The Heir's Secret Bride

Chapter 346

Half an hour later, at First Hospital.

In the VIP room, Theo lay in a hospital bed, his cheeks flushed with fever. Only his right hand peeked out from

under the covers, connected to an IV drip. Will stood by, occasionally wiping Theo's sweat, concern etched on his

face.

"Mr. McDaniel, Mrs. McDaniel. Your son has a high fever due to a cold. As long as it breaks by tomorrow and

doesn't cback, there shouldn't be any major issues," the doctor said respectfully to Byron and Maeve.

"We're seeing a lot of children getting sick this tof year, so it's important to keep them warm and encourage

slight exercise."

Byron paused for a moment, choosing not to correct the doctor's misidentification.

"Thank you, doctor," Maeve replied gratefully. "I'll make sure to keep that in mind."

"Not at all," the doctor said before he and the nurse stepped out. Maeve turned to look at Theo, who was still

sound asleep, her brows furrowed in worry.

"The doctor said it's not serious. You don't need to worry so much," Byron said gently. "Aren't you going to inform

his mother?"

"I'll wait until he's feeling better. | don't want to worry her," Maeve replied, feeling drained and reluctant to think

about revealing the truth to Byron.

Byron's gaze lingered on her as if he were probing for something.

The VIP room usually had dedicated staff, so Maeve didn't have to worry much about Theo's care. She was just

concerned he might wake up feeling uncomfortable, so she often got up from the other bed to check on him.

On her third trip, Byron placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes serious. "Get ssleep. I'll keep an eye on

him, okay?"

Reluctantly, Maeve lay back down under his intense gaze. "I'm just a little restless. Besides, the nurses are here,

so he'll be fine. You should get srest, too."

"Why are you restless?" Byron asked, lowering his head slightly, his handsfeatures shifting in the dim light.

"You're making people misunderstand things." "Misunderstand what?"

"That this child is yours."

A moment of silence hung in the air. Maeve instinctively turned and hugged Will, who was sleeping next to her.

"You should get ssleep, too," she whispered.

In the past, Maeve had thought that it wouldn't matter if Byron didn't accept Theo. Theo was her son, and she

didn't need Byron's approval. But after tonight, her perspective had shifted. She realized that even without

knowing Theo was his biological son, Byron cared for him deeply, and perhaps she had misjudged Byron all

along.

This newfound understanding stirred a longing in her heart for their family to be whole. Just wait a little longer.

Once Theo gets better, | will tell him everything... with those thoughts swirling in her mind, Maeve finally

succumbed to sleep, holding Will close.

Byron gently tucked the blankets around both of them before returning his gaze to Theo's bed. "Theo is Jaylen's

son. | shouldn't care this much. But then again, Maeve is fond of this kid," he pondered.

Maeve woke to find Byron gone the next morning. Will, however, was already awake, using a damp washcloth to

wipe Theo's face.

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"Good morning, Mom! Will said sweetly. "The doctor cto check on Theo, and he's already feeling better. If

he's fine for another half-day, we can take him home. You can go wash up and grab sbreakfast; I've got this

covered." Maeve walked over and ruffled his hair. "You're such a good little helper. Did you sleep well last night?"

Will shook his head. "At first, | didn't, but | slept great after that." He had been comforted to wake up in his

mother's arms. There was something special about her warm embrace, different from his dad's solid and strong

hold. Maeve checked Theo's forehead, relieved to find he was no longer burning up. She headed to wash up.

When she returned, Theo was awake. "Mommy," he croaked, his usual lively voice now hoarse and raspy.

Maeve rushed over, pulling Theo into her arms and gently patting his back. "Is your throat sore? Does your head

hurt? How are you feeling?"

Theo melted against her, sounding pitiful. "Mommy, I've realized something."

""What is it?"

"My singing is poison," Theo replied weakly.

Maeve and Will nearly burst into laughter.

"While it's good you know your limits, that's not why you got sick. It was because you were running around in the

cold after sweating at the playground, not because of your singing," Maeve explained. Will chimed in, "Theo,

your singing isn't bad enough for that!"

Theo's eyes sparkled with hope. "Then I'll sing for you both once I'm better!"

"I think your singing is better left in memory."

"Will, you're not being honest." Theo pouted, retorting.

Will replied seriously, "Sometimes a white lie is a kindness."

"Givea few bucks, and | won't sing for you."

"Will I dollar work?" Will bargained. 'How can he think of pocket money even when he's sick?' he thought.

As Maeve listened to the playful banter, she couldn't help but chuckle. In the end, Will had to part with a dollar

for speace and quiet, while Theo used that 1 dollar to get Will to wipe his face.

‘That's my boy. Try and barter with his

brother, even when he isn't feeling well,' Maeve thought.

Will had clearly let Theo take advantage of him too many times and was learning to negotiate. They were like

two best buddies, one ready to fight and the other more than willing to take the punches. Meanwhile, Maeve,

being the mom, was happily sitting on the sidelines, enjoying the show.

As Will took a towel to the bathroom e show.

more careful next time

Theo snuggled closer to Maeve. "Mommy, am | making you worry? | promise to be

so you won't sad."

-Maeve's heart melted. She playfully swatted his bottom. "Just remember, you scared Mommy yesterday. And

you're not getting away without giving up your money."

As soon as Theo heard about his money, he jolted up in alarm and acted cute. "No way! I'll be good!"

"Nice tryd dol

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"Mommy!" That cute, hoarse cry reached Byron as he approached the hospital room, causing him to pause mid-

step. His gaze darkened as he entered, fixing his eyes on the scene.

Theo usually called Maeve by her first nbut there was one the called her "Mommy." Though Maeve had

explained that it was a cultural difference, Byron hadn't fully believed it. Now, he couldn't help but question

everything. 'What is the rel