Abigail was about to step into the function hall, satisfied that no more guests were arriving, when movement near the entrance caught her eye.
A young girl, no older than fifteen, was cornered by two boys her age. They circled her like predators, their mocking laughter carrying in the night air. The girl clutched a small purse to her chest, her shoulders hunched as if she could fold herself out of existence. Thick glasses slipped down her nose, and her wild, curly hair only gave the boys more ammunition.
“Look at her,” one jeered, tugging at a curl and letting it snap back. “She looks like she stuck her finger in a socket!”
The other snickered and pushed her lightly on the shoulder so she stumbled back. “Nerd. Did you borrow your grandmother’s glasses for tonight?”
The girl’s lips trembled, but she said nothing. Her fists clenched around her purse strap, knuckles white, as she stared at the ground.
Ab
“Wear my design?” Abigail whispered under her breath, her face paling.No one here knew that she was the mysterious designer behind the pseudonym Roselune. And certainly no one had told her that the final phase required each design to be worn like a fashion show. She had no model prepared—no time left to find one.The girl beside her noticed. “Are you alright?” she asked softly, adjusting her thick glasses. Her voice trembled at the sight of Abigail’s unease.Abigail turned to her, studying her closely—the frizzy curls, the awkward stance, the way her large glasses framed eyes that were far too beautiful to be hidden. Something about the girl struck her like a memory of her own younger self, bullied and overlooked.“I need to ask you a favor,” Abigail said suddenly, gripping the girl’s hand.“Me?” The girl’s eyes widened. “I don’t think—”
Abigail was about to step into the function hall, satisfied that no more guests were arriving, when movement near the entrance caught her eye.A young girl, no older than fifteen, was cornered by two boys her age. They circled her like predators, their mocking laughter carrying in the night air. The girl clutched a small purse to her chest, her shoulders hunched as if she could fold herself out of existence. Thick glasses slipped down her nose, and her wild, curly hair only gave the boys more ammunition.“Look at her,” one jeered, tugging at a curl and letting it snap back. “She looks like she stuck her finger in a socket!”The other snickered and pushed her lightly on the shoulder so she stumbled back. “Nerd. Did you borrow your grandmother’s glasses for tonight?”The girl’s lips trembled, but she said nothing. Her fists clenched around her purse strap, knuckles white, as she stared at the ground.Ab
“What are you all doing here?” Edward’s voice cut through the crowd as he entered with Roen at his side. Heads turned instantly, including those of several curious guests. His presence was undeniable—confident, magnetic—and in the sharp lines of his suit, he looked every bit the man who commanded attention.“You finally showed up,” Laylah exclaimed, her eyes blazing. “Look at you—so polished, so handsome—while your wife is left here greeting strangers. What on earth are you thinking, Edward? And making her Chloe’s secretary? Have you completely lost your mind?”“Laylah—” Abigail murmured, gently grasping her arm to calm her.Edward didn’t flinch. His expression remained composed, as though he had expected this confrontation the moment Laylah discovered Chloe was back.“No, don’t stop me,” Laylah snapped, shaking her head. “This man needs
“Ms. Parker, your designs and the overall concept of this gala are simply stunning. Clearly, a lot of thought went into it.”A journalist approached Chloe, who was busy greeting guests with effortless grace.The Ulrick Jewels Gala had drawn prominent businessmen, reporters, and socialites alike. Everyone was captivated by the shimmering displays, the evening resembling more an exhibition than a celebration.Every entry from the design competition, starting from the preliminary rounds, was presented for the guests. The ten finalist pieces, dazzling under the lights, commanded the center stage.“These designs prove, without a shadow of doubt, that Ulrick’s employees are truly top-notch,” the journalist added.Chloe offered a practiced smile, radiant yet measured.“I imagine tonight will be very interesting,” he said.“Of course. Please, look forward to it,” Chloe replied smoothly.
“Edward.”The soft murmur drew him from the haze of exhaustion. His head had been resting against the edge of her bed, his hand still clasped around hers. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep there, but after days of silence, of watching her from afar, it was the only way he could bear to stay close.Abigail blinked, disoriented at first, then saw him—her husband, head bowed beside her, fingers wrapped tightly around her own. A week had passed without seeing him. He hadn’t called, hadn’t asked about her health, hadn’t cared if she was eating. He’d vanished into his so-called business trip, leaving her to collapse before he finally came back.“Edward,” she whispered again, lifting her free hand toward his hair. But she froze when his eyes snapped open and met hers. For a heartbeat, they just stared, breath caught in the fragile silence between them.Then Edward straightened, withdrawing his hand as if he’d been caught.“What were you thinking?” His voice cracked with anger and fear. “Starvin
“So, she made it to the final round,” Edward murmured, eyes fixed on the report in his hands.The second phase of Ulrick Jewels’ design competition had ended, and the results were clear: Abigail had advanced. Out of dozens of contenders, only ten remained. At the Gala Night, their final creations would be revealed — and from them, two would be chosen to join the elite Ulrick Jewels design team.“Just like in the first round, Abigail’s design received an overwhelming number of votes,” Roen reported. He stood at a measured distance, watching as Edward silently studied the document. “It seems many people are drawn to her work.”Edward didn’t respond, his eyes scanning the page with unreadable focus.Roen, however, felt the unease rising in his chest. Why is Edward avoiding Abigail? For days, his boss had kept his distance, even lying to her — claiming a business trip. Roen had thought the couple was finally finding their footing, perhaps even softening toward each other. But now, Edward