Edward drove his Lamborghini Reventon at a moderate and cautious speed, navigating the streets from Knightsbridge to the upscale residential area in Kensington, London.
When the car arrived at one of the Neoclassical-styled luxurious houses, a security officer politely assisted him in opening the car door. He then led him inside the house.
When the house door opened, a middle-aged man greeted Edward with a wide smile, welcoming his arrival.
“Finally, you’ve come, Alexander Junior,” Dylan Arley expressed his enthusiasm. He immediately gestured for Edward to take a seat.
“I could never forget such an important promise, Mr. Dylan.”
“Ah, you’re so formal, Ed,” said Dylan. “You can call me Uncle, or even Dad if you like. It’s fine.”
Edward smiled meaningfully at Dylan’s offer. It was evident that the middle-aged man hoped that the relationship between Edward and Chloe would go smoothly.
“Don’t exaggerate, Dad.”
From inside the house, Chloe walked slowly, responding to Dylan’s earlier remark. She looked beautiful in a dark black A-line dress, exuding a sense of allure in Edward’s eyes.
“Don’t be like that, sweetheart,” Dylan replied. “I think Edward is right for you.” Dylan’s gaze shifted to Edward. “Isn’t that right, Ed?”
Edward smiled slightly. “It’s, Ok. Maybe Chloe is just a little shy, Dad.”
Dylan widened his eyes upon hearing Edward call him “Dad” as he had instructed before. Meanwhile, Chloe looked uninterested, bid farewell to Dylan, and walked ahead to the car, leaving Edward behind.
“I’ll take my leave now, Dad. I’ll make sure Chloe doesn’t come home late tonight.”
Dylan still smiled. “It’s okay if you two come home late. I trust you completely, Ed. I know Alexander must have raised you well.”
Edward bowed respectfully, then caught up with Chloe, who was standing on the house terrace. He then opened the car door, inviting her to get in.
About twenty minutes later, Edward parked his car at one of the upscale restaurants in central London. They both entered and followed the waitress’s directions to a specially reserved room by Edward – a room on the rooftop area with a view of London Bridge and the River Thames.
“How do you like this place?” Edward initiated the conversation after they had been silent during the entire journey.
Chloe lifted her face, gazing at Edward’s handsome face that wore the sweetest smile he had.
“Great,” she answered briefly. “You must have brought various women here before.”
The smile on Edward’s lips turned into laughter. “Oh my, why do you easily assume that? Believe me, you’re the only woman I’ve brought here.”
“Hahaha,” Chloe chuckled. “Really?”
Edward nodded confidently. “You’re even the only woman I’ve ever slept with.”
Chloe laughed mockingly. “So, I should believe your confession? The infamous Playboy Edward Martin never once took a woman to his bed? How ironic it sounds.”
The smile on Edward’s face vanished, but he didn’t feel offended by Chloe’s ridicule at all.
“It’s okay if you don’t believe me. But I emphasize that I’m speaking the truth. My parents have always taught me that a man is judged by his words and responsibilities.”
Chloe fell silent.
“I do have a history of changing partners, but you can ask any woman I’ve dated. Have I ever taken them to bed? Or have I ever left them just like that?” Edward continued.
Briefly, Chloe could sense that Edward was speaking earnestly. From the look in his eyes, there was no sign of deception. But for some reason, Chloe tried to deny that fact.
“Believe me, you are the first woman I’ve slept with. That’s why I’m making an effort to take responsibility for my actions.”
“I’ve told you, I don’t need your responsibility.” After remaining silent for a while, Chloe finally interrupted Edward. “I’ve even forgotten about it.”
Edward snorted briefly. “How could you forget something so important? I even cherished your virginity. And as for you? How could you easily forget it?” Edward shook his head several times. “What kind of woman are you?”
After Edward said that, Chloe seemed to take a deep breath. The expression in her eyes was hard for Edward to decipher.
“I admit, you are persistent in convincing me. Let’s see if you can change my mind or my perception of you.”
A smirk reappeared on Edward’s lips. “I accept your challenge, Baby. I accept it.”
They both chose to enjoy the food that the waiters had served. Accompanied by the evening breeze and the dim light of the stars, their dinner atmosphere became so romantic. Edward didn’t hesitate to take off his jacket and put it on Chloe’s shivering body, which had been affected by the night wind.
****
Two hours were enough time for Chloe to spend with Edward. After the dinner event was over, she decided to be escorted home.
Just like on the way there, this time, too, they spent the journey back in silence, enjoying the music of Lewis Capaldi that Edward intentionally played in his car.
After twenty minutes of driving, Edward directed his vehicle into The Boltons complex in the Kensington area. Deliberately, Edward stopped the car right in front of Chloe’s house.
Once the car had completely stopped, Edward turned around. He leaned forward to help Chloe unfasten her seatbelt, which wrapped around her body.
Chloe could clearly smell the soft and exotic vanilla perfume, blended with a masculine woody fragrance. Unconsciously, she was enchanted and even desired to inhale Edward’s scent more deeply.
Chloe didn’t even notice when Edward’s face got closer. He gently held her chin and lifted it as he initiated the first kiss on her lips.
Initially, Chloe struggled to resist, but her body seemed to betray her. Instead of pulling away, she drew herself closer to Edward.
Chloe’s eyes closed, and her lips slowly parted, inviting Edward to explore. She savored the moment as his lips moved in a brief but passionate kiss.
She even felt Edward’s hands pulling her into his embrace, bringing her into a touch of pleasure that evoked other pleasurable sensations.
However, the heated kiss stopped abruptly when Edward intentionally pulled away, releasing their lips. There was disappointment in Chloe’s heart, but she quickly composed her face to appear calm.
“I’m sorry, I have to stop this. I’m afraid I’ll get carried away,” Edward said regretfully. “I can give you more satisfaction than this when we’re officially married.”
Chloe laughed mockingly. “You’re too confident that I’ll accept that arrangement.”
Edward also laughed. His eyes looked wild as he gazed at Chloe. With confidence, he replied, “I’ll make sure you’ll become my wife, Chloe Arley. I’ll prove to the world that I’m worthy of being by your side. Besides, there are many ways I can take to have you.”
“In your dream, Mr. Martin.”
Chloe then got out of the car, leaving Edward laughing contentedly.