at

tain an invisible distance between us. We share the same room and bed, but he has never tried to get closer. Instea

of the contract, and admitting that it's been a disappointment would confirm what she tried to warn me about. Additionally, my father is ill, so there

as passing through London and came to visit me. I was so happy with the new

u?" Abigail hugged me tightly

visit," I said, trying

one. She brought

cousin Evelyn. She was

mile, but something about

to meet yo

examining every detail of the pla

yn began to talk ab

Edward lived in Paris? It seems lik

confused, before tu

mentioned anyt

ith my answer as if she h

odel named Louise Orleans. He was invest in

s filled with questions, but before I cou

old me, you two got married through a contract, but for a sho

on my surprise at Evelyn's audacity to speak all that so... c

ussed in this manner, Evelyn," Abigail com

rcedly as if she were enj

s impolite; it was

above all, anger. How could she just bring up s

replied, forcing

yn had said. The truth hit me suddenly. Now, knowing th

about a romance in Paris. Feelings of sadness and indignation began to surface with

ith her Evelyn, the cause of my internal turmoi

kay?" Abigail asked,

l couldn't see me,

ay. Just a l

d during tea. I had no idea sh

g the mix of emo

I don't know why she did that

here to listen. And about Edward,

things up with Edward, to find out what he was hiding, and to decide what to

Orleans. It was painful to see so many pictures of them together, exuding love and romance. Evelyn might have been cruel, but she wasn't lying. Even the F

information was within reach of

't know how to face Edward after discovering all this. Questions flooded my mind. Was he just

A genuine smile lit up my face as I recognized t

n London?" he asked w

" I replied, allowing my

al intimacy, and his voice brought in

entirely focused on reviving the family business. I bet summer

business afloat, even if it doesn't seem like

avorite pub? A drink alwa