Chapter 685
Edward’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I found myself staring at him, feeling a sudden wave of pressure and confusion.
He seemed to sense my unease and smiled gently. “It’s the law of conservation. You can’t gain without losing something. Don’t let that stress you out.”
Edward had a way with words, like he was born to negotiate. Whenever I felt anxious, he could effortlessly ease my fears before I even had a chance to process them.
What he said made perfect sense.
“It’s not me who’s losing all this. I’m just worried about you…” Victoria’s voice faltered, the rest of her words stuck in her throat.
Edward chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. Grown-ups have to learn to pay the price for what they do. As long as you have no regrets, that’s enough.”
“But…” Victoria hesitated, realizing she just wasn’t as easygoing as he was.
Edward gently pulled me into his arms. “Victoria, are you happy being with me right now?”
I nodded.
“That’s all that matters. I’m happy too. Now that you’re here, I don’t feel so alone anymore.” Edward kissed the top of my head. “Don’t be fooled by all the people around me. It might look like I’m never lonely, but I know the truth. All the chatter and bustle outside has nothing to do with me. Deep down, I’m still alone.”
I was a little surprised but then smiled. “It’s lonely at the top. The world of the powerful is always a lonely one.”
“So, will you stay by my side?” Edward asked softly. “Will you be with me… always?”
I felt a shiver run through me. He really meant ‘always.’
“Edward, I can’t promise you that. I’m afraid I might not be able to do it,” I whispered.
Edward didn’t get upset. He just hugged me tighter. “You know yourself well, Victoria. Knowing what you want is one of your strengths.”
I rested quietly in his arms, listening to his heartbeat, but my heart ached with a bittersweet pain.
This strength—I only gained it because of my previous life. Losing who I was—that was the most terrifying thing of all.
The party was being held at one of Edward’s mountain villa hotels, and the place was swarming with luxury cars.
Edward took me upstairs himself, leading me to a suite that looked nothing like the rooms they rent out to guests.
I asked him about it, and he told me it was a private suite he reserved just for himself.
“Change into the dress, I’ll help you,” Edward murmured softly.
Wanting to fit the occasion, I slipped into the dress as he asked. It was a beautiful light blue gown, sparkling with tiny crystals, the fabric felt luxurious against my skin. The off-shoulder cut and the elegant bow at the small of my back made it look absolutely stunning.
“This must be expensive,” I said, twirling in front of the mirror. Edward watched me from the side, then came over, gently zipped up the back, and pressed two soft kisses on my shoulders. “It suits you perfectly. The color really brings out your fair skin.”
This gorgeous dress is every woman’s dream.
“Something’s still missing, isn’t it?” Edward murmured, his tall figure standing behind me. He leaned in close, brushing a gentle kiss by my ear.
I paused in surprise, watching as he turned and took out a square royal blue velvet box from another bag. He opened it, and a dazzling set of jewelry appeared right before my eyes.
“Let me put it on you,” Edward said with a soft smile.
I sucked in a breath, totally floored. Edward was on another level—just the dress looked crazy expensive, but this jewelry set? It was absolutely jaw-dropping.
And then I remembered—he’d just handed me a villa worth 100 million, and now this? My head was spinning. This was straight out of a fairy tale. How did I end up living a story like this?
He was so good to me, it almost felt unreal—like it had to be some kind of trick.
“Edward, I’ll just borrow these for tonight and give them back after,” I said, digging my nails into my palm to keep myself grounded. No matter how sweet this dream was, I couldn’t let myself get lost in it.
Edward’s handsome face froze for a second, but then he picked up the necklace, stepped behind me, and gently fastened it around my neck. “What’s wrong? You accepted what Nathan gave you, but when it comes to me, you hesitate?”
“Are you seriously still jealous?” I couldn’t help but laugh, half exasperated, half amused by him.
But Edward’s face was completely serious. “Sorry, I get jealous easily. I just want to give you everything I think is good.”