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    Isabelle’s voice came through, full of concern. “Victoria, I heard about what happened with Ryan. I’m sorry, but Fiona is my friend. About that night, I hope you won’t me me.”


    “I understand,” I replied, my voice t.


    She could’ve found an excuse to say no that night, but she didn’t. It was simple- Fiona was her friend. I wasn’t.


    “Are you mad at me? If Ryan finds out I was involved, he probably won’t talk to me either. Now I feel like I’m the bad guy no matter what I do,” Isabelle said, sounding really hurt and frustrated.


    Did she really want me to make her feel better right now?


    “Ms. Lynn, honestly, I’m feeling pretty awful myself right now, so I don’t really have anyforting words for you,” I said, my tone t.


    Edward gave me a look, like he was reading my mind.


    Realizing I wasn’t some naive pushover, Isabelle let out an awkwardugh. “Sorry, I didn’t mean for her words to sting, but that’s just how reality is. Victoria, I’m not saying you’re not good enough, but you have been divorced. And now Ryan’s about to step into politics–he needs connections, rtionships, all thatplicated stuff. Honestly, it’s way more than you could ever imagine, and you probably wouldn’t understand even if I exined. But hey, you and him had your time together, and that’s already something most people can only dream of. You can hold onto those memories for the rest of your life.”


    I got the message loud and clear–having a past with Ryan was supposed to be some once–in–a–lifetime blessing I should be grateful for.


    “I understand what you mean. It really puts things in perspective. Thanks,” I replied, my tone cool.


    Isabelle could tell I wasn’t exactly warm, so after a couple more words, she hung <ol><li>up. </li></ol>


    Clutching my phone, I turned to stare out the window, burying my


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    disappointment deep inside.


    Edward waited for me to speak, and when I stayed silent, he asked, “Are you feeling down again?”


    “No, everyone just wants me to see things for what they are. If I still can’t, then I really must be blind,” I murmured with a soft sigh.


    “You really have no ambition, do you? Just because people want you to see reality, you have to see it that clearly? The world isn’t just ck and white–most of it is gray. If you were a little more ambitious, you’d already be asking if the


    Chambein brothers are single, seeing if you could snag a spot as Fiona’s sister- inw,” Edward joked, his words colder than ice.


    I stared at him,pletely stunned.


    Edwardughed. “What? Did that get to you? Are you actually thinking about making a move like that?”


    “Yeah, right,” I shot him a re. “I’m not that ambitious. I just want a normal life, not to end up dead on the street.”


    Edward couldn’t help butugh, reaching over to twirl a strand of my hair around his slender fingers. “Gentleness is the strongest force in the world, Victoria. Ryan once told me that being with you puts him at ease. Right now… I feel the same way.”


    I quickly snatched my hair back from his hand–I didn’t want even a hint of intimacy between us.


    “Tell me about your ex–wife,” I said, changing the subject to snap him out of it.


    Sure enough, Edward sobered up instantly, dropping the joking tone. “There’s nothing to talk about,” he said tly.


    Seeing he really didn’t want to talk about it, I chuckled. “You two have a kid together, so you must see each other a few times a year, right? With New Year’sing up, is she bringing your child back home for a family dinner with you?”


    Edward gave a wry smile. “Are you hoping to see me sharing New Year’s dinner with her and her boyfriend?”


    I was caught off guard. That was definitely not what I expected.


    “She’s got herself a boyfriend now?” I asked, half–gossiping.


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    “Nora said she’s been getting pretty cozy with some guytely, so yeah, I guess she has,” Edward replied.


    “So… how does that make you feel?” I pressed.


    “Doesn’t faze me at all. Even if she’s seeing five or ten guys, I wouldn’t care. It’s her life—I’m not here to judge,” Edward answered, his face totally unreadable. The calm in his eyes made it clear he really meant it.


    “I think I understand now.” If Yvonne told me right now that Jared was going to marry Tracy, I wouldn’t even be surprised. It’s his decision–his life to live.


    Once we got back to my building’s underground garage, I got out of the car.


    Edward got out too, and then, in a low voice, he asked, “Mind if Ie up for some tea?<b>” </b>


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