Chapter 547

Honestly, out of all the guys who’d tried to win me over, Edward was hands down the most thick-skinned. He was totally relentless.

He just kept coming at me, never backing down, like he was made of steel or something.

I was already fuming after dealing with Fiona, and now that Edward showed up, all I wanted was to steer clear of him.

“You’re done eating already?” Edward asked with concern, a hint of surprise in his voice.

I bit my lip, keeping my head down as I walked past him.

“What’s wrong? You seem upset. Did you and Ryan really have a fight?” Edward shamelessly followed after me.

I walked up to my car, still refusing to say a word. Edward didn’t hesitate – he reached out, grabbed my arm, and before I knew it, he boldly yanked off my mask.

I shot him an angry glare, lifting my head to meet his eyes.

The streetlight spilled across my face, making the redness in my eyes – flushed from anger – impossible to hide.

Edward frowned, his gaze softening as he asked, “Were you crying?”

“Edward, can you just stop stirring things up between me and Ryan? I’ll break up with him, okay? I’m not going to cling or make a fuss, and I won’t ask for anything. Just let me go, please.” My mind was all over the place – I didn’t even know what I was saying anymore. All I felt was this heavy, stifling pain inside.

Edward was stunned, totally thrown by what I’d just said. He just stood there, trying to wrap his head around it.

“Isn’t it because you’re all afraid I’ll mess up his future? Ryan’s the hope of your family, the one with real potential. I get it, you care about him, you want to protect him – I understand,” I said, taking a deep breath to calm myself. “If he wants to break up, I’ll say yes. No hesitation.”

Edward just stared at me, shocked, until that tear at the corner of my eye finally broke free and rolled down my cheek.

That was when it hit me – I couldn’t keep my cool anymore, no matter how much I tried to pretend I didn’t give a damn.

Edward’s finger brushed away my tear, gentle but way too close for comfort.

But the tears just wouldn’t stop. I shoved his hand aside and turned my back on him. “Even if I break up with Ryan, I’m never getting together with you. Don’t bother trying.”

Edward hadn’t expected me to be so blunt. He just stood there behind me, stunned.

“Liking is wanting to possess, loving is wanting the best for someone. So, Mr. Jennings, which one are you?” I wiped my eyes messily and turned to look at him.

Edward frowned, then shook his head. “Honestly, I don’t know. You never gave me a shot.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “If I end up with the nephew and then the uncle, it’s just way too messed up. The gossip and hate would drown me. You wouldn’t get the real me – you’d get a wreck, someone barely holding it together.”

Edward was stunned, clearly not expecting me to say that.

“I’ll hide you away, give you a quieter life, and make sure no one can ever talk bad about you,” Edward said, staring at me, his voice sounding like it came straight from his heart.

“Hide me where? Is there even a place in this world that’s actually peaceful?” I asked, feeling lost for a second, then let out a bitter laugh at how ridiculous it all was.

“Whatever. It’s just a breakup. It’s not like it’s a big deal anyway,” I said, not wanting to keep talking to him.

Just as I was about to open the car door, a solid body crashed into me from behind. Edward pulled me straight into his arms, holding me tight.

“Edward, what are you doing? Let me go!” I panicked, struggling hard to break free.

Edward leaned in, his breath hot against my ear, his voice rough as he whispered, “Victoria, how would you know I can’t protect you if you never even tried with me?”

“I’m not about to risk my heart on a dangerous wolf like you,” I snapped, then sank my teeth into the back of his hand.

Edward flinched in pain and let go. I dove into the car, started the engine, and sped off.

When I got home, the lights were on – which was weird.

At this hour?

My heart was racing. Ryan was the only one with a key to this place… unless it was a burglar.

Before I could even grab my keys, the door swung open. Ryan was standing there, still in his work clothes.

I froze, my hand halfway to my keys, and looked up at him.

Weirdly enough, I felt kind of guilty.