Chapter 759
Edward’s unwavering determination rubbed off on me. “Yeah, since I’ve already chosen this path, what’s there to be afraid of? Just be bold.”
“I quit my job,” I said softly after we’d been driving for a bit.
Edward looked a little surprised, then he smiled. “So, are you planning to come work for me?”
“I don’t want to work at your company,” I said honestly. I’ve thought it through—if things ever went south between us, I’d have to make a messy exit. I just want to build something of my own now, something that’s truly mine.
Edward raised an eyebrow. “No pressure if you don’t want to work. Just relax for now.”
“Once I’ve taken some time off and found the right direction for my own business, I’ll start fresh,” I said.
Edward gently twirled a strand of my hair around his finger and asked in a low voice, “What kind of business do you want to start? Let me help you.”
“Alright, let’s talk about it after I’ve had some time to rest,” I replied, not turning down his offer.
“Come over to my place tonight,” Edward suggested.
“You have a house around here?” I asked, thinking back to how Vivian stayed at a private villa the last time she visited.
“Yeah, I do,” Edward replied. “Didn’t Ryan get a little townhouse in your neighborhood too?”
I shot him a look. “Are you upset?”
Edward grumbled, “I don’t have a reason to be. You’ve known him longer than I have. Anything you did before I came into the picture, I have no right to be mad about.”
“So, you’re pretty understanding,” I said with a smile.
“That’s because you’re so considerate,” Edward said, giving my arm a gentle squeeze.
“Oh really?” I replied, a sly glint in my eyes. “Well, that depends on what it is.”
“I guess I can be reasonable, but only for the right person,” Edward said, his gaze locking onto mine, eyes dark and full of meaning.
Edward’s villa was a vintage garden retreat—not too big, but nestled in a peaceful neighborhood. The lights were already on when we arrived. After we got out of the car, the gate opened, and inside the cozy courtyard were ornamental bamboo and bonsai trees swaying gently in the breeze.
“Mr. Jennings, everything’s been cleaned up,” a middle-aged man said as he walked over.
“Alright, go ahead and take a break,” Edward said quietly.
As I stepped into the living room, a gentle orchid fragrance drifted through the air. Edward said, “It’s summer, so mosquitoes can be a pain around here. Do you like this scent?”
I nodded. “Yeah, it smells good.”
Edward opened the fridge, took out a bottle of water, and poured us each a glass. “Come over and have a drink.”
I glanced at the label—it was a brand I’d never seen before. Still, the water tasted surprisingly sweet and left a pleasant aftertaste. ‘Not bad,’ I thought to myself.
“I stayed here once with Nora, but haven’t really come back much since,” Edward said, leading me upstairs. “There are only four bedrooms—one for my mom, one for Nora, and a guest room. Don’t tell me you’re going to ask for the guest room again tonight?”
I froze for a second, instantly remembering the last time I made him sleep in the guest room. ‘Wow, he actually remembers that,’ I thought.
“Wherever you want me to stay is fine. I’m not picky,” I replied with a smile, taking in the hallway decorated with classic paintings of bamboo, orchids, plum blossoms, and chrysanthemums, all softly illuminated by the wall lights. It really set the mood.
Edward opened the master bedroom. “So tonight, you’ll stay here with me.”
Just outside the master bedroom was a balcony, and below it, rows of bamboo swayed in the dim, tranquil light.
Edward sat on the sofa, his expression calm and peaceful. Standing on the balcony, I glanced back at him. For someone just in his early thirties, he carried himself with a maturity and steadiness that made him seem older than his age.
I stepped back inside, closed the balcony door, and let the cool air from the AC wash over me. I settled into the armchair next to Edward, feeling completely at ease.
“Want to take a shower first? I had some brand new pajamas and clothes set out for you,” Edward said, getting up and heading to the walk-in closet to grab a set of pajamas.
I felt a bit awkward. ‘Seriously, how is he always this well-prepared?’ I thought.
“I’m still on my period… Do you happen to have any feminine products here?” I asked quietly, just remembering.
Edward blinked in surprise, then immediately reached for his phone. “I’ll have someone bring some over.”
“It’s fine, really. I can just drive to a nearby store and grab some myself,” I said, not wanting to trouble him.
Edward looked a bit embarrassed. “Sorry, I wasn’t as prepared as I should’ve been.”
I got up, and he came downstairs with me. “Let me drive,” he offered.
We left the villa complex, and there was a shop still open right by the gate. I ran in to pick up some toiletries and other necessities, then headed back with Edward.
After my shower, I threw on some lavender pajamas and curled up on the sofa, scrolling through my messages on my phone. Edward walked in, fresh out of the shower, with his laptop in hand.
“I’ve got to handle a bit of work. You can go ahead and rest if you’re tired,” he said softly.
I was honestly pretty wiped out. Lately, I just couldn’t stand staying up late—bad sleep really messed with my mood and overall well-being.