Chapter 344
Maeve turned her head, sensing someone watching her. Byron stood there, his eyes swirling with unreadable emotions, his expression a blend of a smile and something she couldn't decipher. Her heart skipped a beat; the bouquet she held suddenly felt too hot. When did he come back? He couldn't have heard what they were talking about from that far, right? Maeve's mind raced. Byron casually strode over and took a seat beside her. Jaylen noticed but didn't seem surprised; he’d figured it out—Byron wasn't letting Maeve go easily.
The two men exchanged no words, ignoring each other. A chill filled the air, and Maeve, sitting between them, felt it creep over her skin, goosebumps rising on her arms. Jaylen glanced at her, concerned. "Are you cold? Want my jacket?" Before he could finish, Byron draped his dark double-breasted coat over her shoulders. He withdrew his hand silently, his face emotionless. Jaylen's hand, halfway to removing his own jacket, froze. He chuckled, his voice still friendly. "No need for your concern, Mr. McDaniel. I'll take care of my fiancée."
Byron's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. "Maybe you should take care of yourself first, miracle doctor. With that frail look of yours, you'll be needing an ambulance without your jacket." Jaylen's expression cooled.
Maeve quickly tugged at Byron's sleeve, whispering, "Let it go." Jaylen was a patient, after all.
Seeing Maeve protect Jaylen hardened Byron's face; his dark gaze locked onto hers for a few seconds. Then he leaned back, crossed his arms, and remained silent. Maeve felt a bad premonition under his intense gaze, her heart pounding. The audience lights dimmed; a spotlight hit the stage—the show was about to begin.
Maeve forced herself to calm down, focusing on the stage with eager anticipation. A cool hand gently guided her chin to the left.
Maeve's eyes widened in surprise. Before she could react, she felt a soft, cool touch against her lips. In the darkened theater, every other sense sharpened. Though Maeve knew no one could see them, kissing in a place surrounded by people held a heady thrill. She faintly heard the wet sound of Byron's tongue teasing hers. The intimacy burned with embarrassment, her mind swirling. She couldn't hear the crowd's murmurs; only Byron's scent and shallow breathing filled her senses, making her ears burn. For a moment, it felt like the whole room disappeared, leaving only the two of them. "Ahem." Jaylen coughed softly from the side, breaking the spell. Maeve snapped back to reality, quickly pushing Byron away and sitting upright, praying no one had noticed.
Byron made a small tsk sound, wiped his lips with his thumb, and turned his attention to the stage as if nothing had happened. "And now, please welcome the students for their performance of Sleeping Beauty!" The announcer's voice filled the theater. The curtain rose, and the little actors immediately captivated the audience.
Though the stage was small and the set, while lovely, was a bit stiff, the children's enthusiasm brought the story to life. They wore charming, old-world costumes; the boys looked like little gentlemen, and the girls fluttered about like tiny fairies, perfectly accessorized without being overdone. With a grand ball as the backdrop, it was like stepping into a fairytale.
"I've never seen my boy look this handsome before!" "Whoever designed these costumes really nailed it! This looks so much better than the last show." "No wonder Faye Nole wasn't picked for this. Makes sense now." "I almost went to the principal to complain when she didn't get the role. Glad I didn't embarrass myself now." "After the show, I've got to find out who did these costumes. I want something like this for my kid."
Low murmurs rippled through the crowd. In the middle row, Faye's face turned green; the camera she'd brought to catch Maeve in an unflattering light lay discarded at her feet. The growing animosity towards her flushed her face. She turned her attention back to the stage just as Will, her little star, appeared. "How dare you throw a party and not invite me! You think you can ignore the greatest witch in the world? I'll curse this little princess! On her sixteenth birthday, she'll be so enchanted by her reflection that she'll die of her own beauty! Muahahaha!" Maeve almost didn't recognize her son in his costume—a deep purple dress, devil horns, and a magic wand in hand. His cackling, evil laughter filled the theater. Is that really the same kid who has been too shy to rehearse at home? she wondered. "Oh no! I forgot to take a picture!" Maeve gasped, flustered by Will's acting.
"No need to take pictures. I had Archer bring a filming crew to record from the back," Byron said calmly. Maeve was stunned. Poor Archer really did get all the jobs, she thought. "He's playing the prince. When does Theo come on?" Byron asked.
"He'll be the next scene," Maeve replied.
Right as she spoke, the little prince made his entrance after the princess and the kingdom fell into an enchanted sleep. Dressed in a blue and gold knight's outfit, the little prince rode a prop horse to the foot of the castle. His deep red cape billowed behind him, one hand gripping the reins while the other raised a sword high. His dashing appearance caused a stir among the audience. However, when his little face, darkened by makeup, turned toward the crowd, it added a slightly comical touch. Maeve clutched her chest and, her heart swelling with pride, whispered, "My baby looks amazing!"
Byron side-eyed her, wondering, How did Jaylen's son suddenly become her baby?
The prince fought his way through countless trials and finally reached the tower. The wicked witch—Will—reappeared, and the two had an epic duel, swinging swords and casting spells before Will finally fell in defeat. The prince sheathed his sword and approached the bed where the princess lay in an enchanted sleep.
"Oh my! I've never seen such a beautiful girl! Allow me to sing to you and awaken you from your sleep!"
Maeve raised an eyebrow, thinking, Isn't the prince supposed to kiss the princess? Must've been changed for the kids' version. Well, at least I'd get to hear Theo sing; his voice should be adorable! Theo opened his mouth, and his voice, amplified by the microphone, filled the room with the most off-key, painfully high-pitched notes. "From a distant land, there lies a beautiful princess, enchanting and—"
Maeve's smile froze; her horror grew as she hastily covered her ears.