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
You’ve got some nerve showing up here!" Abigail’s father spat, his voice sharp with anger as he opened the door. Edward stood there, unflinching, his expression as cold and determined as ever. They had known he was coming—the sound of the helicopter slicing through the air had announced his arrival long before he stepped foot on their porch. They’d watched it land in the vacant lot nearby, the sight fueling their already simmering resentment. And why wouldn’t Edward come? Abigail was carrying his child, the heir to his empire. But any father would do whatever it took to protect his daughter, even from someone like Edward Ulrick."Where is Abigail?" Edward’s voice was low but firm, straight to the point."Why are you asking me that? You’re her husband," the older man shot back, his tone laced with mockery."This isn’t a game, and I’m not here to argue. I’ll ask you one more time—where is Abigail?" Edward’s gaze hardened, his voice rising just enough to make his point."And you’ve got t
"Sir!" Roen burst into Edward's office, his voice trembling with urgency. The young man stood there, chest heaving as if he had sprinted all the way. It was already late into the night, the kind of hour when silence blanketed the building, save for the distant hum of the air conditioner. Edward, still immersed in a pile of unfinished files, barely glanced up."Why are you in such a state? Did something happen?" Edward asked, his tone calm but with a hint of concern. His eyes flickered to Roen for a split second before returning to the document in his hand."Ah, by the way," Edward continued, his voice steady as he pushed through his exhaustion, "I sent Abigail home early. Could you call her and check if she's had dinner? I might be here longer than expected." He delivered the instructions almost absentmindedly, his focus unwavering on his work.But when Roen failed to respond, Edward's attention finally snapped to him. The younger man stood there, rooted to the spot, his face pale and