable; he only wanted her to be his fiancée, not to marry him right away. She should have agreed immediately, but the words stuck in her throat. Her mind had the answer, yet her heart was blocking her reply.

"Jaylen, I need some time to think about it," Maeve said, her voice hoarse. "Can you wait a few days?"

Jaylen felt relieved she hadn't rejected him outright. "I'll be back in the country the day after tomorrow. We can meet then."

"Okay. Make sure to rest well, and don't go against Mr. Walker. He's only looking out for you," Maeve replied.

Jaylen chuckled. "Got it. Now that you've said it, how could I not listen?"

Maeve hung up, her emotions in turmoil. After a moment, she jumped out of bed and ran to the apartment across the way, where Byron worked. Just as she arrived, Archer dropped off investigation documents from four years ago. "Byron!"

Hearing her voice, Byron looked up from his paperwork and was enveloped in her embrace. Maeve nestled beside him, her arms tightly around his neck, like a cat seeking comfort.

Byron was momentarily taken aback but then smiled, wrapping his arms around her. "Why are you suddenly so proactive? Did you do something wrong?"

It was unusual for Maeve to act this way. He welcomed the gesture.

With her cheek pressed against his neck, Maeve gently shook her head. "Why did you assume that? I won't hug you next time."

"Well, I'll take the initiative next time," Byron said, casually setting aside documents on the glass table, his hand lightly grazing her lower back.

Startled, she fell softly against him. "Speak normally! Don't start getting handsy!" she said, embarrassed, biting her lip.

Byron raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Maeve, I'm a normal man." She was in his arms; she couldn't expect him to remain strictly platonic. Maeve felt she'd brought trouble on herself. But with her low sense of security, being close to Byron was comforting. Noticing her unease, Byron lowered his gaze. "What's wrong?"

Maeve initially considered discussing Jaylen's situation but reconsidered. It wouldn't be right to share someone else's illness, nor could she voice Jaylen's words. After a long internal struggle, her face scrunched up in confusion.

Byron gently stroked her cheek. "Stop frowning. You look like an old lady. What's bothering you so much?"

"You look like an old man," Maeve retorted, frowning more, unable to voice her thoughts. She felt the consequences of telling Byron about Jaylen would be unbearable. Byron studied her; her distress indicated it wasn't trivial.

"If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine," he said, giving her neck a gentle squeeze. "Archer just dropped off investigation materials. Let's look at that instead."

"What investigation?" Maeve asked, puzzled.

Byron didn't answer, handing her the documents. She opened them, surprised to find detailed information about the coercion she faced from Karen four years ago regarding a forced abortion. The last page contained a personal information sheet, noting that one of the men involved was Karen's bodyguard, skilled at voice imitation and disguise. After Archer approached him, the man confessed that Karen had ordered him to impersonate Archer. His testimony was recorded.

Even though Maeve already believed Byron wasn't behind it, the confession sent a chill down her spine. Karen's schemes were well-planned. If Maeve hadn't returned to the country and reunited with Byron, this misunderstanding might have lingered forever, becoming a thorn in their relationship. A change of decision could affect their lives forever.

Maeve's unease intensified. She lifted her head and kissed Byron's lips without thinking, almost colliding with his lower lip several times. Byron was shocked, his palm cradling the back of her head as he gently nibbled at her lips. He deepened the kiss as Maeve's breathing became erratic. The kiss intensified.

Maeve found herself on the sofa. Her swollen lips were sealed tightly once more, making her whimper. Her mind became hazy, her tongue tingling, feeling as if she were running out of air. A chill ran down her spine. A hand traveled up her back, deliberately loosening her bra. Maeve heard the faint sound of the clasp being undone, her ears turning red. She twisted her waist, trying to evade his hand.

"Where do you think you're going?" Byron's low, deep voice sent shivers down her spine, leaving her powerless. In a moment of distraction, Maeve realized her defenses had completely crumbled.