Maeve’s heart melted at his sudden domineering actions. Her cheeks flushed under the dim light. It took her a long time to calm down. “What do I have to say to him?”

Maeve’s face looked conflicted. However, her heart softened when she thought about how he had just returned from a business trip yesterday, yet accompanied her to watch their son’s performance. He also stayed with her that night because of Theo’s illness. After some thought, Maeve raised her slender arms and hugged Byron’s neck. She raised her head and kissed the corner of his lips. “Mr. McDaniel, I know it’s been hard on you to support your family.”

Byron was slightly stunned. It was probably because Maeve rarely took the initiative to kiss him. With such a sudden kiss, his rationality began to blur.

Seeing Byron didn’t speak, Maeve thought a kiss wasn’t enough. So, she endured the embarrassment in her heart and whispered something into his ear.

As soon as she finished speaking, Byron’s eyes widened in surprise as he gulped. Maeve could feel his arm tightening around her waist, just like every intimate night in the past. Then, he lost control.

They had done this many times, yet Maeve would always be afraid of him. Not because she feared Byron would hurt her, but because of her feelings for him. But that night, she only wanted to make him happy.

Just as Maeve was ready, she suddenly felt something loosen around her waist. The tall figure before her walked past to her left and sat beside her. Maeve looked at Byron puzzledly. His handsome face was against the light, and it was hard to guess what he was thinking. He seemed deep in thought.

“It’s getting late. Go to bed early,” Byron said, tucking Maeve in and leaving the bedroom without looking back.

Maeve leaned against the pillow and looked at Byron’s back. A huge question mark appeared in her mind. “What’s his deal? I’m already taking the initiative and he leaves? That’s unusual.”

Regardless, Byron wasn’t feeling it that night. So, in a way, it was Maeve’s victory. She flipped over and closed her eyes to sleep.

However, after half an hour, she sat up and sent a message to Bonnie: [Bonnie, are you asleep? I can’t sleep.]

Bonnie, the night owl, was indeed awake. She replied almost instantly: [I’m here, Baby. Why can’t you sleep? Isn’t your child’s play quite successful? I’ve already seen it on the trending searches!]

[Maeve: It’s not about them, it’s about Byron!]

[Bonnie: What did Mr. McDaniel do to make you unable to sleep? Oh, let me guess. Do you require some ‘bed’ advice?]

Maeve looked at the vulgar cat emoji Bonnie sent and sent a voice message: “Yesterday morning, he still looked like he didn’t want me to go out and do anything to me. I tried to take the initiative tonight, but he asked me to sleep early. What is wrong with him?”

[Bonnie: That’s odd. Did you guys quarrel today?]

[Maeve: He was disappointed this afternoon because of our declining health condition. But he doesn’t get carried away by it.]

[Bonnie: That’s strange. With your temptation, he should’ve fallen for it in no time. You gave him what he always wanted, and he refused?]

Maeve didn’t reply immediately and sighed. “Gosh, Bonnie, are you telling me I’m cheap?”

07:39 Sat, Nov 9

The next second, a new message from Bonnie popped up:

[Look, this is a wild guess. Is it possible that when Mr. McDaniel was overseas, he met another woman?]

Maeve immediately denied it. It was unlikely. He was quite obsessed with cleanliness, especially during intercourse.

[Bonnie: Don’t you think it’s possible? I mean, other than dating a transvestite, he hasn’t had any scandals. That leaves only one possibility.]

[Maeve: And that is?]

[Bonnie: You guys had sex too much that he got bored.]

This speculation was reasonable, but Maeve’s intuition said otherwise. Bonnie had told her that a man’s love was mostly expressed by physical contact. By that logic, the more Byron liked her, the more obsessed he should be. This was supported by how Byron always pinched her hand or waist on every occasion.

However, Maeve knew something was definitely off that night. “Is it because he started to lose interest in me?”

Thinking of this, Maeve was anxious. When he wanted to have sex, he always forced her to have sex, even when she was asleep. But when she wanted it, he left. “If he doesn’t want me anymore, let me eat something I prefer. Not one of his plain, tasteless, and uncultured food.”

After sending a goodnight message to Bonnie, Maeve pulled the blanket over her face and kicked those messy thoughts out of her head.

On the other side, the sound of water came from the frosted glass door. A tall figure could be vaguely seen standing inside, but the exact situation was unclear. Only the low panting did not dissipate.

The next morning, Maeve made breakfast for her sons with recipes from Dr. Foster. Meanwhile, she ate pasta. Byron’s plate was left empty.

Looking at the empty plate, Byron knew Maeve did it on purpose. He asked, “My breakfast?” She and their sons had breakfast, but he didn’t.

“My hand hurts. I can only make it for three. If you want to eat, make it yourself.”

The kids looked at each other. “Is she mad?”

Byron raised an eyebrow. “Did I make you angry? What’s wrong?”

Maeve put on a fake smile. “How did you make me angry? I think it’s the other way around. Mr. McDaniel, don’t lower yourself to the level of a weak woman like me.”

“Maeve, speak properly.”

“I’ve always spoken like this. Mr. McDaniel, if you don’t want to listen, I suggest you cover your ears.”

Theo raised his spoon. His voice was quite hoarse. “Do you need my advice?”

Byron gave him a sidelong glance. “Do not interrupt when adults are talking.”

“Why do you have to be so mean?” Theo said, turning to look at Maeve.

Maeve chuckled. “See? You even intimidated a child. You’re something.”

“You call that intimidating?” Byron didn’t think much of it. He took one of the meatballs from Theo’s plate and took a bite. Theo’s eyes widened. “You stole my favorite meatball!”

07:39 Sat, Nov 9

“Then hurry and eat the rest, otherwise, I’ll snatch every single one!”

Theo was shocked. “He’s an adult. Why is he beefing with a child?”

Maeve was speechless. “I didn’t make him breakfast and decided to snatch Theo’s. Does he feel shame?”