I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. I couldn’t believe Edward could talk about romance and intimacy in such a calm, indifferent tone. For people like him, relationships between men and women were as routine as having a meal or a glass of water—nothing special at all.

The real world is split by invisible lines, and the gulf between social classes is like a hidden net, always keeping our worlds apart.

Ryan and I were like two people out of sync with time—meeting in the same place and moment, but that didn’t mean we ever had a real shot at being together.

Edward didn’t miss the flicker of emotion on my face. He continued, “I know you’re not happy about this, and it probably hurts. But you’ve been married before–you should know that love is the last thing a marriage needs.”

I shot him a surprised look. The last time I eavesdropped on him and Ryan talking, I found out he’d been divorced too, and even had a kid with his ex-wife.

Seeing the defiance in my eyes, Edward scoffed. “Marriage is all about management. As long as there are interests involved, the best way is to join forces with someone strong, right?”

I dropped my head, feeling defeated, but I couldn’t help agreeing with him.

Jared and I got married in a burst of passion, but after tying the knot, we barely spoke the same language. I couldn’t help him with his career, and there was no way I could ever catch up to his pace.

I’m just not cut out for marriage–divorce was really the best thing for me.

But now… Jared’s stuck in some weird cycle. Before the divorce, he was chasing a thrill with Tracy, and now he’s got his eyes back on me.

Feelings are just so messy, so hard to figure out.

“You’re not saying anything–does that mean you agree?” Edward asked, his brow furrowing.

“Yes,” I said, steadying myself and looking him in the eye. “Mr. Jennings, you’re right. Honestly, I never thought about taking things further with Ryan. We’re just… nothing, really.”

“He’s the only one catching feelings here,” Edward cut in, saying what I couldn’t.

I nodded. “He’s confessed to me a few times. Mr. Jennings, even if you hadn’t come to talk to me, I already knew we’re from totally different worlds. I wouldn’t try to start anything with him, and honestly, I’m afraid I’d only drag him down.”

“Ms. Murphy, you’re a smart woman,” Edward finally relaxed his intense gaze and said calmly, “So I’m sure you can figure out a way to make Ryan realize it’s not going to happen, right?”

I was stunned–Edward had just put the ball right back in my court.

“I’ve turned him down, more than once. I even started dating someone else, but Ryan didn’t cause any drama. He just said he’d wait until I break up. Mr. Jennings, you know him better than I do–maybe you should be the one to come up with a solution.” I tossed the problem right back at him.

Edward’s face grew serious. “Ms. Murphy, you look like someone who knows her way around relationships. Ryan’s little crush probably doesn’t faze you at all. I’m sure you can figure out a way to make him give up.”

That annoyed me a little, so I just shrugged and said, “Honestly, if I really wanted him to give up, I could just get married, have a kid or something. That would definitely do the trick.”

“So, do you have someone in mind to marry?” Edward asked, actually considering my words.

“No,” I replied without a second thought. “I have no intention of ever getting married or having kids in this lifetime.”

Edward just went quiet.

The air instantly turned awkward, and Edward’s face clouded over. “Ms. Murphy, are you just messing with me?”

“No way, I wouldn’t dare,” I said. “Honestly, you’re kind of putting me on the spot here. But don’t worry, I’ll keep saying no until he finally gets the message.”

“That’s not going to work,” Edward said, his voice icy. “I know how Ryan is–if you don’t make it clear to him, he’ll just keep hoping.”

I paused, feeling a bit exasperated. “But honestly, I don’t have anyone I want to marry right now.”

“Remarrying your ex-husband might not be a bad idea,” Edward suggested.

“I just divorced him–and I was the one who asked for it. It’s a matter of pride; I can’t just turn around and get back with him,” I shot the idea down right away.

Edward raised an eyebrow. “Then just find someone else and stage a fake marriage. That shouldn’t be too hard for you, right?”