<b>Chapter </b><b>633 </b>


    :


    <b>58 </b>


    55 vouchers


    The night seemed to make my heart beat even faster. Edward’s gentlemanly restraint made him almost impossible to turn down.


    I knew exactly what was waiting for me if I kept going. Logic told me to stop, but my feelings kept urging me forward.


    It felt like there was a war raging inside me between reason and desire.


    While I was lost in thought, Edward’s eyes dimmed a little, and his voice was a bit rough. “Alright, <b>I’ll </b>take you home.”


    He made the decision for me, and I felt a wave of relief. “If it’s out of your way, I can just grab a cab.”


    Edward gave a faint smile. “It’s never out of my way. Hop in.”


    I slid into his car, and the sedan glided steadily down the road.


    The backseat was so quiet I could almost hear my own heartbeat. A subtle, romantic tension lingered in the air.


    I used the quiet moment to calmly reflect on how I felt about Edward.


    At first, I was intimidated by him. Then I was so flustered I just wanted to escape. But now, things felt much more natural between us.


    Step by step, my feelings toward him had shifted.


    “I’ve always wanted to ask you,” Edward said, his voice soft, as if he was lost in memories. “Did you end up with Ryan because I forced you?” He seemed to be recalling something from the past.


    When things changed between Ryan and me, Edward really did put immense pressure on me.


    It was like if I didn’t cling to Ryan like he was my lifeline, I’d drown in despair.


    “Yes,” I said, biting my lip. “I didn’t have a choice. You terrified me.”


    Edward went quiet for a long time and didn’t say another word.


    Looking back now, I realize how irresponsible I was with my actions back then.


    But honestly, who really needs to live life squeaky clean?


    “I should’ve waited…” Edward said suddenly, his voice rough, after more than ten minutes of silence.


    “Waited for what?” I turned to look at him.


    Edward’s expression was hard to read as he rubbed his forehead. “<b>I </b>should’ve waited for Ryan’s arranged marriage, for you two to split up, instead of forcing you out of my life so soon.”


    9:43 Mon, Sep <b>15 </b>


    Hearing that, I couldn’t help butugh.


    Edward shot me a look, his brows furrowing. “What’s so funny?”


    <b>58 </b>


    B55 vouchers


    “Oh, nothing,” I replied, grinning and feeling lighter. “It just feels good to taste a bit of payback. That thing that used to scare me out of my wits? Finally, someone’s stepping up and taking the hit for it.”


    His expression stiffened for a moment, then Edward gave a wry smile. “So seeing me regret it makes you happy, huh?”


    I just smiled, not giving him a straight answer.


    It didn’t take long before the car rolled into the city and stopped right in front of my apartment building.


    Just as I reached for the door, Edward had already gotten out, came around to my side, and opened it for me from the outside.


    “Thanks,” I said, honestly a little surprised–never thought he’d pay attention to details like that.


    Edward stood next to me, looking down, and almost without thinking, he reached out and gently fixed my hair by my ear. “Get some rest, okay? Don’t wear yourself out.”


    When his fingers brushed my ear, my whole body went stiff. And then, hearing his gentle concern, my brain short–circuited for a moment.


    Damn, this guy really knew how to make a girl’s heart race. Honestly, I was totally outmatched.


    “Mr. Jennings, you really know what you’re doing,” I said with augh, trying to cut through the tension.


    Edward looked a little surprised, then caught on that I was trying to break the tension. He gritted his teeth and shot back, “Good at what, exactly?”


    “Messing with a girl’s heart,” I said, raising an eyebrow.


    But Edward just stayed cool and asked, “So, did I mess up your heart?”


    I put on my most serious face. “Nope, not at all. I’ve had my share of exes, so I’m not that easy to shake.”


    Edward’s expression darkened a bit, and he gave a dryugh. “Alright, so you’ve had a few exes. Got it.”


    Me: …


    It was like a verbal sparring match–one line from him and I was instantly outssed. I felt awkward for a second.


    Edward gazed into the endless night and said in a low voice, “If I really did mess up your heart, I’d make it right. You don’t have to be afraid.”


    <b>9:43 </b><b>Mon, </b><b>Sep </b><b>15 </b>