After I finished giving instructions, I sat back down and said gratefully, “Thanks for the advice. I really hadn’t thought about fighting back like that.”
Edward’s eyes sparkled with a teasing glint. “Looks like you’ve still got a lot to learn–stuff you’ll never pick up from books or teachers. Want me to show you the ropes?”
I paused for a moment. Edward had managed to keep the Jennings family’s status and reputation in the business world, so he must be pretty shrewd and ruthless. If he could teach me how to hold my own in the business world, that would definitely be a huge advantage for me.
“Do I have to pay tuition?” I asked, curious.
Edward raised an eyebrow. “Since you’re so eager to learn, I’ll teach you for free.”
I shook my head. “No way. If I’m going to call you my teacher, there has to be a proper apprenticeship gift.”
Edward looked a bit put out. “Don’t put me on a pedestal. Last time we had dinner with your parents, you made me out to be some family elder. Do you have any idea how awkward that was for me?”
He totally saw through my little ploy.
“That was all Ryan’s doing. How was I supposed to know you’d show up?” I put on my most innocent face.
Edward suddenly tensed, locking eyes with me. “Did Ryan set that up on purpose, or was it just a coincidence?”
I was taken aback, staring at him blankly. “What do you mean?”
Edward leaned back in his chair. “Ryan may be young, but he’s not as straightforward as you think. Do you really know what he’s like?”
I furrowed my brow, thinking it over, then shook my head. “Not really. We just go out, have a good time, maybe some romance, but I never even ask about his job.”
Edward gave me a look of annoyance and let out a soft snort. “So you never planned on marrying him from the start, did you?”
I was startled. “I told him right from the beginning, just dating, no marriage. He knows exactly where I stand.”
Edward looked down, a hint of mockery in his voice. “Ryan should’ve known he was headed for an arranged marriage, but he still let himself get involved with you for a while. So neither of you were really being genuine.”
“That’s fair,” I replied calmly. “There’s no ending, just the journey. That’s enough for me.”
Edward swirled his wine. “What kind of pain did you go through in your marriage that made you drift from one relationship to another, never looking for somewhere to belong?”
I took a bite of steak and smiled lightly. “Maybe I’ve just figured out what life’s really about.”
“So what do you think life’s really about?” Edward asked, giving me a look I couldn’t quite read.
“In a hundred years, we’ll all be ashes,” I said with a smile.
Edward’s expression froze as he stared at me. “So you really take life and death that lightly?”
I nodded.
Edward let out an amused chuckle. “That’s what draws me to you–the way you seem so detached from everything. It’s like nothing in this world can faze you.”
“That’s not true. I do care–about my loved ones,” I denied.
“Family is about blood ties–everyone cares about that. But most people also worry about fame, fortune, keeping up appearances, what others think, relationships, and health issues,” Edward said softly.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Then you really don’t get me. I can let my love life go off the rails, but my checkup can’t have a single flaw.”
Edward just stared at me, lost for words.
He looked at me, a bit thrown off, then smiled lightly. “Can you ride a horse?”
Victoria glanced out the window at the pitch-black sky. “Now?”
Edward nodded. “My riding club’s just next door. Let me show you around.”
“Isn’t it a bit late?” I said.
“Don’t worry, I’ll have you back by midnight,” Edward said, signaling the waiter for the check.
I followed him outside, where the black car was waiting by the curb.
“Edward… I…” I stared at his tall figure, words stuck in my throat as I struggled to say what was on my mind.
Edward turned around, his eyes locking onto mine. “I just want to show you my horse. He’s a gorgeous Akhal-Teke.”
I froze for a second, and then he suddenly took hold of my wrist. “Would that be okay?”