Chapter 676
“What… is this?” I asked, stunned, my mind racing. – Victoria
Edward immediately said something to the driver, who nodded and started driving, like we were heading somewhere.
“It’s the key to a villa,” Edward said softly. “Since you’re still studying here, I’ve already sorted out all the paperwork. From now on, whenever you come back, you’ll always have a place to call home.”
I was totally stunned. People usually give jewelry or fancy stuff, but Edward just straight-up gave me a whole villa as a gift.
“This… it’s way too much. I really can’t take this,” I said, even though I was honestly thrilled. As much as I wanted to say yes, I couldn’t just take it.
“Victoria, you accepted the shares Nathan gave you. Are you really going to say no to a house from me?” Edward looked a little let down. “It’s really not a big deal, don’t stress about it.”
“Not a big deal? How much is it?” I asked.
“Just over 100 million,” Edward said, locking eyes with me. “It’s all under my name, no strings attached. You can move in whenever you want.”
I stared at him, thinking, ‘The Jennings family must be insanely rich. To Edward, 100 million is just pocket change.’
“Edward, I’m not with you for the money…” I started, then cut myself off. It sounded like I was playing the innocent card or something.
“I know. I just want to give it to you,” Edward said, clearly trusting me.
Then he added, “If you really don’t want the house, you can just sell it, cash out, and buy yourself a place in China.”
My eyes widened in shock. ‘Edward’s really just finding new ways to shower me with cash,’ I thought.
“Victoria, I just want to treat you better. Everything I can give you is something that’s truly mine. Instead of promising you some grand love, I’d rather give you something real,” Edward said, a little self-deprecatingly when he saw I was still hesitating.
My eyes sparkled for a second. ‘Isn’t this a thousand times better than those guys who just sweet-talk you?’
Honestly, getting cash or a bank transfer is way better than someone nagging you to eat, telling you to drink more water, or threatening to punish you with a kiss if you skip a meal.
“Edward, I…” I started.
“Alright, enough with the refusals. It’s settled. Let’s go check out the house now,” Edward interrupted me before I could finish.
I leaned against his chest, my emotions all over the place. Edward’s way of spoiling me was enough to make anyone’s heart flutter.
The villa was super close to downtown, in a prime spot. Apparently, this whole neighborhood is super popular with buyers from the home country.
The SUV rolled into the courtyard, and Edward handed me the key so I could open the front door myself. As soon as I walked in, the place was decked out with a sparkling crystal chandelier, fancy decor, and sleek modern furniture–seriously, the living room looked straight out of a luxury magazine.
Edward trailed behind me, his voice low and gentle: “Do you like this home?”
Turning around, I couldn’t help but grin. “Of course I love it. It’s gorgeous.”
Edward took my hand and led me upstairs. The second floor had four spacious bedrooms, and the view from the balcony was gorgeous.
“Edward, thank you. I never thought you’d just give me a whole villa out of nowhere. This is way too much,” I said, my mind still reeling.
Edward gently messed up my hair. “I thought about it a lot. There are a million ways to show love, but I wanted to pick one you’d fall for at first glance.”
I pressed my lips together, grinning. “Well, you nailed it. Money’s totally my thing.”
“Otherwise, what else would make you work so hard to come all the way here and study?” Edward really was starting to understand me. He got me—not with teasing or judgment, but with this clear-eyed, gentle kind of care.
I just stared at him, thinking, ‘They say when you feel completely at ease with someone, it’s because they’re way out of your league. That’s why being with them feels like a breath of fresh air.’
My heart gave a little jolt. ‘When love is burning hot, better cash in while you can. Only an idiot would go chasing after anything else,’ I thought.
“Let’s check out the bedroom!” Edward suddenly grabbed my hand and led me inside.
The bed was absolutely covered in rose petals. I turned to him in disbelief, and he suddenly pulled me into his arms. “Do you like my little setup?”
Leaning in, I stopped him from kissing me and murmured, “How long have you been planning this?”
“What?” he asked.
“When did you first start thinking about giving me this house?” I asked.
Edward kissed my palm, his voice husky. “The very first time I saw you in the UK, the idea came to me. I’ve been pushing people to get the renovations and furniture done ever since… Luckily, it all finished at just the right time.”
My breath grew heavy. Edward’s love was never something that just appeared out of nowhere–it was like he’d been quietly preparing it all along, only to place it in front of me at the most ordinary moment.
‘How could I ever stand a chance against a man who waits for me with love, always ahead on my path?’ I thought.
He was absolutely irresistible.
“Edward, don’t spoil me like this anymore. I really can’t handle this much love,” I murmured, rising up on my tiptoes to softly kiss the corner of his lips.
Edward’s breath caught, and he instantly pulled me tighter into his arms. The next moment, we tumbled together onto the bed, surrounded by a sea of rose petals.
His fingers tenderly played with the hair by my ear, and with a trembling kiss, he whispered, “I never know how to win your heart, so all I can do is make sure everything is ready for you.”