Maeve pursed her lips tightly. Her throat felt extremely dry, and her heart felt suffocated, as if something pressed on it. She had wanted to have a good talk with him about Jaylen, but now it seemed unnecessary. Now that he could secretly treasure his first love, there was nothing wrong with her pretending to be another man's fiancée. Maeve turned and looked straight at Byron's handsome face.

"I'm here to talk to you about something," she said. "I'll make it quick and go."

Byron raised his eyebrows slightly. "Did I do something wrong again? Why do you look so mad? What is it?"

"I'm going to be another man's fiancée," Maeve declared. "It will be for about half a year. We'll talk about our situation after that. I don't care if you accept it or not. That's all." She shook off his hand and strode out.

Just as she reached the door, a strong hand grabbed her shoulder, forcing her to turn around. He pressed her against the door.

Maeve frowned in pain. Looking up, she met Byron's dark, cold eyes. Goosebumps covered her body.

"Say that again?" Byron lowered his eyes, staring at her like an overwhelming thunderstorm.

Maeve looked back stubbornly. "You heard everything, didn't you?"

The coldness in Byron's eyes shattered, his tone colder than before. "Whose fiancée?"

"Jaylen's," Maeve whispered, avoiding his gaze.

Byron didn't seem surprised. "Then what am I to you? Your sex partner?"

Maeve glanced at his desk, frustrated. "Mr. McDaniel, you haven't even gotten me yet, have you?"

Byron gave a low, cold laugh. He raised his head and kissed her lips heavily. "I didn't get you? I've been yours long ago, Maeve. I don't share my woman. Don't make me angry."

Maeve's lips hurt. She frowned and glared at him. "I'm not discussing this; I'm informing—"

Before she could finish, her lips were sealed again by Byron. Unlike the gentleness and affection of before, this kiss was filled with domineering anger, as if he wanted to tear her apart.

Maeve felt uncomfortable, not as touched as usual. She resisted violently, only to be invaded more deeply. Byron knew her too well, every sensitive point. In this aspect, she was no match for him.

After the long kiss, Maeve's lips were swollen, her legs weak. She leaned against the door to avoid falling. He held the most sensitive part of her body. Even the slightest movement brought a buzz. Because she couldn't see, her other senses heightened.

"How could you do this?" Maeve leaned on his shoulder, her face flushed. Her fingers tugged at his sleeve. "Take your hand out!"

Byron lowered his head, his hot lips against her ear. His hoarse voice was seductive. "Maeve, your tongue is a liar, but your body is a traitor."

He slowly pulled his hand away, hurriedly adjusting her skirt. "Look, you've got it wet." His fingertips sparkled.

Maeve was almost mad. "Shut up!"

"But I'm very satisfied," Byron said, his expression softening as he wiped his fingers with his tie. "At least I know what you said was against your heart."

Maeve's shoulders trembled, her mind blank. She didn't even care to look at his hand. She was enveloped in shyness and embarrassment. "Byron, you bastard! Is this the only way you can bully me?"

He gently pecked her ear. "Men often bully women in many ways. But to you, this is enough."

Maeve gritted her teeth. "Are you crazy?"

He closed his eyes, his tone warning. "If you dare to be with another man, I don't mind showing you how crazy I can be."

Maeve was almost hopeless. "Byron, if you really want a future with me, wait half a year. If you can't, it means we're not right for each other. I'm Jaylen's fiancée. This won't change."

At least, not for six months. Just as she couldn't accept that he had a first love, it was normal for him not to accept that she was engaged to another man. She had prepared herself. Whatever the result, she would accept it. She had chosen this path.

Byron's expression didn't change. "Why half a year? Did he threaten you?"

There was no way to explain her sudden engagement to Jaylen.

"I can't tell you the reason," Maeve said, remembering Jaylen's request for secrecy about his illness. She frowned awkwardly. "He didn't threaten me. I did it willingly."

Byron's gaze turned cold. "You're telling me you're willing to be his fiancée, and I have to wait half a year? Don't you need a gap between two men? Are you so sure I'll wait?"

"No," Maeve whispered, her heart bitter, her eyes tearing up. "I didn't expect you to wait. I'm just telling you the truth. The decision is yours!"

Byron's jaw tightened. He remained silent for a long time. Maeve had never felt so tormented. Every second was like a rusty knife cutting into her heart.

After a long time, Byron stood up, releasing Maeve's wrist. Her heart felt hollow as she stared at him blankly.

"You're the first person who treats me as a backup," Byron said, his dark eyes cold and unfathomable. "What makes you think I'm willing to be your backup?"