Chapter 688

I jumped in surprise and quickly tried to cover her mouth before she could blurt out anything else.

But with a few drinks in her, Elaine was unstoppable. As we got closer, she shot me a mischievous look, then mouthed, "So hot!" at me, making sure Edward couldn’t hear.

“Ms. Murphy, I’ll leave you two alone!” Elaine chirped, making a beeline for the elevator.

It was late at night, the streets still slick from the recent rain, and the chill in the air had only grown sharper.

I was just in a white shirt and slacks, my hair thrown up in a messy bun, makeup still smudged on my face from earlier.

Edward shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

“It’s so cold–why didn’t you wear something warmer?” Edward’s voice was low and husky.

I slipped off his jacket and handed it back to him. “Mr. Jennings, I’m home now. It’s warm at home.”

With that, I turned to head for the elevator.

But Edward caught up to me in a few quick strides. “Are you upset because you think I still have feelings for my ex-wife?”

I paused, staring at the elevator doors ahead, and said quietly, “Even if you do, that’s only human. I wouldn’t be mad about that.”

“Then why did you leave halfway through?” Edward stepped closer. “Why did you just leave me there by myself?”

I turned to look at him, giving a self-deprecating smile. “Sorry, I’m not used to such formal parties. I just felt out of place. I didn’t leave to abandon you–I just didn’t belong there…”

“Really?” Edward’s eyes lit up.

I just wanted to drive him away, but he actually chose to believe me.

My breath caught. I turned my face away and said quietly, “It’s late. I’m tired. You should go home first.”

“Will you come home with me?” Edward’s voice was low, with a hint of pleading. “It’s just too lonely going back by myself.”

I don’t believe that for a second.

“I’ve only ever seen Jane as a friend and a colleague. Earlier, I lost my temper because I just feel so insecure when I’m with you. Joel’s just ridiculously handsome,” Edward admitted, stepping right in front of me, his voice low as he confessed his worries. “I’m scared you’ll fall for him, just like you did for Ryan back then.”

I was genuinely stunned.

Edward, insecure? Now that’s something I never thought I’d see.

When I didn’t say anything, Edward’s eyes flickered. He lowered his gaze, gently tracing his fingers along my cheek. “My ex-wife was head over heels for Joel–so much that she almost lost herself. She gave him everything, but he was just too much of a free spirit. She even made herself sick over him a few times. That’s why I’m worried…”

“Is it me you don’t trust, Mr. Jennings, or is it all women?” I arched an eyebrow. “So in your eyes, I just can’t say no to any guy with a pretty face?”

“Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that,” Edward muttered, apologizing for his nonsense.

Edward gave a wry smile. “I’m just afraid you’ll walk away from me.”

I stared at him, genuinely surprised. “Why would you think that?”

Edward let out a helpless sigh. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a family where I never really felt safe or settled. No matter how hard I tried, it always felt like something was missing, like some things just weren’t meant for me.”

“Didn’t you have a good childhood?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Edward leaned against the wall, gazing out the window. “Compared to most people, yeah, my life was way better. But it wasn’t easy. I was under strict discipline all the time. My big brother was the golden child, and I was always under pressure–never dared to slack off, not even for a second.”

Listening to him, I could almost see a little boy carrying the weight of his whole family, running himself ragged just to keep up. Just imagining it gave me chills.

Edward looked over at me. “You probably think my life is easy, but it’s really not. Jane always said I was aloof, uptight, and kind of dull. Maybe she’s right. Maybe I’m just not someone people like to be around.”

“But you’re so attentive and thoughtful. You might not be the most talkative guy, but you always handle things with care and precision. That’s a rare quality,” I said honestly.

Edward let out a bitter laugh. “So I’m only good at work, not at love.”

I smiled. “If someone can be that good at what they do, how could they not be loved?”

Edward’s eyes went wide, disbelief written all over his face. For a second, I saw every emotion flash through his eyes. Then, out of nowhere, he pulled me into a tight hug. “So… will you love me?”

Chapter 689