Morwenna couldn't help but notice the hint of jealousy in the question.
With a quick wit and a twinkle in her eye, she replied, "He's handsome, but not as handsome as you."
Stuart's mood visibly lightened. He stood closer to Morwenna, almost protectively. Even though they couldn't always show their affection openly, Stuart made sure he was the one closest to her, occasionally their shoulders brushing against each other.
As their relationship deepened, Stuart found himself wanting to keep Morwenna all to himself, wishing he could tuck her into his pocket and have her with him at all times. But Morwenna seemed busier than ever, hardly having time for Stuart, which only fueled his desire to have her by his side even more.
The room was buzzing with energy as Claude finished his song and took a spot on Morwenna's other side. The crowd was too caught up in the festivities to notice anything amiss. After all, the space in front of the little shop was limited, and it was normal for people to stand close together. But seeing Morwenna flanked by a handsome man on one side and what seemed like an angel on the other was enough to make anyone green with envy.
The crowd's attention drifted from the performance, and they began whispering among themselves.
"Can you believe Morwenna's luck? Her little shop's opening is as grand as a major company's launch."
"Don't be jealous. She knows the right people. Barclay spared no expense in getting Angel to perform, and Campbell even brought in Stuart, the business mogul."
"Talk about living large. I'm a woman just like Morwenna, no difference there. Maybe I should start hobnobbing with Barclay and Campbell."
"Please, as if that's all it takes. Ask yourself, would you rather cozy up to Morwenna or to yourself?"
"That's a no-brainer! Morwenna, of course. She's just so... soft and inviting!"
"Exactly my point."
Meanwhile, in the women's dormitory...
A girl burst into a room, disrupting the quiet.
"Maddie! Maddie!"
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