Edward looked incredibly handsome in his navy tuxedo that hugged his muscular body perfectly. His hair was styled in a messy undercut to add to his masculine appearance. After deliberately visiting Dylan Arley’s residence a few days ago to propose to Chloe, tonight was the time for them to officially celebrate their engagement.
Together with Alexander and Liliana Martin, the three of them hurriedly headed to The Boltons, a complex in Kensington where Chloe lived. Upon arrival, everyone present there warmly welcomed them. In the United Kingdom, who didn’t know the prestigious Alexander Edgar Martin family? Their aristocratic lineage and immense wealth garnered widespread respect. It was a great achievement for Dylan to formalize a relationship between his only daughter and the sole heir of Quantum Corporation, especially considering Edward’s perfection: handsome, educated, responsible, savvy in business, and, most importantly, possessing a good attitude. He was undoubtedly a suitable match for Chloe, who was also highly educated.
Therefore, when the Martin family arrived, Dylan couldn’t hide the joy that emanated clearly from his face. Dylan purposely greeted his future in-laws in person. “Welcome, Alexander, and Liliana Martin.” Dylan extended his hand for a handshake and continued, “I feel so honored by the presence of your esteemed family tonight.”
Alexander nodded with a smile. “Honestly, I am very happy that our two great families will be united. I can’t wait to witness the upcoming wedding of our children.”
Dylan smiled widely. He quickly ushered the guests inside to begin the ceremony.
Inside the house, Chloe looked stunning in her rose gold midi sabrina gown. Her Auburn hair flowed loosely, adding a touch of sensuality to her appearance for anyone who laid eyes on her.
“Mr. and Mrs. Martin, welcome.” Chloe greeted with politeness as Edward’s parents entered the house. She offered them seats that had been prepared.
While Dylan stood still, he waved Edward over, asking him to stand by his side. “Everyone…” Dylan requested the attention of all the guests. It was a sign that the engagement ceremony was about to begin. “Tonight is a special night for the Arley family. My daughter, Chloe, is officially engaged to Sebastian Eduardo Martin, the only child of Alexander and Liliana Martin.”
Applause and cheers echoed from the guests. Chloe herself, in her seat, wore a smile. In her heart, she thought that she hadn’t seen her father as happy as he was now in a long time.
“And so,” Dylan continued his speech, “as Chloe’s father, I am overjoyed to accept Sebastian Eduardo’s proposal for Chloe Hazel Arley.” Dylan glanced at Chloe, who was sitting in the front row. He nodded twice, signaling for his daughter to come forward.
Understanding her father’s signal, Chloe rose and approached him. A relative from Edward’s side followed her, carrying their engagement rings.
When Chloe stood in front of him, Edward eagerly reached for the diamond ring inside the velvet box that had been prepared. Accepting her outstretched hand, he gently began to slide the diamond ring onto her ring finger.
Throughout his time knowing Chloe, it was the first time he witnessed her smile genuinely. It seemed truly sincere, devoid of any mockery or annoyance that she often displayed. Edward wondered if this was a good sign for their relationship.
“With this, I bless your engagement,” Dylan said when Edward and Chloe exchanged their rings.
Dylan’s eyes were almost teary. A mix of emotion overcame him. Then, he turned his gaze to Edward.
Smiling, he spoke again, “When you officially marry her, please take good care of my daughter. She is the most precious treasure I have in this world.”
Edward returned Dylan’s smile, nodding confidently. “I will do my best for Chloe.”
Edward meant every word. Despite his playboy reputation, he was reliable when it came to commitment. He had never toyed with a woman’s heart. Throughout his dating history, he had always built and ended relationships on good terms.
After officially getting engaged, both families got together again to discuss the upcoming wedding, which was decided to take place in a few weeks.
“It seems you’re so happy to be my fiancée,” Chloe and Edward chose to step away from the party crowd.
“Do you want an honest answer or a lie?” Edward replied with a smile.
Chloe’s eyebrows almost met, and she struggled to keep her composure in front of Edward. “It’s up to you. Say whatever you think I should hear.”
Edward smiled wryly. “Of course, I’m happy. By marrying you, at least the burden of guilt that I’ve carried for some time will disappear.”
“So, you think this marriage is a way to pay for your guilt for taking away my honor?” Chloe said.
“Please remember, you gave it willingly,” Edward corrected. “We did it because we both wanted to, right?”
“But your previous words sounded like an obsession,” Chloe remarked.
Edward shook his head in response to Chloe’s question. The sweet smile that was on his lips disappeared, replaced by an expression that surprised Chloe.
“I admit that initially, I was obsessed with wanting to have you because my curiosity was so great,” Edward murmured. “Just imagine, out of all the women who know me, you were the only one who outright rejected me, even though we had already been together intimately.”
