Chapter 397

Byron's expression darkened, his voice cold. "Stay away from her in the future and talk to her less. Don't take anything she says to heart." No one had the right to scheme against his girlfriend.

Initially, seeing Serena had once saved Will's life, Byron didn't mind her subtle attempts to sow discord between him and Will. But her interference with Maeve was unacceptable. Nightfall Manor didn't lack psychiatrists like her.

"Why?" Maeve asked, confused. "Don't you like Dr. Malvis?"

'No wonder Dr. Malvis thought Byron was asleep. He wasn't; he'd just made an excuse to let her leave,' Maeve thought. Byron chuckled. "It would be a problem if I liked her. Maeve, do you have any self-awareness as my girlfriend?"

Maeve felt her words were ambiguous. She touched her cheek. "Then why did you say that? Does Dr. Malvis make you feel bad?"

He wouldn't warn her without reason.

"She's no longer Doctor Will. You don't have to call her that."

"When did this happen?"

"Just now."

Maeve was too shocked to speak. He couldn't see her expression, but Byron imagined her confusion.

"Forget it," Byron sighed. "It's enough to have two smart people at home." If she was stupid, he'd keep an eye on her.

Maeve was at a loss. 'Who are you looking down on?' she thought, a little angry. "Then don't drink the soup I made. Otherwise, you'll be assimilated by a fool like me. I'll throw it away."

"I haven't had dinner."

After a two-second stalemate, Maeve surrendered, pouring the soup for him. "I'll get them to send dinner over now."

"Okay." Byron's lips curled slightly. He didn't say he'd lost his appetite.

It was no wonder Will couldn't move when sick. He needed help with food and medicine, even relying on his illness to be waited on. Byron had listened to Will enjoy princely treatment while Maeve ignored him, even when their hospital beds were close. Mr. McDaniel, in contrast, became a loner. But not anymore.

After Maeve's call, she looked at the table. "Where's the photo?"

Byron's jaw tightened. "I asked Archer to bring it back."

Maeve pursed her lips. 'Does that mean he's still keeping it? What are his feelings for his first love? It doesn't seem like love, but he seems to care.'

"Maeve, give me time," Byron said. 'Time to think about how to tell you about that unbearable past.'

Maeve thought he meant time to forget that woman. She felt relieved. Though she'd never asked about his first love, it was a lie to say she didn't mind. It wasn't his past she minded, but that he still held those feelings. If that thorn remained, she feared growing disappointment. Fortunately, he didn't let it grow.

After dinner, Byron considered how to keep Maeve later. He heard her asking for an extra quilt and pillow. "Are you staying here tonight?" he asked.

"Didn't I say just now?" Maeve replied. "It's too troublesome to go back and forth, and it's a waste of time. There's a hospital bed here." Byron's lips curled, then tightened. 'She still wants separate beds?'

Before the nurse could finish offering a quilt, Byron interrupted. "There have been many patients, not enough bedding." The nurse's heart skipped a beat, understanding his motive.

"Yes, that's the situation. Ms. Reese, you see..." The nurse looked embarrassed.

Maeve didn't want to cause trouble. She said she didn't need it.

"Then ring the bell if you need anything. I won't disturb you." The nurse quickly left.

Maeve was frustrated. "The service in this VIP ward has dropped drastically. There aren't even extra quilts."

"Yes, so I'll allow you to sleep in the same bed with me tonight."

Maeve was stunned.

Though depressed, Maeve took off her shoes and climbed onto his bed. It was warm. "Byron, your body is so hot!" Maeve poked his waist. "Compared to you, I'm an ice cube."

Byron held her hand, pulling her close. He rested his chin on her head.

"Why are your hands and feet cold during your period? Haven't you seen a doctor?" He avoided mentioning Jaylen.

"Of course, but it only helps with abdominal pain and sore legs. My cold hands and feet are related to my physique. The medicine only works temporarily," Maeve muttered. "It's fine. If it's cold, I'll use yo—