“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 em
