"Edward!" called out a young woman wearing a deep burgundy dress, featuring a fitted, mermaid-style. Abigail, upon hearing the familiar voice, turned her head towards it. She couldn't help but be amazed by the woman's stunning beauty.
"Celes," Edward greeted the young woman warmly, recognizing her immediately. Abigail knew who had arrived. Celes was the famous actress rumored to be Edward's girlfriend."I'm glad you made it," Edward said after giving Celes a light kiss on the cheek."Of course, you invited me. And it's work. I'll be delighted to wear your new jewelry collection," she replied with a charming smile. Edward returned her smile."Roen, please escort her to her dressing room. And inform the team to start the show," Edward instructed.Aside from celebrating their company's anniversary, Edward took this opportunity to showcase the new Ulrick Jewels collection, followed by announcing the design competition for the next collection. As CelesAbigail stood still, her breath shallow, her heart thudding so loudly she could barely hear anything else. Edward’s words echoed in her mind—“my wife”—but instead of comfort, they brought a strange mix of warmth and fear. He had defended her. Chosen her. But now all eyes were on her, and she felt like she was standing under a spotlight she never asked for.Chloe, on the other hand, looked like someone who had just been slapped by a truth she didn’t see coming.Her arms slowly dropped to her sides. “You’re serious,” she said, almost to herself. Her voice had lost its edge. “You really married her.”Edward didn’t answer. He didn’t need to.Chloe’s gaze drifted back to Abigail, and this time, there was no mockery in her eyes—just disbelief. And something else. Something that looked a lot like loss.“When?” she asked quietly. “When did t
“Eddie!” a cheerful voice rang out from the living room of Edward’s family mansion.Edward and Abigail had just come down the stairs after one of the housemaids knocked on their door, saying Bernard wanted to see them—there was a guest waiting.Edward had hesitated to bring Abigail along. She looked tired, and he wanted her to rest. But she insisted. The last thing she wanted was for Edward’s father to think she was just lounging around in their room, avoiding everyone. She knew she wasn’t exactly welcome in this house—especially not by Edward’s brother or James.But the moment they stepped into the living room, everything shifted.A young woman, radiant and confident, rushed toward Edward with a wide, beaming smile. Without a second thought, she threw her arms around him in a tight embrace, completely ignoring everyone else in the room.Abigail, walking just behind Edward, instinctiv
Edward stepped quietly into Abigail’s room, the soft creak of the door barely audible. She was still asleep, just as he’d hoped. He had left her earlier to rest and recover from the fever that had left her weak and burning up. Seeing her now—peaceful, breathing steadily, her back turned to the door—brought a quiet smile to his lips.He moved closer, careful not to make a sound, and circled around the bed until he could see her face. She looked so serene, her features relaxed, her lashes casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. He sat down gently on the edge of the bed, eyes fixed on her.She’s finally resting… after everything. The thought echoed in his mind, soft and full of something he hadn’t dared name until now.He watched her, and something inside him stirred. It wasn’t just concern. It wasn’t just responsibility. Somewhere along the way—without warning, without permission—he had fa
Morning light filtered softly through the curtains.Abigail stirred, her lashes fluttering open as she slowly became aware of the warmth wrapped around her. Strong arms. A steady heartbeat. She blinked, tilting her head up—and froze.Edward was asleep beside her, his arms still securely around her. And to her surprise, she was holding him too.Her breath caught.She stared at his face, peaceful in sleep, and memories from the night before came rushing back. The fever. The tears. His voice telling her he wouldn’t leave. The way he held her like she mattered.Her heart ached.She remembered the island—how he came for her, like some knight out of a story. But she wasn’t a princess. Her parents had made sure she knew that. To them, she was a curse. A mistake.And yet… here he was. Holding her like she was something precious.She was getting used to this—waking up and finding him there. The quiet comfort of his presence. The way he made her feel safe, even when she didn’t want to admit it.
“Why did you bring her here?” Guiller’s voice cut through the silence as Edward descended from the second floor of the Ulrick mansion. The moment they returned from the island, Edward had taken his wife straight home—something he’d never done before. So naturally, Guiller and James were stunned to see the girl standing in their foyer.Bernard said nothing. He knew better than to question Edward’s decisions.“This is my house too,” Edward said coolly, not even glancing at them. “I think I have every right to bring home whoever I want. Especially my wife.”Guiller scoffed. “Wife? You’re really going to stand by that? That girl—she’s nothing. She’s cursed, Edward. You want to drag yourself into misery because of—”He didn’t get to finish. Edward’s sharp glare shut him up instantly.“I’d appreciate it if you stopped talking about my wife like that,” Edward said, his voice low but firm. “Or have you forgotten? She’s your sister-in-law now.”Guiller clenched his fists, jaw tight with frustr
"We’re leaving," Edward said, his voice low but steady as he reached for her hand. He gently helped her up, his touch both protective and tender. Abigail didn’t resist—she didn’t want to. Deep down, she’d been waiting for this moment. To walk away. To choose him.Because after everything… what was left to stay for?Whatever fragile hope she’d clung to—that her parents might one day see her, accept her, love her—crumbled the moment they turned their backs on her. Again."You’re not going anywhere," her father snapped, his voice echoing through the warehouse like a threat.Edward didn’t flinch. He turned, eyes sharp as blades, and stared the man down. No words. Just a look that said everything."Come on," he said softly to Abigail, wrapping an arm around her as they started toward the exit.But she barely made it a step before her knees buckled. Her legs felt like jelly, her strength drained by the weight of everything—grief, anger, heartbreak.She gasped, stumbling.Edward caught her i