bChapter /bb641 /b

    Staring at the closed door, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Should I drink this water or not?‘

    Edward was definitely more charming than the other three. Being around him made my heart race. ‘Is this what it’s like to be with a cunning, mature man? He’s as dangerous as a wild animal, and I could getpletely consumed by him at any

    moment.‘

    “Risk?” Itched onto that word, and my wavering rationality suddenly steadied.

    Just thinking about all the risks I might attract if I went all the way with Edward made me hold back my desire.

    “I’m not thirsty. I’m going to sleep!” I said through the door, putting on a sleepy act.

    Everything went silent outside for a moment, then I heard footsteps fading away.

    That night, I curled up under the covers and drifted off into a hazy sleep.

    Couldn’t even let myself dream. Lying there with my eyes open, all sorts of impossible ideas kept swirling in my head.

    I woke up early in the morning and found some fresh toiletries in the bathroom.

    Instead of opening the door and disturbing his sleep, I stepped out onto the balcony. Outside was a serene terrace garden, and from here, I could watch the morning sun slowly spread across the entire horse ranch.

    The crisp morning breeze carried the fresh scent of grass. The staff were already up, training the horses, and I watched them gallop across the field through the morning mist. It was a scene I’d remember for the rest of my life.

    I was leaning over the balcony, watching the horses below, when a few people came out of the main lobby downstairs. ncing down, I saw Edward was already awake and chatting with someone.

    He happened to look up and caught sight of me at the balcony railing. Our eyes met across the distance.

    My breath faltered, and I felt a bit flustered.

    Edward kept his gaze on me for a moment. Seeing I didn’t shy away, he gestured for me toe down.

    He was signaling for me to head downstairs and join him.

    So, I threw on my coat, tidied up a bit, and headed downstairs.

    When Edward saw meing, he asked gently, “What time’s your ss today?”

    “It starts at 9:30,” I replied.

    Edward nced at his watch. “It’s only 7 o’clock now. We’ve got time for breakfast.”

    “Are you all going to have breakfast now?” I asked.

    Edward nodded. “Yes,e with me.”

    17

    wed, 17 Sept

    There were five or six people standing nearby, some Clun, some Englysian. They all looked at me with curiosity, bthen /bshot Edward and me some ambiguous nces.

    Edward didn’t exin a thing, just led me straight into the dining room.

    There were toast, bread, and some ssic Clusian breakfast dishes to choose from.

    I didn’t eat much, while Edward talked business with the others in Englysian as he ate.

    His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried the weight of a true leader. Every word he spoke made everyone at the table feel the

    pressure.

    This was the first time I’d seen Edward in a work environment. Normally, I only saw him during personal time. Right now, bi /bcould really feel the pressure he gave off.

    I thought to myself, ‘No matter how many lives I live, I could never stand a chance against Edward. So, can I really hold my own against him when ites to love?‘

    Thest time, because of Ryan, I almost got caught up in someone’s scheme. The women who liked Ryan are definitely not pushovers.

    Just thinking about it gave me a chill.

    Edward set a cup of warm milk beside me. Even though he was still deep in conversation with the others, he did it so casually, like it was second nature.

    I looked at the milk, then nced over at Edward.

    He caught my gaze and turned to look at me, a gentle warmth in his eyes–something I couldn’t quite decipher.

    I didn’t know how to tell if a man truly liked a woman, or if he would keep showing this tenderness as long as he hadn’t gotten what he wanted.

    In this world, there’s no such thing as real love–only the ache of wanting what you can’t have, and that endless, ambiguous push and pull between almost–lovers.

    After breakfast, Edward took me away from the ranch in his Rolls Royce,

    In the car, Edward gazed out the window at the passing scenery, his thoughts a mystery.

    Aftering to terms with what love really means, I felt oddly calm.

    As the car was about to reach the school, Edward slowly opened his tightly shut eyes. I could see the bloodshot veins in them–he looked exhausted.

    ‘Had he been up all night?‘ I wondered.

    “Go ahead to ss. I’ll catch up with youter,” Edward said softly.

    Hearing that, I blurted out, “No need. I’m meeting a friend for lunch, and I’ve got ns tonight as well.”

    wedb, /b17 bSept /b