Chapter 530

Maeve knew Byron was aloof, but she didn't believe him capable of such ruthless pragmatism. Not since their first meeting, anyway. He'd never used his harsh tactics against her. "He just doesn't love me that much," she whispered, her eyes welling. She bundled her kids into the car, instructing the driver, Tom's former Estan soldier, to head to Nightfall Manor.

Passing Kleymond University, a sudden impulse seized her. "Stop," she blurted.

Will rubbed sleepy eyes. "Mommy, what's wrong?" he rasped.

"Nothing, sweetie. I'll just grab something," she reassured, patting his head and settling him beside his sleeping brother, Theo.

She stared at Kleymond's entrance, conflicted. Normally, she'd have walked away, but today, she had to see. A dream had fixed a meeting at Lover's Lake on this very day, June 22nd.

The campus was unfamiliar, yet she found Lover's Lake without hesitation. Sitting alone on a bench, she felt a confusing mix of emotions. Then she saw it: "M&D," carved deeply into the stone. Her initials. If 'M' was her, 'D' was Clem. Yet, the connection felt strangely…empty.

Checking her phone, she saw several missed calls from Clem. His voice filled her ear, "Maeve, happy birthday! I sent a gift to the studio."

"Sorry, Clem. I was with the kids," she apologized. "Thank you for remembering."

"How could I forget?" he chuckled. "A shame I couldn't be with you."

"Your work's more important," she said. "Dinner when you're back?"

"I'd like that," she replied.

Hesitantly, she mentioned, "I'm at Lover's Lake. It's…nice."

Clem laughed. "You girls seem to like it. The stories are mostly made up."

"Other girls?" she asked.

"The girl I mentioned. She said it had 'good meaning'," Clem explained, showing no particular attachment to the girl.

Maeve took a breath. "I should go, Clem. Back to work."

"So soon?" A hint of disappointment laced his tone. "Alright, rest well. Don't forget my gift."

Alone again, the "M&D" inscription stared back. Was the boy in her dreams even Clem? Probably. Best to forget it all.

Leaving the lake, she didn't notice the magnolias blooming along the path. Back at the manor, she tucked the kids into bed and fell asleep herself, oblivious to the fading light.

Then, the salty tang of sea air, the wind's chill, and a sharp pain jolted her awake. No soft blue ceiling, but the endless ocean. A sea motorcycle roared, spraying her with cold water.

Before she could react, the bike lurched, throwing her sideways. A strong hand caught her.

"Hold tight," Byron's voice, low and clear, reached her ears.

"Byron? I'm at home! Why are we here?" she panicked. Was this it? Would he dispose of her?

"Don't you think this is a good place to dump bodies?" he countered coldly.

"Shut up, or I will," he threatened.

She fumbled for her phone, finding nothing. Even if he did throw her overboard, who would know?

He stopped at a private island pier. He stepped ashore, extending a hand. "Come down," he commanded, his face impassive.

She preferred not to rely on him, but her legs were weak, so she accepted his help. As he lifted her, their lips brushed. His eyes darkened.

"Follow me," he said, his voice calm.

They walked towards a magnificent house.

"Where are we?" Maeve asked.

Byron turned, emotionless. "Your birthday present. And a breakup gift."