Chapter 13: We're Not the Same

Unprecedentedly, Sean didn't become intimate with Abigail that night. Until 3:00 AM, he couldn't figure out why she had changed. She'd been using the pseudonym "Alana" for three years to take orders. It didn't make sense for her to change her behavior just because of work. No matter how hard he thought, her change seemed to have started when she began working outside after Joan's appearance.

Wait. Was she jealous because of Joan?

Suddenly, he understood. He turned to look at her peaceful sleeping face and drew closer. Abigail felt herself gently pulled into his embrace. Instead of resisting, she yielded.

The next morning, she found Sean having breakfast with Analise, who had a gentle demeanor, as if nothing had happened the previous night. Abigail sat down and Analise served her soup with a smile. "Thank you, Grandma."

"I'm relieved to see you two are fine. I've bought a ticket home, and Julie will take me. You can rest assured," Analise said, looking at Abigail with loving eyes.

Abigail's smile faded at her grandmother's words, a sense of reluctance enveloping her. After a while, she replied softly, "Okay."

"Get along well with Sean. Don't spend all your time on work. You need to take care of the family as well. Remember, men's work centers around the outside, while women's work centers around the home," Analise instructed calmly.

"I know," Abigail murmured, her throat tightening. After Grandma returns home, I will once again be alone in this city, with no relatives by my side.

Sean sensed her hidden reluctance beneath her calm exterior.

"Sean, Abigail has a bad temper. She's stubborn and doesn't like to talk about what's bothering her. If something upsets you, try to make amends, communicate openly, and don't resort to the silent treatment, okay?" Analise patted his hand, her tone affectionate.

Abigail understood Analise's behavior. The Graham family was wealthy and powerful, and she, a child raised by a rural woman, felt marrying into the family was an unexpected twist of fate. Analise felt a deep sense of inferiority, believing Abigail had reached for the stars by marrying Sean.

In fact, Abigail used to feel the same way, which contributed to her insecurity, even in her love for Sean.

"She doesn't have a bad temper. She's been good to me for the past three years," Sean said gently to Analise. Regarding her departure, he felt no strong emotions. He didn't share Abigail's reluctance, so his tone remained casual.

Listening carefully, Abigail felt he genuinely lacked feeling for her and her grandmother, explaining their indifferent parting.

After breakfast, they went out. In the elevator, he said, "It's not what you think between me and Joan. There's no need to be jealous."

She responded sarcastically, "Rest assured, I won't."

This puzzled him. "If you're not jealous, why are you behaving this way? Your attitude toward me has worsened lately."

"Sean, does my work make you uncomfortable? Do you have to go to such lengths to deal with everything around me?" she asked calmly.

"It's not your work; it's because I think Anthony has ulterior motives," he replied. "He asks you out at night every time. I don't understand why they can't discuss work during the day."

"Do you think everyone is like you? Not everyone needs to hide having a wife while keeping another woman," she sneered.

He was about to speak when the elevator stopped and someone entered. They fell silent.

The new passenger kept glancing at Sean. Uncomfortable, he responded with an indifferent gaze. "What are you looking at?"

"Um… Are you Sean Graham? The one who's a couple with Miss Quinn on Top Designer?" she asked.

Abigail felt embarrassed that so many people watched the show.

"You've got the wrong person," Sean said indifferently, then took Abigail's wrist. She didn't resist, moving closer.

After observing them, the girl smiled. "You are him, and she's Miss Quinn. You're even better-looking in real life! I ship you guys! You live together!"

Abigail thought, This girl sure talks a lot.

With a stern face, Sean held her. "We're not living together."

"I know. I won't spread it. I don't want Joan's fans to come looking for trouble with Miss Quinn," the girl whispered.

Abigail wished Sean hadn't explained anything.

As the elevator descended, the girl glanced at their intertwined hands, then quickly looked away with a mischievous smile.

When the elevator doors opened, Abigail felt relieved. Only after Sean pulled her into their car did she snap out of her thoughts. She subconsciously furrowed her brow, realizing she was still playing the role of a good wife, maintaining his image for others.