Chapter 3 How Can You Judge a Book by Its Cover?

Edward and Yvette were there too?

Abigail instinctively wanted to avoid them, but Stuart put his arm around her shoulder and walked over. "Edward, Yvette, you're early."

Edward looked their way, seemingly at Stuart, but Abigail knew he was really looking at her.

Seeing them, Yvette was surprised and said, "Stuart, you know Miss Peterson? What a coincidence."

She then teased, "Miss Peterson, so you're the girl Stuart has been thinking about."

So, Stuart was Edward's fiancée's cousin.

Abigail clenched her fists, feeling Edward's cold gaze on her, sending a chill through her body.

But she forced herself to greet them, "What a coincidence."

Stuart looked surprised. "Abigail, you know each other?"

Abigail tried to stay calm. "Yeah, they ordered their wedding dress from me. They're my clients."

"Really? Edward is usually so picky. If he chose you, Abigail, you must be very talented." Stuart, oblivious to the tension, briefly glanced at Abigail before smiling at Yvette. "Abigail was my junior in school. Who knows what the future holds."

He winked at Abigail, hinting for her to play along.

Edward's expression darkened, and his knuckles slowly tightened.

Yvette covered her mouth in surprise. "You haven't won over Miss Peterson yet?"

She then turned to Abigail and smiled meaningfully. "Miss Peterson, you should think about it. Stuart is a wonderful man, but if he ever upsets you, let me know. I’ll take care of it."

Her words left Abigail feeling slightly awkward. She replied politely, "Ms. Bennett, please don’t joke about such things."

Yvette then said, "I’m serious. We really want you and Stuart to be together. What do you think, Edward?"

Edward, who had been silent, suddenly spoke with a mocking smile, "Maybe Miss Peterson has seen too much and doesn't like Stuart's type."

His words were sharp, making Stuart frown. "Edward, what do you mean by that?"

Edward curled his lips as he looked at Abigail, his eyes full of ridicule, making her feel cold inside.

What was he planning? To reveal that she had once been his kept woman?

What would Stuart think of her then? And if her mother found out...

Abigail's palms were sweaty, and she bit her lip, trying to stay calm, though her heart was pounding.

He seemed to sense her nervousness and said casually, "Oh, nothing. Just thinking that beautiful women are always hard to chase."

Abigail felt a slight relief, but her back was already drenched in cold sweat.

Stuart didn't take it seriously, thinking Edward was just joking. "But you shouldn't judge people by their looks."

Edward didn't respond, just smiled faintly.

Though they were relatives, they each had their own social circles to attend to, so after a few more pleasantries, they parted ways.

Once Edward and Yvette left, Abigail finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She had thought attending a party wouldn't be a big deal, but now she just wanted to escape.

But she had promised Stuart, so she couldn't leave halfway...

Stuart, worried he might have done something wrong, guided her to a seat and offered her some snacks. But even after she sat down, she seemed distracted. Concerned, he asked, "Abigail, are you okay? You seem a bit off."

Abigail snapped back to reality, distracted. "Maybe I'm just tired today."

Stuart pursed his lips. "Did I say something wrong?"

Abigail was taken aback. "Didn't you ask me to cover for you?"

Stuart looked down, then spoke seriously, "Yeah, I did. I think your mom wants you to get married soon too. If you're up for it, we can help each other out."

He added, "But no pressure. If you're not into it, just let me know."

Abigail hadn't expected this turn of events and was momentarily speechless.

As Yvette said before, Stuart was a great guy—good looks, personality, and family background. If they pretended to be together, her mom wouldn't worry about her future.

But he was Yvette's cousin. How could she face Edward afterward?

She unconsciously clenched her fists. "Sorry, Stuart, can I think about it first?"

Stuart seemed to have anticipated her response. "Of course. We're in this together."

He quickly changed the subject, chatting casually with Abigail about interesting things abroad.

As the party reached its midpoint, Abigail felt a bit tipsy and got up to touch up her makeup in the restroom.

But when she came out, she smelled a familiar scent of tobacco.

She glanced up, saw the man, and quickly looked away, pretending not to recognize him.

Edward, however, didn't let her go. The strong scent of tobacco overwhelmed her as she frowned and struggled. "So, you've already found a new target, huh? Stuart? Seriously? You think you can land someone like him?"

Abigail didn't want to argue, so she said, " Excuse me, Mr. Harrison, Stuart is waiting for me."

She thought it would make Edward back off, but she didn't realize the eyes she once loved were now filled with a raging storm.

Even as she was shoved into a room, she didn't dare scream, terrified of being found out.

She tried to push Edward away, but he held her tighter.

"Good pick. Stuart's quite accomplished. Being the sole son of the Marshall family, he can easily afford to pamper someone like you."

Edward's breath, tinged with alcohol, pressed Abigail against the stall, locking the door behind him. "But can a boring guy like him really satisfy you, Abigail?"

His lips brushed her ear, and then a sharp pain stung her earlobe.

Abigail's breathing quickened. "Are you crazy?"

"You're really something. Have you two kissed? Or..." His gaze dropped, lingering on Abigail's lips and chest, then her waist.

She said, "Let go of me!"

Abigail trembled, trying to break free, but Edward's actions became more brazen. He cupped her jaw and kissed her, his other hand skillfully caressing her back.

Edward retorted, "Abigail, our bond was never within your control."

Abigail bit her lip hard, tasting blood. "Bastard! Aren't you afraid your fiancée will find out?"

Edward chuckled, deepening the kiss. "Jealous?"

Abigail's chest heaved with anger and humiliation.

He was about to get engaged, yet he still wanted to keep her like a pet? How shameless!

She wanted to slap him and leave, but just then, footsteps approached outside.

Stuart said, "Yvette, Abigail went to touch up her makeup and hasn't come back. Can you check if she's okay?"