The Heir's Secret Bride

Maeve stepped out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her as she caught sight of Will playfully tugging at Theo like he was carrying a baby chick. A smile spread across her face.

Spending time with Theo seemed to have brought out a livelier side in Will. Watching them play eased the anxiety Maeve had been feeling. She grabbed her iPad and headed back to her room, determined to finish some work before calling it a night. Next week, Dreamscape's summer collection in collaboration with Eternal Hope was set to showcase, and there were still a few details to finalize. This was the first public appearance for Dreamscape since the scandal, and Maeve wanted everything to be perfect. She didn't want people to remember her merely as the ex-wife of the Mcdaniel Group's CEO or as the long-lost daughter of the Reese family; she wanted to be known as the designer and founder of Dreamscape. She couldn't afford to lose this time. After working tirelessly until around midnight, Maeve leaned back against her pillow, trying to relieve the tension in her neck and shoulders. Just as she began to drift off, she felt a warm hand resting on her shoulder.

Her eyes fluttered open to see Byron, the striking man with sharp features, illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. "Are you done?" she asked.

"Hmm," Byron replied, sitting down on the edge of the bed. He asked Maeve in a low voice, "Why aren't you asleep so late? Did you forget you're still taking medication?"

"Um, I was a bit restless, so I finished up some work."

Byron's expression softened slightly as he increased the pressure of his fingers, massaging her shoulders and neck. "Why can't you sleep?"

Maeve closed her eyes, savoring the relief of his touch. "I've just had so much going on today. It all feels surreal."

"Like what?"

"Isn't technology from over twenty years ago still a bit primitive?"

"Yeah, I guess

so."

"Then... is it almost impossible to find my biological parents?"

Byron's gaze turned contemplative as he observed the mix of hope and anxiety on her face. The words that were on the tip of his tongue took a turn. "Well... it just takes time."

Maeve's eyes brightened. She had almost forgotten Byron could trace the incident when her family had been persuaded by a fortune teller to steal a child away more than two decades ago. Could this lead me to my birth parents? But they probably don't have any expectations of their daughter after all this time. Otherwise, they should have come looking for me by now, she wondered.

"Forget it." Maeve sighed, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I have already outgrown the age of needing my parents. Rather than the awkwardness of not knowing how to interact after finding them, it's more suitable for us to be well apart." 'Perhaps they have had more children later and are living a happy, simple life as a family. My appearance may not necessarily be a good thing for them, she thought.

Byron's expression turned serious as he gently brushed her hair back. "You seem to have thought this through. How am I supposed to comfort you?"

Maeve giggled softly. "You? Comfort me? I thought you just liked teasing me."

III

"Who said that?" he replied, his voice low and teasing.

Maeve turned her head in confusion, and suddenly the light dimmed as Byron leaned closer. The warm scent of cedarwood enveloped her, and his presence sent a rush of emotions through her. Byron leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. "Does that feel real now?" he asked quietly.

Maeve was taken aback, her ears turning red and quickly spreading to her cheeks, causing a layer of heat to fog her vision. She blinked to relieve the tension in her heart. "Uh... yeah, it feels... real."

"Can you sleep now?"

"I... I can."

"I'm going to hold you while you sleep. Is that okay?"

"Sure," Maeve mumbled, feeling a bit dazed as she instinctively agreed. It took a moment for her to realize what she had just said. By the time she reacted, it was already too late.

Byron smirked, a satisfied grin playing on his lips. "Scoot over and make some room for me."

"This man is tricking me again!' thought Maeve.

On the day of the summer collection launch, Maeve realized she had forgotten something at home. She quickly jumped in her car to head back to the apartment, ensuring she had everything before setting off again. But she felt a twinge of nerves; her heart raced inexplicably. She had designed formal wear for a royal gala before, and she hadn't felt this anxious then.

She rubbed her temples as she glanced in the rearview mirror. Suddenly, something on the roadside caught her attention, and she squinted, feeling a sharp pain in her eyes, forcing her to blink.

Bang! The car jolted violently.

Instinctively, Maeve slammed on the brakes and got out to inspect the damage. In front of her was a champagne-colored Bentley, and its rear end collided with the front of hers, and the headlights shattered.

"How do you even drive? Can you take responsibility if something happens to my boss?" The driver lowered the car window and glared at Maeve.

"Hank, don't talk to a lady like that," a calm, deep voice interjected from the backseat. As the window rolled down, Maeve was met with the sight of a handsome man.

The man was blond and had warm eyes. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, and his gaze carried an air of sophistication, a reflection of wisdom gained through experience. He wore a silver-gray suit, accented by gold cufflinks that matched the trim on his shirt collar. The front of the outfit was subtly embroidered with the pattern of the snowella flower, understated yet still exuding elegance. "Miss, I hope my driver didn't frighten you," the blond-haired man said gently.

Maeve quickly shook her head. "I'm really sorry! I got distracted and didn't hit the brakes in time. I'm sorry to trouble you, and I'll cover the damages..."

"There's no need for that. My assistant has already contacted the insurance company."

"But I insist! It's my

fault..."

The man chuckled lightly. "Everyone makes mistakes. Really, it's no problem at all. You don't need to feel any burden. I can afford the repair bill."

Of course, someone driving a rare collector's car would have the means to cover repairs, but Maeve couldn't just accept that. She fished a business card out of her bag and handed it to him. "Sir, here's my contact information. Please reach out to me when your car is repaired. I'll handle all the expenses."

The blond-haired man took the card, looking surprised. "You're a designer from Dreamscape Studio?"

"That's right."

"What a coincidence." The man chuckled. "I'm heading to the Eternal Hope launch event. I heard it's a collaboration with Dreamscape Studio, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Maeve was surprised and somewhat pleased by the affirmation, her eyes curved into a smile. "I promise you won't be disappointed."

"Boss, our car is here," the assistant reminded,

The blond-haired man nodded, then turned to Maeve. "If you don't mind, would you like to share a ride with me? I can have my team handle this, and the event should be starting soon." Maeve hesitated, looking unsure. "Will it be a bother?"

"Not at all," he reassured her warmly. "I'd be delighted to attend