Chapter 787
Edward’s eyes were filled with anxiety and struggle. I could tell he was getting desperate, afraid that when a decision had to be made, he’d be the one left behind.
It reminded me of myself in my previous life. I was so in love with Jared that even if it was just a party, I always wished he’d pick me to be his plus one.
“Edward…” I couldn’t just give him that kind of promise, so I couldn’t bring myself to say I loved him. But I definitely liked him–liked the sense of security and the thoughtful attention he gave me.
“So it’s just like, huh?” Edward answered his own question.
“Edward, I…” Seeing the disappointment flash in his eyes and the way he stepped back, my chest tightened. I’d just made the rift between us even wider.
“What am I even hoping for?” Edward pulled himself together, a bitter smile on his lips. “My feelings aren’t all that pure, either. If I can’t give you what you want, how can I expect you to give me anything in return?”
I was quiet for a moment before I spoke. “I think love is best when it’s woven into our daily lives. If you don’t get the chance to nurture it, it’s just a fleeting thing. People say marriage is where love ends up, but just as many say it’s where love goes to die.”
Edward didn’t argue, just smiled. “You’ve got a point. Maybe the ones we love the most are the ones we keep locked away in our hearts, separated by time and distance.”
I was taken aback.
Edward took a deep breath. “Victoria, I got a little too worked up just now. Don’t take it to heart. The company’s going to be fine, so don’t worry about it.”
The company was finally getting off the ground, though we still weren’t making enough to cover our investments. So when Edward said that, it really reassured me.
I gently rested against his chest, and Edward wrapped his arms around me a little tighter. “I’m just… not in the best mood right now.”
“Your mom told me Ryan’s still set on transferring to Shaville. Is that true?” I asked quietly.
“Yeah,” Edward replied, his voice tinged with irritation. “He’s always been a rebel, ever since he was little.”
“I remember once, when your dad was in Shariport for treatment. I happened to be there too, and overheard some people talking about your family–it sounded like things were pretty risky for you guys back then,” I said, guessing I was starting to get curious about the Jennings family myself.
“Yeah, if Ryan doesn’t stay put in Braylin, everything that should belong to him could end up in my cousin’s hands. He’s always been ambitious, just waiting for his chance,” Edward admitted, finally letting me in on his worries. “My second uncle’s just waiting for my dad to kick the bucket.”
My heart skipped a beat. Turns out Ryan’s got someone gunning for him. No wonder Edward’s always been so hard on him.
“What if Ryan really does transfer to Shaville?” I asked, looking up at him.
Edward looked down at me, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. “Then he’ll be letting down everything the family’s done for him–all their hopes and expectations.”
“So he won’t be able to rise to the top so easily?” I asked, a little stunned.
“He’ll have to take the long way around, and the path ahead will be full of thorns and traps. By the time he gets anywhere, he’ll be battered and bleeding. Or maybe he won’t even make it that far–he could get caught up in someone else’s schemes and lose everything, maybe not even be able to make it back to Braylin,” Edward said, his voice calm but I could hear the grit in his words.
My chest felt tight. Is Ryan still the guy I used to know?
How could he be so headstrong, so out of control?
Is he really doing all this for me?
My phone rang–it was work. I headed out to the balcony to answer it.
Edward sat on the couch, looking a bit down.