Edward lowered his gaze to his fingers, his mood turning somber. “Some people look free on the outside, but they’ve already drawn invisible cages around themselves. No matter what, they can’t step out of that circle.”

“If you want the crown, you have to carry its weight. That’s just how it goes,” I said, knowing exactly what he meant. He was born into privilege, but that means living by the family’s rules, no matter what.

“If you want the crown, you have to carry its weight?” Edward stared at me, a little dazed, like he’d never heard it before–but it just clicked for him.

I nodded. “That’s just how it is–what goes around comes around. You get something, you pay the price. That’s only fair.”

Edward’s eyes lit up, and he let out a soft laugh, glancing down. “No one’s ever talked to me like this before. What you said really makes me reflect–and helps me see things more clearly.”

I gave a sheepish smile. “Maybe most people wouldn’t dare to say it out loud. I’m just saying whatever comes to mind.”

Edward lowered his voice, almost whispering. “I like how you just say whatever’s on your mind.”

My heart started pounding, and it felt like a feather was brushing right over it–tingly and almost electric.

I must be losing my mind. I should’ve shoved Edward away, kept him at arm’s length, but my heart just wouldn’t listen.

‘Am I turning into a player?’ I wondered, a mix of confusion and guilt swirling inside me.

Edward noticed the blank look on my face and how I was just staring at him. He waved his hand in front of me. “Hey, what’s up? Why are you looking at me like that? Sorry, did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

“Don’t apologize,” I said, my head finally clearing as I turned to look out the window. “Edward, last time you told me not to get involved with you. Maybe you were right after all.”

Edward’s breath caught, and I could see the tension in his face as he realized I was serious.

I twisted my fingers together, a self-mocking smile on my lips. “No matter how much we mess around, no matter how strong our connection is, there’s just no way you and I could ever be together.”

“Because of Ryan…” Edward said, his voice tinged with pain.

“Yeah,” I nodded. “I went through something unforgettable with him. I’m sorry–please forgive me…”

“We’re almost at the stables,” Edward suddenly interrupted, nodding toward the brightly lit area up ahead.

I started to say something else, but the words just vanished–my mind went totally blank.

The black Rolls-Royce’s headlights sliced through the night as we pulled up in front of a castle-like building.

The door swung open, and Edward stepped out, turning to offer me his hand. “Come on, let’s go take a look inside.”

I took a deep breath, but I didn’t take his hand. He looked a little disappointed, but he still led me inside the castle.

Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead like a galaxy of stars. The moment we walked into the hall, my eyes landed on a gigantic horse statue–solid silver from head to hoof, gleaming under the lights. It was absolutely jaw-dropping.

Beside it, a white display case showed off rows and rows of trophies, each one seriously awe-inspiring.

I’d never seen anything like this in my life. For a second, it felt like I’d wandered right into a dream world.

Edward’s gaze never left me, a soft, almost tender smile playing on his lips.

I reached out and gently touched it, noticing a cleverly designed spinning sphere nearby, slowly rotating on its own.

Something about it was so novel that I couldn’t help but smile. When I turned, I met Edward’s gaze head-on.

He gazed at me with that soft, almost doting look–like in his eyes, I was the real masterpiece here.

That stare made my cheeks burn, and I ducked away from his gaze, practically scurrying ahead to escape.

But after only a few steps, I started to feel lost–the hallway ahead looked almost like a cathedral, with stained glass overhead, every panel carved and painted in vibrant colors. Under the lights, those images seemed to come alive, and for a moment, I was so awestruck I didn’t dare go any further.

“Come on, let me show you Whirlwind,” Edward said, suddenly reaching for my hand. This time, instead of just grabbing my wrist, he intertwined his fingers with mine, holding me close.