Tamed by Love

"Abigail, Mr. Harrison, the guy I mentioned who wants a custom wedding dress, is here with his fiancée. They're checking out your designs right now. Go chat with them about what they need," Tania Collin said.

Abigail Peterson followed her manager, Tania, into the small conference room. There, she saw Edward Harrison flipping through her portfolio on the sofa.

Her heart felt constricted, making it difficult to breathe. Just last night, she and Edward had been entwined in each other's arms at the villa, and now he was here with his fiancée selecting a wedding dress.

Tania didn't notice Abigail's unusual reaction and led her to the couple. "Mr. Harrison, this is our designer, Abigail. You can discuss any ideas you have with her."

Edward was dressed in a black suit with a dark gray tie, looking every bit the refined and handsome gentleman. His gold-rimmed glasses added a touch of scholarly restraint.

Abigail stiffly extended her hand. "Hello, Mr. Harrison, I'm Abigail."

Edward's gaze darkened slightly as he glanced at her. Indifferently, he closed the portfolio, refrained from shaking her hand, and spoke in a distant tone. "Talk to my fiancée. As long as she likes it, it's fine."

The woman beside him, who was holding his arm and smiling, had a vaguely familiar look. She glanced at Abigail and said, "I heard this designer is new? I quite like her style. If our discussion goes well, let's go with her."

Edward's tone was gentle and indulgent. "Alright, whatever you say."

His indulgence and affection were evident, a stark contrast to his critical demeanor with Abigail. He was even avoiding any appearance of impropriety for his fiancée's sake.

Abigail forced herself to suppress the ache in her chest and politely extended her hand to the woman, maintaining her composure as they discussed ideas.

The woman was clearly a well-bred lady, with a gentle demeanor and elegant manners. Her long, thick hair was meticulously styled, and she exuded an air of refinement.

Such a person was indeed a match for Edward.

Despite her sadness, Abigail didn't forget her professional duties. She noted their requirements and provided a few preliminary ideas, scheduling a follow-up for a week later.

Edward's fiancée seemed satisfied and praised her with a smile. "Abigail is very talented. For some reason, I feel a connection with you. We even look a bit alike."

She handed Abigail a business card. "You're welcome to attend our wedding."

The name on the card was Yvette Bennett. Her gentle and cool demeanor seemed perfectly matched with Edward.

Abigail's body stiffened as she took the card. "If I have the chance, I'll definitely attend."

Edward avoided eye contact with Abigail throughout the meeting. As it concluded, he stood up, put his arm around Yvette, and exited the room.

Outside, colleagues were whispering. "No wonder Mr. Harrison has been single for so long. His fiancée is stunning."

"I heard Miss Bennett and Mr. Harrison grew up together. If she hadn't gone abroad, they would have married long ago. They say Miss Bennett is Mr. Harrison's first love. As soon as she came back, they got engaged and started picking out dresses. It seems real..."

The hand squeezing Abigail's heart tightened, making her vision blur with pain.

Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Abigail ran to the restroom and stared at her reflection in the mirror, finally understanding the familiarity.

Yvette was right; they did look somewhat alike, especially in their eyes and demeanor.

If she let her hair down like Yvette, the resemblance would be even stronger. Remembering how Edward always seemed displeased when she wore her hair up, a suspicion crept into Abigail's mind.

Had she been his stand-in for his first love all these seven years?

Abigail clutched her notebook, her knuckles turning white.

As the seven-year arrangement neared its end, Abigail had intended to seek closure from Edward, but it now appeared superfluous.

That evening, upon finishing work, she found Edward lounging on the sofa at the villa, legs crossed.

Seeing her return, he beckoned her over, his voice low. "Come here."

Abigail obediently approached to sit beside him, but he pulled her into his arms, releasing her hair to cascade like a waterfall.

Abigail instinctively resisted, pushing against his chest, but he lightly smacked her bottom. "Not behaving?"

His hand gripped her waist, moving down with a possessive intent, exploring her sensitive areas.

"Edward, the seven years are up. I'm no longer your lover." Abigail struggled to get up. "I came to say goodbye."

Edward's eyes darkened, and he suddenly bit her earlobe. "I didn't agree to end it, so you're still my lover."

He held her chin and kissed her forcefully, his tongue invading her mouth.

After seven years together, Edward knew all her sensitive spots. After all, she had transformed from an innocent girl into a woman because of him.

It didn't take long for her to melt under his touch, her breathing becoming ragged.

As the familiar heat entered her, she couldn't help but bite Edward's shoulder.

The atmosphere grew increasingly intimate, filled with the allure of impending passion. Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Abigail whispered in his ear, "Aren't you afraid your fiancée will find out?"

Edward's hand on her waist tightened, and he bit her neck with a punishing force.

The leather sofa soon bore the marks of their passion, stained with suggestive wet spots.

Edward was particularly relentless that night. While he typically respected her limits and ended things quickly, he chose to torment her throughout the night, disregarding her pleas for respite.

When it finally ended, she lay motionless on the sofa, incapacitated, her attire askew, and her skin marked with red welts.

Edward adjusted his suit, quickly transforming back into the refined and scholarly heir of the Harrison Group. "Quit your job as a designer tomorrow. We'll renew the arrangement. If you're unhappy with the terms, let me know. My engagement won't affect our relationship."

His tone was still imperious, as if certain she wouldn't refuse.

Abigail lowered her head, bitterness welling up inside her.

He had a true love, yet he wanted to keep her as his obedient lover.

Now that his first love was back, what was the point of her existence as a stand-in?

To be fair, Edward was a generous benefactor. Handsome and the billionaire heir of the Harrison Group, he was considerate in their intimate moments, devoid of any unusual desires, and attentive to her emotions.

Over time, Abigail had almost forgotten she was just his sugar baby.

As the end of their arrangement approached, she worked harder, hoping that her achievements might earn her a legitimate place by his side, not hidden away.

But now, Edward had shattered all her illusions.

Abigail said, "Let's not renew it. My mom wants me to get married."

Her voice was hoarse, tinged with a subtle plea and hesitation. "I'm twenty-five. I can't spend my life as your hidden lover."

Edward looked down at her, his tone indifferent. "Oh? Who are you marrying? Do you have someone in mind?"