Chapter 335

Back in the car, Maeve thought Byron would say something, but he only gave her a quick glance before returning his attention to the road. The silence between them felt awkward, and she couldn't decipher his look.

When they reached the apartment, Byron pulled her into the room across the hall. Inside, he grabbed her arm and lifted her onto the cabinet near the door, bringing them eye to eye. Maeve tried to get down, but his solid frame blocked her, making it impossible.

"What are you doing?" she asked, frowning.

"Don't you have something to tell me?" Byron's voice was deep.

Maeve pressed her lips together. "What are you talking about?"

"You think I didn't notice what happened today?" His gaze never left her. "I've been waiting for you to come clean the whole drive back."

It was clear she had no intention of speaking. Maeve's heart skipped. She had suspected he might know, but his direct confrontation was different. Now, cornered, she waited for an answer. She looked down, remaining silent. On one hand, she promised Jaylen she wouldn't say anything—breaking that promise wasn't an option. On the other hand, she worried Byron would blame her for suggesting they separate so easily. Still, the memory of Byron with Serena at the party left her bitter.

As her silence stretched on, Byron's expression grew colder, inching toward indifference.

"You're really not going to tell me?" His voice was sharp. "Maeve, I've given you so many chances, and you still don't take them."

He had left the door open for her to confess, but she remained where she was, refusing to move.

At first, Byron assumed Maeve stayed with Jaylen because of his six-month prognosis. That's why she kept mentioning the deadline. But now, things seemed different. Perhaps Jaylen held more space in her heart than he ever did.

A bitter smile tugged at Byron's lips. He slowly released her wrist and turned away. This apartment would probably be unnecessary now. His expression darkened; his eyes felt like the frozen sea—cold and endless.

Then, he heard a soft thud behind him. Before he could react, something soft and warm crashed into his back. Maeve's arms wrapped tightly around his waist, holding him. Byron froze. Maeve pressed her cheek against his back, her voice shaky but determined. "I made a promise to him, I can't go back on that. But... I'll make it up to you in other ways. Okay?"

Without waiting for his response, she moved in front of him, grabbed his hands, and pressed them against her chest. Her face flushed bright red, but she pushed through the embarrassment, meeting his stunned gaze. "You're not leaving tonight!" she declared.

Last time, she had stood there, watching him walk away, powerless. She wasn't about to let that happen again.

Maeve couldn't keep lying to herself. She wanted Jaylen to be okay, but that didn't mean she had to push away the man she truly loved. It all clicked. She realized she was just as crazy as Byron. Otherwise, she wouldn't be unbuttoning his shirt right now as he lifted her onto the cabinet and kissed her again. That one move ignited something fierce inside Byron, burning away whatever self-control he had left.

"Help me with this," he rasped, guiding her hand to his belt, his gaze smoldering with intent.