<b>Chapter </b><b>528 </b>


    “No, I’m going back with my colleagues from work,” I replied.


    Ryan put on a wounded look. “Vic, you really are gentle–at least you were. But now you’re just ruthless, shutting me down so fast, not even a little pity for me.”


    I couldn’t help butugh at his theatrics and pinched his cheek. “Does that make you feel better?”


    Ryan blinked, his smile curving up. “Still not enough.”


    I gave him a quick kiss, and Ryan looked totally content. “Now you’re really getting it.”


    “Alright, I’ve got to head to work. You can let yourself out,” I said, heading to put on my shoes.


    Ryan, wrapped in a towel and looking all smug, leaned against the bedroom door. “Oh, by the way, let’s grab dinner tonight.”


    “I might have to workte tonight,” I said.


    “Uncle Ryan’s got himself a girlfriend, and I want you toe have dinner with the two of them,” Ryan saidzily.


    My heart skipped a beat. ‘Edward really found himself a girlfriend?‘


    “I think I’ll pass. I don’t really know your uncle that well,” I said, turning him down without hesitation.


    I really don’t want to get involved in anything rted to Edward.


    “Just do it for me, okay? Uncle Ryan already knows about us, and his girlfriend is a top–tier dancer–she’s just as gorgeous as you,” Ryan said, raising an eyebrow. “Seriously, you don’t even want to see her?”


    “No thanks,” I said, shaking my head. “You go have dinner with them.”


    “Vic, you care way too much about work,” Ryanined, sounding all pitiful. “Ever heard of work–life bnce?”


    Sure, I take my job seriously, but that doesn’t mean I’ve been skipping my workouts. I’ve still been working out regrly.


    Honestly, dating a younger guy is way more refreshing than any fitness routine.


    Ever since I got together with Ryan, my gym trips have seriously dropped off.


    “Don’t worry, I know how to take care of myself,” I said with a smile as I opened the door, waved goodbye, and headed to the office.


    Later that day, Ryan called again, just to make sure I really wasn’ting.


    <b>I </b>sent him a work selfie and let him know I had a meeting tonight.


    <b>10:48 </b><b>Fri</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>5 </b>


    255 vouchers,


    Last time, Edward said he was going to get a girlfriend, but it was all fake–just someone ying <b>along </b><b>with </b>his act, basically a pawn in his scheme.


    You can only believe half of what a man says.


    She was just a pawn, and pawns are there to be used.


    Edward says it’s all just for show, but what if he actually means it?


    ‘Heh, ever since I got burned by that guy before, I’ve be a lot more clear–eyed about love between men and women.‘


    That night, Ryan didn’te over. He said he’d had too much to drink, so I just checked in on him with a couple of caring texts.


    I was just doing my skincare routine when my phone buzzed with a text.


    I nced at it–it was a new number, sending a request to connect.


    Thinking it was probably work–rted, I went ahead and added them.


    But to my surprise, the very first message popped up: “Why didn’t youe over tonight?” I blinked, caught off guard.


    That tone… Only one person texts me like that.


    It could only be Edward, no doubt about it.


    I just replied, “I’m busy.”


    No need to exin or defend myself—just keeping it short and factual, hoping he’ll drop it.


    “Are you avoiding me again?” Edward’s text came through, sounding pretty annoyed.


    “No, I really am busy,” I replied, keeping my cool.


    Edward went quiet after that. Looks like my cold shoulder worked.


    A few minutester, another message popped up: [Victoria… I haven’t been able to sleep at alltely. It’s like something wild is eating me up inside.]


    I felt a chill run down my spine as I read it.


    Then another message came through: [Just tell me–what am I supposed to do?]


    My mind went nk for a second, and then I replied: [Sounds like you’ve been celibate for way too long. Go hook up with someone.]