Chapter 675
Jared’s reminder made my face flush instantly. I’d been in such a rush earlier that I hadn’t even checked the mirror after my shower. If I’d realized those hickeys were still visible, I would’ve just thrown on a turtleneck.
Jared looked like he’d taken another hit. He bit down in bitter silence, staring out the window and saying nothing.
‘Does he think I did it on purpose?’ I wondered to myself.
Yvonne was completely clueless, happily staring out at the city lights. She turned to Jared and asked with a bright smile, “Where are we going for dinner tonight?”
Jared wasn’t really paying attention anymore. He said in a detached tone, “Let your mom choose where to eat.”
So I took both Jared and Yvonne to that Mexican restaurant Nathan had taken me to last time.
The restaurant had a play area for kids–a great chance for Yvonne to build her confidence and practice her English. She eagerly ran off to play by herself.
Back at the table, Jared looked like he’d just sobered up, still out of it. His eyes kept drifting off, sometimes landing on me and staying there for a while.
As for me, I just kept glancing over in Yvonne’s direction.
Out of the blue, Jared asked, “Is Edward really that great?”
I nodded. “Yeah, he’s helped me a lot. He’s a decent person.”
“So, those two buildings at your high school—they’re his work?” Jared asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Yeah,” I said, not bothering to hide it.
“How did I not see that coming? Guess he’s way more experienced than me when it comes to charming women,” Jared grumbled, sounding a little bitter as he compared himself to Edward.
“Jared, stop it. This isn’t going anywhere,” I said, my voice turning cold. ‘He’s got some nerve talking about flirting when he was practically a pro at it with Tracy in my previous life,’ I thought.
Jared fell silent immediately. The moment my tone shifted, he knew he was about to get hit with the past.
“He lives in the United Kingdom, and you’ve only got a month before you head back to China. Are you two really planning on trying a long-distance relationship?” Jared said after a pause, his tone mocking.
“That’s my business, not yours,” I replied in a calm voice.
Jared let out a quiet laugh, saying nothing more.
I frowned and asked, “What’s so funny?”
“You must have your eye on Edward, just playing around with him. But you’re not really invested, are you? Once you’ve had your fun, you’ll just drop him,” Jared said, as if he could read my mind. His words echoed exactly what I’d been thinking.
‘How boring,’ I muttered, a little irritated that Jared could see right through me.
Jared clicked his tongue. “You’ve got guts, turning a guy like Edward into your pet.”
“Jared, if you can’t talk like a human, maybe just donate your mouth,” I shot back, my anger flaring.
Jared took a sip of tea and set his cup down. “Just don’t go too far. A man like Edward? He’s not someone you can handle.”
“Guys only stay interested for about six months, tops,” I said coolly. Honestly, I’m not worried about having trouble letting go of Edward.
“What, have you been doing research on men or something?” Jared asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
I kept my expression blank. “No need for research. Real life is full of examples.”
Jared just nodded, noncommittal. “Fine. Just remember, when you get bored, take your heart back. Don’t lose yourself and end up on the losing side.”
“I won’t. And seriously, just stay out of my business,” I warned sharply.
Dinner was surprisingly peaceful. After getting wasted, Jared seemed to have sobered up, no longer letting his guard down. Now, he was busy trying to read me.
Jared was like an unfathomable well–having him analyze me was starting to get on my nerves.
‘What is he still waiting for?’ I wondered.
‘Does he actually think I’d lose my head and fall for him all over again?’ I thought to myself.
The next morning, I hurried Yvonne through a quick trip to the museum. Once we were done, Jared and Yvonne caught their flight back to China that afternoon.
Before leaving, Jared said quietly, “Study hard. Don’t just fool around.”
He sounded just like a nagging elder, which left me feeling all kinds of complicated. ‘Is Jared really trying to play that whole “raising a lover” act with me again?’ I wondered.
If that’s what he’s thinking, I could only give him a dry laugh.
I walked out of the airport and was just about to flag down a cab.
Then I heard someone call my name.
I turned around and saw Edward in the crowd–it seemed like he was there just for me.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised. Edward always seemed to show up when I least expected it.
“I came to pick you up,” Edward said with a smile as he walked over. “Sorry, I just… happened to be at the hotel, and the front desk mentioned that Mr. Holcomb had checked out. I figured you might be dropping them off at the airport.”
Edward couldn’t hide how much he wanted to see me–his excuse was pretty flimsy.
“Let’s go,” I said quietly.
When he realized I wasn’t going to call him out, Edward’s tense face finally relaxed. He interlaced his fingers with mine and led me over to an SUV parked by the curb. As soon as I got in, I saw a bouquet of flowers–the whole car smelled like fresh blooms.
“This is a gift for you,” Edward said suddenly.
I was totally caught off guard–Edward’s gift really came out of nowhere.
Staring at the little square box, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Wait, is he actually giving me a ring?’
I picked it up and opened it, only to find a key inside.