Chapter 869: noveldrama

Caught off guard while handling shrimp, Elyse gave him a puzzled stare, then set down the tongs and quietly stepped back. Undeterred, Edward followed, saying, “Is your interest why you were secretly watching?”

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Elyse’s lips quirked slightly. “I was told a certain apprentice was too heartbroken to eat after his loss. Yet, there he was, devouring chicken legs with gusto.”

Realization dawned on Edward. “I was just playing up for my mentor. He’s overly stern. Without that act, he’d never let me hear the end of it.”

Reflecting Simon’s earlier demeanor, Elyse doubted the strict image Edward painted. Given Edward’s reputation, she remained wary. Deciding to dismiss the interaction, she searched for her lamb chops, leaving Edward behind. Once she found them, she sat down, only to have Edward appear beside her, his plate heaped with food, looking pleased.

Mid-bite, Edward inquired curiously, “When are you planning to leave?”

Elyse, slicing through her lamb chop, looked up in confusion. “Leave?”

“The competition’s over. Aren’t you heading home? Will you go back to your country or stay here?” Edward unconsciously licked his lips, betraying his nervousness.

The question caught Elyse off guard. She hadn’t contemplated it, especially after her separation from Jayden, which felt like losing her true home. Her ties to many places had evaporated, leaving her with no desire to return to them.

After a pause, she said, “I’ll travel for a while, explore a bit. There’s no rush to find home.”

Puzzled, Edward ventured, “What about your parents? Don’t you want to share your victory?”

Elyse’s expression dimmed. “My parents have passed away. There’s no one to tell anymore.”

Edward, caught off guard, fumbled for words, rubbing his chin awkwardly.

Noticing his unease, Elyse chuckled softly. “Don’t worry. It doesn’t pain me as it once did.”

“Even if you’re alone in this world, I’ll always treat you kindly,” Edward leaned in close, his eyes filled with deep affection.

Elyse’s lips twitched slightly as she instinctively pulled away, saying awkwardly, “I don’t need that from you.”

Recalling his intended topic, Edward set down his utensils, propped his face on one hand, and asked eagerly, “Now that the competition is over, can we talk about us?”

Elyse sighed deeply. “Must we discuss this during dinner? I just want to enjoy my food quietly right now.”

“Does discussing our feelings disrupt your meal?” Edward clutched his chest, his face broadcasting profound pain.

After a brief silence, Elyse sighed again and said firmly, “Let’s talk after we eat. I’m worried if we talk now, you might lose your appetite.”

Edward looked stunned. “Are you rejecting me? Why? Haven’t I been good to you? I’m much more dependable than your ex-husband.” . . .