Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 326

Chapter 326: An Overwhelming Sense of Familiarity
It was true—Selina’s entire design process had gone surprisingly smoothly, almost unbelievably so.

She had access to every material she needed, as if she really were just an ordinary contestant. It was as though Angelica hadn’t instructed anyone to make things difficult for her.

But was that even possible?

Selina’s expression was lazy and indifferent. “Angelica, do you need something? If not, move. You’re in the way.”

Angelica forced a helpless smile. “I was hoping we could talk… but never mind. Go ahead and eat.”

Selina turned and walked off without a second glance.

Someone by Angelica’s side frowned. “Angelica, you’re way too patient. That attitude Selina has is just… ugh.”

Angelica replied with false gentleness, “Maybe she’s just upset about her work not turning out well. Let’s not bother her.”

But as she watched Selina walk away, Angelica couldn’t stop the venomous smile that tugged at her lips.

Selina’s last seven days had gone smoothly? Of course they had.

Because she’d planned it that way.

She wanted Selina to finish her design without a hitch—only to have it all ripped away at the final reveal. The more effort Selina put in, the more devastating her downfall would be.

Reporters crowded the venue. Selina finally managed to push her way into the restaurant and find the private room Logan had reserved.

Right before she entered, she overheard a few reporters chatting.

“Rowan showed up too.”

“Think we’ll get a chance to interview him?”

“I heard Rowan’s pretty young, but he wears a mask all the time. Maybe he’s so ugly he can’t show his face?”

“Probably. I heard he was disfigured when he was young. Such a shame…”

“And that mask of his is hideous—like, horror-movie ugly. Do you think he’s got some kind of mental issue or something?”

“Shhh! Don’t say that out loud! What if Rowan hears you? Okay, yeah, the mask is kinda terrifying, but maybe it’s just for the mystery vibe, you know?”

Selina, overcome with curiosity, couldn’t help but glance at one of their phones.

The screen showed a candid photo.

The man was tall, lean yet powerful, with broad shoulders and long legs—he had an effortlessly commanding presence. He wore a black dress shirt, and beneath it, she could make out the faint lines of defined chest muscles.

If you ignored the face, this man was basically every woman’s dream guy.

But on his face… was a grotesque, monstrous mask—like something out of a horror flick.

Selina: “…”

Uh… what?

She was stunned.

And confused.

Just judging by his physique, she nearly thought it was Logan.

She had always imagined Rowan to be nearly forty, never expected him to be built like that—on par with Logan.

But that mask… Even if he’d been disfigured, most people would choose something sleek, understated. Yet Rowan wore a heavy, ugly thing that looked like it belonged in a haunted house.

Wasn’t he one of the most famous designers in the world? What kind of taste was this? Or… was this the latest high-fashion trend, and she’d just fallen out of touch with the design world?

Selina’s eyes narrowed as an idea sparked in her mind.

She shut the door and sat next to Logan.

“I remember… you’re friends with Rowan, right?”

Logan’s fingers paused. “Why?”

Selina’s eyes sparkled. “Is he one of the judges?”

Logan said calmly, “Mrs. Reid, Rowan would never abuse his position.”

Selina scoffed. “I’m Star. You think I need special treatment? I’m just curious, okay?”

“Curious about what?”

“Why Rowan wears a mask. And why he won’t meet with me.”

Selina had figured it out. The reason she hadn’t found Rowan last time was because he’d been avoiding her.

She hadn’t known why back then. But after overhearing those rumors, it suddenly clicked.

“Could he really be disfigured like people say? Is that why he avoids everyone and wears a mask all the time?”

Logan, who had been calm and composed, suddenly started coughing after hearing that.

Selina jumped. “Are you okay?!”

Logan’s expression turned… complicated. “…You think Rowan’s disfigured too?”

Selina shook her head. “I don’t care what he looks like—I admire his talent. But if that’s the reason he won’t meet me… then maybe I was a little out of line?”

She started to worry that her earlier behavior had unintentionally hurt the self-esteem of someone who might be living with facial disfigurement.

The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she became. “I kept pestering Senior Rowan to meet in person… I just wanted to see what he looked like… Do you think he’s mad?”

But she swore—cross her heart—that she only wanted to meet Rowan to thank him.

When she had been at her lowest, it was Rowan who encouraged her, who helped her find her way back. Her admiration and respect for him had nothing to do with his appearance.

Logan: “…He’s not disfigured.”

Selina’s voice was heavy with emotion. “I know Rowan doesn’t want anyone to know. But you don’t need to hide it from me.”

“Do you think I should ask Uncle King if he has a way to help people with facial injuries?”

“No—no, forget it. If I bring it up out of the blue, Rowan might think I’m invading his privacy. He’d be upset.”

“Oh god… but I can’t just do nothing either… Logan! Why are you laughing?! Rowan’s your good friend, how can you laugh at a time like this!”

Logan honestly hadn’t expected Mrs. Reid’s imagination to run quite this wild.

Yes, he was wearing a mask to the design competition—because Logan and Rowan were the same person. If he didn’t wear one, everyone would instantly realize the truth.

But due to a few inconvenient circumstances, he still couldn’t tell Mrs. Reid that just yet.

Logan replied in a warm, indulgent tone, “Mrs. Reid, Rowan doesn’t need a doctor. He’s perfectly fine.”

Selina blinked. “Then why does he wear a mask?”

Logan lightly covered his mouth with a fist and gave a small cough. “Personal preference.”

…Personal preference?

He wore that terrifying mask as a personal choice?

Selina nodded. She didn’t get it—but she’d respect it.

Logan looked away, slightly annoyed.

Before they came, the mask he usually wore couldn’t be found, so he had Jack grab one at random. He hadn’t even looked at it before putting it on.

He hadn’t realized it was that… distinctive.

And now Mrs. Reid had completely misunderstood.

Logan cleared his throat again and changed the subject. “I won’t be on-site this afternoon, but Luke will be. Ask him if you need anything.”

Selina’s expression calmed.

This afternoon, the winner of the design competition would be announced.

And at the same time… Angelica would be exposed and disgraced.

This was going to be a tough fight—but Selina was ready.

“Thank you, Logan,” she said seriously. “But I don’t need help. The feud between me and Angelica—let me handle it myself.”

Her eyes, as she said it, were clear and full of conviction.

Logan suddenly realized—he’d seen those same eyes before, four years ago.