Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle'-Chapter 327: You’d Better Keep Your Word

Logan had already investigated everything thoroughly—Angelica was supposed to be the girl who saved him four years ago. But for some reason, he couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t the same girl.

The one from back then had eyes that were bright and unwavering, eyes that shone like stars even when she was covered in blood.

For a brief moment, Logan lost focus.

...

That afternoon, the eleventh design competition finals were about to begin.

The media and reporters filed in, and the event was being broadcast live.

Because of Angelica’s popularity, her fans, casual viewers, and celebrity-watchers had all flooded the livestream.

The venue was buzzing with excitement. Selina found her seat, and the first thing she saw was a man at the judges’ table.

"Look at that man—what a body!"

"That’s the famous designer Rowan."

"Wow, that physique, those long legs, the broad shoulders and slim waist—he could easily be a star himself!"

"But why is he wearing a mask?"

Selina followed their gaze toward Rowan. "...?"

Wait a second—Rowan changed his mask?!

He was now wearing a silver mask adorned with delicate cloud patterns, sleek and stylish. It covered his eyes, revealing only his lips—thin, shapely, and the kind of lips that looked far too kissable.

Selina: "..."

Wait. Hold on. What am I thinking?!

There are plenty of ways to describe a man’s lips—why would her mind go straight to "kissable"? Was she losing it?

That was Rowan! The man who guided her into the world of design, someone she deeply admired and respected—how could she think of him that way?

Maybe he sensed her staring. Rowan calmly looked toward the contestants’ area.

A chill ran down Selina’s spine.

Around her, excited chatter broke out.

"Ah! Rowan looked at me!"

"Get real, he was clearly looking at me. Why else would he glance this way?"

"Maybe one of our designs really aligns with his taste?"

"I wish he’d take me on as his apprentice..."

Rowan only glanced briefly before looking away, but for some reason, Selina was certain he’d been looking at her.

Did he recognize me? she wondered, chewing her lip. Should I go say hi later—

"Selina, say hello to everyone watching the livestream!"

A shrill voice cut through her thoughts.

Selina narrowed her eyes.

Angelica had shown up with Rigel, trailed by reporters. They walked straight over to her.

Angelica smiled sweetly. "Right, Rigel, this is Selina—the one I mentioned, Star’s friend. It’s your first time meeting her, right?"

Instantly, cameras turned toward Selina.

Shock rippled through the audience, both at the venue and online.

Selina was friends with Star?

Star—the globally renowned prodigy in the fashion world? That Star?

All eyes were on Selina, a mix of envy and skepticism, until Rigel let out a cold laugh.

"A friend? Angelica, you said this Ms. Clark is a friend of my mentor’s?"

Rigel had already heard this nonsense. As far as he knew, there was no one named Selina in Star’s circle.

Rowan humiliated him because of this woman—now he was going to make her pay for it.

With a smug, condescending look, Rigel scoffed, "That’s ridiculous. I’ve been by my teacher’s side for years, and I’ve never seen you before. Selina, tell me—how exactly are you Star’s ’friend’?"

The entire hall fell silent.

All eyes flicked between Rigel and Selina.

Rigel was Star’s student. And he just said he’d never seen Selina before?

Angelica let out a smug smile. What an idiot—lying without even rehearsing first.

But this was all part of the plan. She and Rigel had intentionally brought the reporters over, just to expose Selina’s lie about being friends with Star.

She’d said it before—today, Selina was going down.

Selina immediately saw through their intentions and lifted her gaze coldly.

Angelica bit her lip gently, feigning concern. "Mr. Rigel, what are you saying? Selina must be Star’s friend. She wouldn’t lie to me."

Rigel sneered. "Angelica, you’re just too naive. Sorry, but I know all of my mentor’s friends, and I’ve never heard the name Selina. Please. Now any random nobody thinks they can associate themselves with my teacher?"

A woman standing beside Angelica glanced around dramatically. "Wait—Selina’s not actually Star’s friend? Oh my god. How dare she!"

"She’s really that shameless? Using Star’s name for clout? Is nothing off-limits for this woman?"

"Mr. Rigel, we can’t stand it anymore. You should put her in her place!"

Rigel looked at Selina with utter contempt. "Anyone who dares use my mentor’s name like this—I’ll personally sue you on Star’s behalf when the competition’s over."

"People like you don’t deserve a place in the design industry."

Selina’s lips curled into a slow, deliberate smile. "So... using Star’s name without permission means they should be kicked out of the industry, right?"

Rigel snorted, self-righteous. "Exactly. Or are you here to beg for mercy?"

The room went silent for two seconds.

"No," Selina said brightly, the smile never leaving her face. "Actually, I think that’s a great rule."

"I hope you’ll hold yourself to that standard, Mr. Rigel."

And get ready to be kicked out.

...

Rigel stormed off, furious. Angelica and the reporters put on a show of concern, then left with rehearsed helplessness.

The other contestants stepped a little farther away from Selina, their expressions mocking.

Pretending to be Star’s friend and still daring to show up here? Some people were just shameless.

But none of the rumors or whispers seemed to faze Selina. She just adjusted her posture in the chair, looking comfortable as she waited for the judging to begin.

Meanwhile, over at the judges’ table—

Rigel approached obsequiously. "Mr. Rowan, here’s the contestant list."

Logan skimmed the page casually. "Selina’s the last one?"

Being first or last was usually a disadvantage.

Rigel sneered, full of disdain. "She’s just a fraud who relies on hype. Honestly, putting her last is still giving her too much credit—especially since she’s following Angelica."

Logan suppressed the irony in his eyes.

Soon, the results for the first eight contestants were announced, leaving the group noticeably discouraged.

In the contestants’ area, hushed voices murmured: freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

"These judges are tough this year..."

"Well, Rowan’s here. He’s known for being strict."

Luke leaned over and whispered, "Selina, are you nervous?"

Selina was about to shrug it off—until a loud, mocking voice cut in.

"The only people who get nervous are losers. Our Angelica’s calm as ever. Of course, the championship’s already in her pocket!"

Selina narrowed her eyes toward the source.

The speaker was a woman in her fifties, likely some distant Morris Family relative—one of Joe’s cousins, maybe—clearly trying to cozy up to Angelica now that the ’Morris Family heiress’ had returned.

Angelica gave a helpless smile. "Selina, this is my aunt. I’m sorry, she’s just blunt by nature. Don’t mind what she says. It’s almost time for my presentation, so I’ll be heading up now."

A moment later, Angelica’s work was revealed on the big screen.

The audience gasped in shock.