Abigail’s Second Life (Abigail Quinn)

Chapter 782 Pretend to Be Together

If she were indifferent, Sean wouldn't have minded. She was vibrant, ambitious, and compassionate. An unjust marriage would only bring her anguish, resentment, and tears.

"But you will—"

"You don't know what we've been through. I… I may never forget her in this lifetime," Sean interrupted.

Irene's eyes welled up and glistened with tears. "Do I not stand a chance at all?"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have given you false hope," Sean said gently.

He almost made another mistake, nearly leading himself into a dead end.

Irene sniffled upon hearing that. "I feel quite pathetic to be rejected by a handsome man so swiftly."

"Don't blame yourself. Everyone must believe in their own worth." Sean reclined in his chair, feeling a bit more at ease now.

He even questioned if he truly understood love.

Why am I being so obstinate?

"May I make an unreasonable request?" Irene spoke softly.

"Go ahead." Sean inclined his head.

Irene moistened her lips before muttering, "Could you give me three months? Let's pretend to be a couple for that time, and I will reimburse you for everything you've bought for me. After three months, I will have saved up enough to renovate my home, so I won't fear my father taking my money."

Sean furrowed his brows. "If you don't like the bag I purchased for you today, you can return it and ask for a refund. If he tries to take your money, you can get it back."

"That's yours. I can't accept gifts lightly," Irene stated with dignity. "Since I've asked for your help, I can't take your belongings anymore."

"Has anyone ever told you that being too prideful can sometimes be a disadvantage? In times of crisis, don't prioritize your pride; money is the most valuable asset," Sean remarked calmly. NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

Irene placed her hands on the table, looking at him disapprovingly. "You're talking nonsense. Do you realize that?"

Sean raised an eyebrow, quite open to hearing her perspective.

"Sometimes, it's during the toughest times that a person's virtues shine the brightest. I'm not at a point where I must accept your generosity. Your kindness may comfort me, but it could also bring me trouble," Irene explained earnestly.

"I'm just a person of modest means. I've never had much money. I lack a solid financial plan. If I receive a large sum suddenly, I fear I may change."

Irene's words caught Sean off guard.

Her use of the term 'change' was quite intriguing.

"Fair enough," he replied softly.

"So… shall we pretend to be in a relationship for now?" Irene inquired further.

Sean pondered for a moment. If it could alleviate Colby's condition slightly, he was willing to feign a relationship, only to later admit it wasn't working out.

"Alright, then." He agreed to her proposal. "After three months, regardless of your circumstances, I will inform my family that we are incompatible."

"Deal!" Irene beamed.

Sean summoned Kevin and then took his leave.

…

Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, a month had gone by.

Sage was able to move around.

The Simpson Family members who had been on missions began to return.

Abigail sensed a growing tension within the castle, especially after Simond's eldest brother, Samuel, came back. He would linger near the kitchen door, smoking a cigar and casting malevolent glances at Abigail.

At noon, as Abigail cooked, Samuel leaned against the door, observing her.

He continued to puff on his cigar loudly.

Abigail seethed with anger but had to endure his gaze, which led to her burning her hands and developing blisters.

"Hey, little girl!" Samuel called out.

Abigail adjusted her expression and looked at him calmly. "What's going on?"

"I heard Sean Graham spent 400 million on you, and you returned with Simond? You're quite valuable," Samuel commented nosily.

Although they were not short of money, 400 million in cash was indeed a large sum.

No one would care about assets worth 400 million. But that sum of money was spent just like that by Sean.

"Thank you for the compliment," Abigail said humbly.

Samuel was a little annoyed, and he muttered, "When did I compliment you?"

"I didn't return with him. My friend and child are still in his hands," Abigail said calmly.

Samuel grunted. "So, you're not interested in him?"

Abigail put down the spatula and asked Samuel, "What are you trying to say?"

"If you're not interested, be with me instead. I heard you and Sean aren't married yet." Samuel took a step forward.

"She has her own business here, and you're just hanging around here every day?!" Simond's voice rang out behind him.

Samuel turned around, exhaling the smoke from his mouth onto Simond's face. "What's it to you? Mind your own business!"

"Sage is able to walk now, and it won't be long. I'm in charge here, so if you cause trouble now, don't blame me for taking action against you!" Simond said coldly, not a hint of emotion in his voice.

Samuel's expression twisted for a moment. He glared at his brother darkly, took a puff of his cigar, and left.

As for Abigail, she really wanted to go back.

Every day here is filled with fear and anxiety.