bChapter /bb661 /b

    Edward’s mom picked the perfect time to call. ‘Did the housekeeper really spill the beans about Edward bringing me home?‘ I couldn’t help but wonder.

    Just thinking about it made my nerves start to fray.

    Edward shot me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll talk to my mom and exin everything about you.”

    “Edward…” I blurted out, my breath catching a little as I called his name.

    But Edward stayed cool and steady, like a real grown–up. He just smiled, then walked off to take the call.

    I leaned against a pir, watching Edward not far away, his brow all scrunched up as he talked on the phone. I had no clue what he was saying.

    My heart was pounding, like I’d been dropped right into the eye of a storm. Honestly, my confidence was shot.

    Edward’s mom grew up in high society, so when ites to picking a daughter–inw, you know her standards are sky-

    high.

    Yeah, I’ve got my own business and a bit of cash now, butpared to Edward, it’s like night and day.

    Wait a second…

    What am I even doing?‘ I scolded myself.

    ‘Am I seriously freaking out over the difference in status between me and Edward?‘ I couldn’t believe I was going there.

    ‘Why am I even thinking about this? Even if he wants to marry me, he still has to see if I’m willing to say yes!‘ I rolled my

    eyes at myself.

    Honestly, I was just giving myself a headache for nothing.

    So, I turned around and headed back to the table, joining in on the conversation with the otherdies.

    After a while, Edward came up behind me and just ced his hands on my shoulders like it was the most natural thing in the world. He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear as he murmured, “Let’s step outside and talk.”

    That casual, almost intimate gesture of his–I couldn’t help but let my imagination run wild.

    I followed him out onto the quiet veranda, where he was waiting for me, a yful smile tucked between his brows.

    “Are you worried?” Edward asked, a teasing glint in his eyes.

    Edward couldn’t help but tease me, his tone yful.

    I let out a soft snort, “Worried about what? What’s there to worry about?”

    The teasing look on Edward’s face disappeared in a sh. He stepped in closer, his voice dropping to a low, husky murmur. “Really not worried?”

    b1/3 /b

    b15:39 /bbThu/bb, /bb18 /bSept

    I straightened up, putting on my bravest front. “If worrying actually helped, I’d have taken over the world by now.”

    Edward couldn’t help butugh, reaching out to pinch my cheek. “You really don’t sweat the small stuff, do you?”

    28%2

    “Edward, whatever your mom said, just make sure she knows we’re not really a couple. I don’t want her to misunderstand or get anxious,” I said, meeting his eyes seriously.

    Edward’s face grew serious, and after a beat, he said, his voice low, “My mom didn’t object.”

    I was stunned for a second. “That wasn’t what I was worried about.”

    Suddenly, Edward whipped out his phone and showed me a candid photo he’d snapped of me–then sent it straight to his mom. Her reply popped up right away: “Such a gentle beauty. If you like her, make sure you treasure her.”

    My breath caught, and I stared at him, wide–eyed. “How could you just send my picture to your mom?”

    The smile in Edward’s eyes grew even deeper. “I just wanted her to meet you a little sooner. You and my mom have the same kind of spirit–graceful, calm, and with a real love for life.”

    I blinked, and suddenly something clicked in my mind.

    I remembered how Ryan always seemed to be missing that motherly affection, and he definitely had a thing for older women–like me.

    ‘Wait, does Edward…?‘ I thought, my mind spinning.

    The two of them–uncle and nephew–really did have the same type. Creepy, if you think about it.

    I pressed my hand to my forehead, feeling a headacheing on. “Could your driver give me a ride home? I just got over a cold, and I really need to rest.”

    Edward looked genuinely stunned, clearly not expecting me to want to leave.

    “Victoria, did I say something to upset you?” Edward asked, sounding genuinely concerned and a bit self–reflective.

    I shook my head. “No, I’m just really tired. Thanks for letting me see a whole new side of the world today, and for calling the doctor for me.”

    “If I didn’t do anything wrong, why are you leaving so suddenly?” A flicker of helplessness crossed Edward’s eyes.

    No way I could tell him I was starting to think he might have some serious mommy issues.

    Maybe he didn’t even realize that being into women with the same vibe as his mom is basically textbook mommy issues.

    “Edward, do you always need a reason for everything before you say yes?” I asked softly.

    Edward’s frustration vanished instantly, reced by a gentle smile. “Sorry, I just… I’m afraid I’m not good enough.”

    “You’re already amazing, seriously, Edward’s mix of power and genuine humility was just lethal–dangerously attractive.

    But whenever marriage came up, I just wanted to chicken out.

    22/3

    b15:39 /bbTh /bb18 /bbSept /b