Chapter 9
At Gideon’s words, a spark lit Maeve’s eyes, and though she forced it, a smile tugged at her lips. “Hey, Gideon, I just recalled–there are some papers you need to sign for the upcoming conference.”
Gideon returned her smile, feeling a rush of relief. Finally, he thought. Things were beginning to fall neatly into place.
He believed he had calmed Maeve down. His grin broadened confidently.
“Alright then, bring them here. I’ll sign right away,” he said eagerly.
Maeve’s grin grew wider with excitement as she hurried upstairs to fetch the files. Seeing her enthusiasm lifted Gideon’s spirits.
Everything seemed flawless now; he had no cause for concern.
Just as he was about to dive into the
documents, his phone buzzed in his palm- it was Wren. A soft smile spread on his face. He needed to finish quickly so he could get back to her.
Without much thought, Gideon grabbed a pen and hastily began signing the documents Maeve handed him, his mind already drifting to his message.
Maeve stood silently nearby, watching him sign, a concealed smile playing on her lips. It was almost too effortless. She now held all the pieces she needed.
Once he signed the final paper, he tossed the pen aside.
“Done,” he said without looking up, eyes glued to his phone. “I’ll handle the rest later. Something urgent came up. I’ll be back soon,” he muttered.
Maeve replied softly, “Thank you, Gideon,” offering a warm smile.
Gideon glanced up briefly, his brow furrowing
as he caught the strange glint in her eyes. But he shrugged it off. Everything was fine
now.
He left in a hurry, the door slamming louder than necessary behind him.
Maeve stood there, smirking at the closed door. Silently, she thanked Wren for the perfect distraction. The final phase of her plan was complete. Everything was in motion.
The morning of Gideon’s mating ceremony with Wren arrived. Maeve watched as he dressed with a confident, almost cocky grin. Adjusting his tie before the mirror, he wore a self–satisfied expression.
Gideon felt that everything was aligning exactly as he’d intended. The conference would last a week, keeping Maeve out of his life for that entire time. By then, he thought, he could find the right words to calm her
down. It would be simple–he was certain.
“Hey,” he said, addressing her, “the conference starts today and lasts a week, so make sure you leave early. No delays.”
Maeve nodded slowly.
Gideon grinned, missing the chill in her eyes. “Good. I have urgent business to attend to, but I’ll call you later, alright?”
Maeve remained silent, watching him dress.
Just as he was about to leave, he paused and looked back at her, his expression softening.
“Look, Maeve… I know things have been rough lately. But you’ve stood by me for years. I appreciate you. I love you–really,” he said gently.
Maeve forced a faint smile and nodded. “Good luck, Gideon. Enjoy yourself,” she
replied deliberately withholding the words “I
EX
Gideon smiled back, oblivious to what he’d missed. Without another word, he walked out, leaving Maeve alone in the quiet house.
Maeve sat motionless for a moment, listening to his footsteps fade away.
She inhaled deeply and rose to her feet. Her bags were mostly packed–only a few items left, unnoticed by Gideon.
She glanced around the house one last time, then smiled quietly to herself.
Outside, a car waited. Maxwell had sent a driver to pick her up and take her to the very place where Gideon’s mating ceremony was to be held. Maxwell intended to meet her
there.
Gideon had invited several alphas to attend his ceremony.
It would be disrespectful for Alpha Maxwell and his Luna not to accept the invitation,
Chapter 10
Maeve chuckled softly to herself.
