The Heir's Secret Bride
Secret Bride 463

Warren, sa by the bed, peeling an apple with a relaxed smile on his face. His gentle, refined features and the way he looked at Wren were warm and affectionate, like a calm stream.

He looked so well-preserved, it was hard to guess his age. With his distinguished, gentlemanly vibe, everything he did felt effortless, like a breeze on a warm day.

"I know you're not really up for romance right now, and I'm not trying to pressure you," he said. "At our age, it might seem silly to bring it up, but my answer's the same as always. If you ever need me, I'll be here." Wren shook her head. "You're not getting any younger. I don't want you waiting around for me. There's no point."

"It's not waiting, though," Warren replied, his voice gentle. "My feelings for you haven't changed. I'll be here, no matter how long it takes, waiting for you to look my way."

"Warren, I'm not getting married again. Right now, I'm focused on protecting my kids. Romance just feels so far away, and I'm not set for it. I'm sorry."

Warren smiled, unfazed. "You might not be ready for me, anything else. Just being close to you is enough for me."

but you haven't let anyone else in either, right? I don't need

Wren sighed, not sure how to convince him to stop being so stubborn.

Just then, Maeve appeared at the door, and Wren's face lit up. "Maeve, you're here! Did you have lunch?"

"I had lunch with my uncle," Maeve explained, stepping inside. "I wanted to swing by before my class later." She nodded at Warren. "Mr. Richard, what a surprise to see you here."

"Ms. Reese," Warren smiled, his eyes warm. "I didn't realize you were Princess Wren's daughter. If I'd known earlier, maybe you two would've met sooner."

Wren squeezed Maeve's hand, beaming with happiness. "It's not too late. Finding Maeve was something I never even dared to hope for in the first half of my life."

They had been separated by a whole country, thousands of miles, and over 20 years. But in the end, fate had brought her daughter back.

Maeve felt so touched by the love in Wren's eyes that she couldn't help but lower her gaze,

feeling a

bit awkward.

She had never really had that kind of pure, unconditional parental love before. It was like being a kid again, unsure how to

react.

But Wren wasn't looking for a response. Just being here, having Maeve with her, was enough to make her happy.

Maeve didn't have much time, though. After a little while, she decided it was time to leave, taking with her the gifts-snacks, clothes, bags-that Wren had given her.

Wren had even gone so far as to make an online shopping account, even though she hadn't used modern technology like a phone in years, just to buy Maeve everything she needed.

Loren had told Wren about how tough things had been for Maeve, so even though she couldn't change the past, she wanted to give her the best future she could.

Qnce Maeve left, Wren sighed, clearly not wanting to part with her.

Warren, who had been quietly watching the whole interaction, smiled. "If you're going to miss her that much, why not just ask her to stay a bit longer?"

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Chapter 463

Wren smiled softly, her voice gentle. "She's grown up now. She has her own life to live. I'm just happy I get to see her sometimes."

Warren paused before speaking again. "Is it because of her biological father that you've kept her identity a secret?"

"Yes," Wren replied, looking down. "Loren has been judged for this for years. My mother and I just didn't want Maeve to have to deal with that kind of gossip.'

"Well," Warren said, sitting up straighter, "there's another option. His voice grew serious. "If you want, I could treat your children like my own. That way, I could help protect them from all that talk."

Wren understood what he meant and shook her head. "I couldn't ask you to do that."

"I mean it," Warren said, his tone earnest. "I've never let go of our engagement. I haven't remarried. Arthur is only my nephew. I care about you and your kids more than anything. I'll treat them like my own, no matter what." Warren gently took Wren's hand, his voice earnest. "Please, let me take care of you and them. Give me that chance."

Wren was moved, but she gently pulled her hand away and turned down his offer.

"Warren, I appreciate it, but I don't think it's necessary. You've got your life, and I've got mine. I think it's better if we keep things separate."

Warren's face lost color, and the smile that had been there quickly faded into something more resigned.

Meanwhile, at Trazir headquarters, when class ended that evening, Maeve stepped outside and noticed Zephyr standing not far off, like he was waiting for someone. Then it hit her-she hadn't returned his suit jacket yet. Maeve had been so caught up in everything lately that it completely slipped her mind. She wondered if he thought she was purposely ignoring it.

She hurried over and said, "Hey, sir."

Zephyr, who had been talking to his assistant, turned when he heard her and looked a little surprised. "Oh, it's you."

Maeve opened her mouth to apologize, but before she could, Zephyr said, "I'm glad you're alright."

She was confused. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I waited for you the other day at that spot for about an hour. Then I had to leave," Zephyr said, his voice serious. "When you didn't show up the next two days, I had someone check the cameras. When I saw you weren't there, I started to get worried something happened to you." 'That's a relief. He had assumed she might've gone off somewhere to hurt herself.

People's first impressions really stick, and that was how Maeve came across to Zephyr. Luckily, she never knew.

"Sorry for making you wait that day," she said, feeling bad. "I had some stuff at the hospital. Didn't mean to leave you hanging."

She hadn't expected him to be so kind, worried about her safety and not angry about being kept waiting.

Even though it was a small thing, waiting around often made frustration and stress worse, and it was hard to stay calm. But this guy was different.

Zephyr nodded, accepting her apology. "It's fine. No big deal."

"I didn't bring your jacket today. Can I drop it off tomorrow at noon?"

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Chapter 463

"Sure, that works."

@

"I'm really sorry," she said again.

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After Maeve left, Zephyr went back to talking to his assistant about work. But he noticed his assistant was looking at him with a bit of a judgmental expression. "What's that look for?" Zephyr asked.

"If a pretty girl talks to you first, you should make more of an effort to keep the conversation going and try to take it further," his assistant said, waving his wrist dramatically. "When are you going to get a girlfriend? Your parents are losing their minds by now."

It was clear he had been single for a reason.

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