<b>Chapter </b><b>607 </b>


    48


    55 vouchers


    Edward’s feelings for me were so strong, even he couldn’t hide them from himself. After he finished speaking, a shadow passed over his face.


    “I know there’s no way you’d ever say yes to me because of Ryan. I’ve been trying to clear my head and think things through these past few days,” Edward said, suddenly opening up more.


    I looked at him nkly,pletely at a loss for words.


    Edward muttered in frustration, “Love really messes with your head sometimes. I know I shouldn’t have feelings for you, but I just can’t control my heart. Guess that makes me a fool.”


    I was a little startled, but I tried tofort him. “The fact that you can say all this just shows how rational you are. It’s not something tough at–it’s just how people are.”


    Edward nced at me, a bit lost. “Really? That’s just how people are?”


    I nodded. “Liking someone is something anyone can do, but holding back takes real strength. Not everyone can manage that.”


    “Don’t you think I’m a little crazy? There was a moment when I just wanted to break free and throw everything aside,” Edward said, a hint of self–mockery in his voice as heid his feelings bare.


    I thought to myself, unrequited love is already one of life’s greatest tragedies. Even a casual jibe from others could feel like a knife to his heart.


    “As long as you can stay rational and pull yourself back in time, that’s not crazy at all,” I said softly, trying to reassure him.


    Edward suddenly smiled and nodded. “Alright. I don’t care what anyone else thinks, but as long as you don’t see me that way, <b>I </b>can rest easy.”


    I finally felt relieved seeing Edward start to get past those feelings,


    Right at that moment, my phone buzzed–Sophia was calling.


    I picked up, and Sophia immediately started hurling insults at me. Finally, she snapped, “Victoria, you seriously can’t mind your own business<b>, </b>can you? You actually had someone follow me? Do you have any shame at all? Just worry about yourself, okay?”


    I pulled the phone away from my ear, not wanting to listen to her yelling anymore.


    Edward had obviously heard everything too. His voice went cold as he asked, “Doesn’t your brother’s girlfriend work at a bank?”


    I nodded. “Yeah, didn’t you help her <b>get </b>that job?”


    Edward’s expression showed he remembered now.


    11:55 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>11


    48


    55 vouchers


    Just then, Sophia <b>was </b>still ranting on the phone, “Why do you think I’m looking elsewhere? It’s because your whole family is so tight–fisted. You’re loaded, but you won’t even let me borrow your car. If Aiden had the money to buy a house, do you think I’d care that he’s broke? You’re all just guarding against me, treating me like I don’t even belong here.”


    I frowned. “You and Aiden aren’t even married yet. Calling you an outsider isn’t wrong, is it?”


    “Finally, you’re saying what you really think, Victoria. You got dumped by your man, and now you can’t stand to see anyone else happy. Too bad you’re so pretty, but you still ended up as an ex–wife. You went after a younger guy, showered him with money, love, and attention, and he still kicked you to the curb. I heard you’re running back to Hachester with your tail between your legs. What’s wrong, can’t find a man out there, so now you’re back to begging your ex for cash?” Sophia knew all about my life, and it was true—the people who know you best always know where to stick the knife.


    “Sophia, if you’re going to act like this, at least have the guts to admit it. Stop yelling and just break up with Aiden already,” I said coldly.


    “Break up? Fine by me. I won’t lose any sleep over it. I’m about to be the loan department manager anyway. Aiden’s such a blockhead—he was never good enough for me,” Sophia bragged, clearly proud of her uing promotion.


    I looked up at Edward.


    He’d been listening to everything on my phone, and when he caught my look, he seemed to get the message. Without a word, he stood up, clutching his phone, and walked out.


    “Congrats on the promotion. Hope everything works out for you,” I said, and hung up.


    I called Aiden right away. He sounded defeated, but much steadier than before.


    “Sis, she admitted everything. She said the other guy promised to introduce her to clients, and even said he’d buy her a house in Braylin. Is it really true that no matter how hard I try, it’ll never measure up to a single promise from someone else?” Aiden’s voice was full of disappointment.


    I knew how hard things were for young people nowadays. Without family backing, most had to carve out their own path the moment they left school.


    ?