Alexis acted not only for the sake of the Medaniel family but also to protect Byron


    From a practical standpoint, their decision was beyond reproachs.


    But for the innocent Maeve, it felt like the end of the world.


    Even as she sat in the pitch-dark detention cell, she couldn''t understand how things had spiraled to this point. She hadn''t hurt anyone. Nor had she stolen anything that belonged to Laurel.


    Curled up in a corner, Maeve was overwhelmed with self-doubt and confusion.


    Byron''s


    words:


    suddenly appeared in her mind.


    as you''re innocent, no one cany me on you.


    As long as


    home


    and wait for wait for me.


    Menched her hands tightly, feeling some of the coldness in her heart start to fade.


    Byron told her to wait for him.


    I do so. She would wait for him to return with evidence to clear her name and take her away from this ce


    She would do so. She


    As these thoughts filled her mind, her panic subsided. She rested a hand on her abdomen, trying to draw strength from within What Maeve hadn''t anticipated was that this wait would stretch into a full week.


    For an entire week, Byron did not show up.


    Maeve tried to reassure herself. She understood that this was aplicated matter and wouldn''t be resolved overnight.


    His absence only underscored the gravity of the situation.


    Sheforted her herself and continued to w to wait patiently.


    Two dayster, a police officer came over and escorted her to a meeting room.


    "Ms. Reese." A young man in sses and a suit nodded slightly at Marve


    Seeing him, the hope that had been building within Maeve crumbled instantly. "Who are you?" she asked.


    "I''m Mr. Mcdaniel''s


    Im Mr. Mcdanie personalwyer.


    The words struck Maeve like a bolty surname is Jonathan Harris. Jonathan went straight to the point. "I''m here today on Mr. Medaniel''s behalf to discuss the divorce arrangements with you."


    t of lightning. She felt her head buzz, and her mind went nk.


    She couldn''t believe that Byron was divorcing her. That was impossible.


    he believed in her, so she had no idea what was going on


    Jonathan took out a divorce agreement from his briefcase and handed it to Maeve. "This is the divorce agreement. Please read it thoroughly, and if you have no objections, sign at the bottom. Maeve mechanically lowered her eyes. As her eyes fell on Byron''s bold signature at the bottom, she felt a crushing weight on


    her chest, making it hard for her to breathe.


    It was


    impossible. She didn''t believe it.


    "I''m sorry, but I can''t sign this document based solely on your word." Maeve''s eyes were filled with resistance.


    Jonathan reminded her, "Mr. Mcdaniel wanted me to tell you that, for the sake of your marriage, he''s willing to forgo pressing any criminal charges against you. However, you must sign the divorce papers." "I don''t believe you!" Maeve''s face turned ashen. Her voice was hoarse. "Unless Byron tells me himself that he wants a divorce, I won''t believe a word you say!"


    Jonathan looked troubled. He sighed and got up to leave the meeting room.


    After a few minutes, he returned with his phone in hand and handled it to Maeve. "Mr. Mcdaniel wants to talk to you."


    Maeve''s eyshes trembled slightly as she reached out to take the phone. Before she could speak, she heard the familiar cold voice on the other end. Jonathan said you wouldn''t sign it. "Yes." Maeve pursed her dry lips. "I don''t believe what he said. I need to hear it from you. Do you really want a divorce?"


    Yean. Yeah. "Why?" why?


    Byron''s tone was terrifyingly cold. "You''re so clueless. Maeve, how can you ask such a question? It''s only been a few days, and you''ve already forgotten what you''ve done?"


    A chill ran down Maeve''s spine. "Do you think I hurt Grandpa too? Do you not believe me?"


    That was not what he said the other day.


    "10 days in custody, and you still haven''t woken up?" Byron asked


    If there was no conclusive evidence, she wouldn''t still be in detention.


    Understanding the unspoken usation in his words, Maeve felt fear creeping into her heart. "I really didn''t do it. Byron, believe me-" she said.


    "Maeve, that''s


    at''s my grandfather. If you want me to believe you, then prove your innocence," Byron interrupted her coldly. "A vicious woman like you has no ce to be my wife "Sign the papers. Let''s end this on good terms."


    Holding back her heartbreak, Marve choked. "I won''t, I won''t confess to something I didn''t do. Why should I take the me?"


    She didn''t want to part


    to part on good terms with Byron.


    It wasn''t her fault. She didn''t understand why they would use her.


    She thought she shouldn''t be condemned without cause.


    Maeve hung up the phone and tore the divorce agreement in half in front of Jonathan. She then followed the police officer back to her cell.


    She skipped dinner and simply leaned against the wall as she tried to collect herself.


    Even her sorrow and desire to cry had to be suppressed for the sake of the child inside her. She couldn''t let her emotions


    affect them.


    All I her wishes for peace and well-being made under the New Year''s fireworks seemed meaningless now.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    It was no use.


    The next


    t day.


    Jonathan arrived with a fresh set of divorce papers


    Maeve expressionlessly tore it apart again,


    The same thing happened on the third day.


    On the fourth day, Jonathan did not return. She was then transferred to a shared cell. Surrounded by


    Those


    iron


    bars, the people inside looked like a group of beasts in a cage.


    who were locked up here were most likely people who had been used of crimes. Being new here, she became a target for bullying,


    Maeve suffered a lot.


    Her food was thrown to the floor, ps came unprovoked, and she was even sshed with cold water as she slept. Whenever Maeve was in trouble, others wouldugh and mock her misfortune.


    Maeve endured until she finally couldn''t take it anymore. She struck back, pping the woman who''d sshed her with waler.


    "Ah!" The woman stomped her feet. "What the hell are you doing?"


    The ringleader approached, ring at her. "Do you have a death wish?"


    You people better stop messing with me," Maeve said coldly.


    Thedy immediately reached out to shove her. "What did you say? Say that again."


    "I know someone''s put you up to this to make my time here miserable." Maeve''s eyes were calm. "Let me make one thing clear. I''m the wife of Byron Mcdaniel. Are you sure you can bear the consequences for messing with me?" Upon hearing this, thedy and her sidekicks burst intoughter. "Oh my god, she must be delusional! She''s already in this state, yet she still thinks she''s somedy of the Mcdaniel family"


    "If you''re really Byron Mcdaniel''s wife, get out of here then!"


    Despite the mockery, Maeve''s expression did not change. "You don''t have to believe me, but you''d better think carefully. Are you sure it''s worth it to offend me?"


    The people who wereughing at her hesitated.


    The leader gave Maeve a long look but eventually backed off. If Maeve was lying, they''d see it soon enough.


    But if she was telling the truth, no one wanted to risk angering the Mcdaniel family.