Chapter 53: For the Sake of Dignity

Sean wondered how much of Abigail's story was true, but she was already by the door. "Why don't you check if the coast is clear? I should leave sooner or later." She stepped away from the door.

Since she insisted, Sean said nothing. He went to the entrance, opened the door, and checked the hallway. Several people—Joan's sycophants—stood nearby. Terrified of angering Sean, they scurried back to their rooms.

Joan emerged from behind them, attempting to downplay the situation. "You're still awake? I just used their bathroom, that's all."

Sean remained silent, and Joan returned to her room. Once the hallway was clear, Sean motioned for Abigail to leave.

As Abigail passed him, she said coolly, "We'll be divorced sooner or later, Mr. Graham, and then you'll have nothing to worry about."

Sean started to respond, but Abigail had already left and closed the door.

Sean stared at the door, noticing her faint scent—not shampoo or hair wash, but her natural body scent. Like her, it was ethereal and elusive. Frustrated, he went to the bathroom.

Back in her room, Abigail closed the door and leaned against it, sighing. "Once I get back, I'm telling Grandma everything. This marriage is over. There's no trust between us. Forcing this bond only creates hatred and resentment."

The next morning, Abigail was preparing to give Luna the competition drafts after washing up. During the count, she realized one was missing. She searched everywhere but couldn't find it. Could it be in Sean's room?

A knock came at the door. Abigail opened it to find Luna, dressed for the day. She looked stunning and raised an eyebrow. "Let's get breakfast. Afterward, we'll check out the day's theme."

"I'm missing a draft. Check your room," Abigail said.

Luna replied, "No way. I don't have anything. You had seven drafts last night—the seven themes for the competition. You triple-checked them and took them away."

Abigail scratched her head, remembering being shocked by Sean the previous night. The shock had caused her to drop the drafts. In her distress, she'd hastily gathered them and gone to the bathroom. Did I leave one in his room?

Abigail glanced subconsciously at Sean's room. What excuse could I use to search his room? We might have ended on cordial terms last night, but who am I kidding? Our relationship is frozen solid.

She frowned, frustrated.

Luna leaned closer. "You seem troubled. Where did you lose it? Don't tell me it's somewhere you shouldn't be. It would damage our reputation."

Abigail took Luna into her room, confiding in her about the previous night's events.

Luna gasped. "God damn. If you search for it now, he'll think you did it on purpose. Maybe."

Maybe? He'll definitely think I did it on purpose.

Luna paced. "We should tell the hotel's person in charge and get a key to sneak into his room."

Abigail was speechless. "You know what's worse than no ideas? Your idea."

I can just tell him I want my stuff back. I'm not going to 'steal' what's already mine.

Luna sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling. "Have you noticed? Whenever you run into him, something unfortunate happens."