“Oh, my goodness, Mr. Edward, you —”
“Listen to me first, Darling,” Edward quickly interrupted.
“I admit, with full awareness, that I was obsessed before,” he continued. He walked closer to Chloe, closing the distance between them. Edward daringly used his hand to tuck away strands of hair covering the smooth cheek of the woman in front of him. “But it seems now, I truly like you. I like how determined you were in rejecting me. I like how hard you tried to ignore me.”
Without warning, Edward lifted Chloe’s chin and kissed her passionately on the lips. He kissed her tenderly, savoring the moment.
Chloe couldn’t resist and could only enjoy Edward’s adoration of her lips. Eventually, he was the one who ended the kiss but kept whispering.
“And I’m sure it won’t take long to make you fall in love with me.”
“Mr. Ed —”
“Hmm…” Edward replied quickly, noticing how Chloe tried to catch her breath. “Why? Was the kiss not enough? Also, don’t call me Mister. We are a couple now.”
Chloe quickly pushed Edward away, trying to distance herself from him.
“Don’t you dare play with me! You have no idea who you’re dealing with!”
The grin Edward initially showed quickly turned into a prolonged chuckle.
“I won’t play with you. It’s just a statement that I accept the challenge to make you fall in love with me.”
Chloe fell silent, feeling a bit uneasy after Edward’s statement. Maybe she should be cautious. She didn’t want to end up falling in love with the guy in front of her.
No, Chloe, don’t go crazy.
Don’t let yourself get trapped, let alone fall in love with the rascal in front of you.
“This is just the beginning, Darling,” Edward reiterated. “I can guarantee it won’t take long for you to like me.”
Chloe rolled her eyes in annoyance, let out a heavy sigh, and then chose to leave Edward. She walked back to her father, who seemed to be engrossed in conversation.
“Where have you been?” Dylan asked when he saw Chloe approaching. “I was about to ask the servants to find you.”
But it was Edward who answered, seemingly having been there for a while.
“I took my future wife outside for some fresh air, Pa. We were also discussing the kind of wedding party Chloe wants.”
Dylan smiled meaningfully.
“Papa is glad to hear that. You can decide on the type of party you want. The rest can be prepared by the wedding organizer.”
Edward nodded and walked closer to them.
“Thank you for your trust, Pa,” a clear smile appeared on Edward’s face. “I also want to ask Chloe to attend the CEO relocation meeting in two days. I hope you allow this beautiful woman to be present at the event since she is the future wife of Quantum Corporation’s owner.”
“Of course,” Dylan replied without hesitation. “You are free to take Chloe wherever you want, Ed. You don’t need to ask for my permission anymore.”
Edward’s gaze shifted to Chloe.
“In that case, I’ll pick you up the day after tomorrow. Prepare yourself well. I’ll formally introduce you to the world.”
Chloe simply nodded and smiled thinly, letting Edward walk away.
I will follow all your wishes.
Once you submit and surrender to me,
be prepared to suffer, Mr. Martin.
****
Edward drove his car at full speed after dropping off his parents at home. He headed to a bar in downtown London where Hans wanted to meet. From his voice during the phone call, it seemed like Hans had something important to share. Edward guessed it was likely crucial information that Hans couldn’t wait until the next morning to tell him.
After about a ten-minute drive, Edward finally arrived. He hurriedly entered Rock In Bar, where Hans was waiting. His eyes scanned the area until he spotted Hans sitting, sipping wine in his hand.
“If this isn’t something important, I won’t pay you, Hans.” Edward sat down without waiting for an invitation.
“You’re something else, you know that!” Hans laughed in response. “This is indeed important, that’s why I asked you to come right away.”
Edward nodded. But before he could respond, he gestured to a waitress and ordered drinks before continuing the conversation with Hans.
“What important news do you have?”
“Do you want to hear the good news first or the bad news?”
“Hmm…” Edward sighed loudly. “Whichever, I’ll listen carefully.”
Hans chuckled softly but quickly refocused on delivering the news he had.
“Do you remember the story about Patricia Hazel that I mentioned some time ago?”
Edward furrowed his eyebrows, trying to recall the name that Hans had just mentioned. Once he remembered, he nodded.
“You mean Chloe’s birth mother?”
“Yes… the good news is that Chloe’s potential mother-in-law is still alive. I’ve gathered all the investigation results, and there’s one witness who claimed to have seen her in the past two months.”
“Where did they see her?” Edward asked eagerly.
“You won’t believe it, Ed,” Hans replied. “Patricia Hazel is apparently around us. The witness saw her at one of the supermarkets here in London.”
Edward’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Do you know her current whereabouts? Where she might be living?”
Hans shook his head.
“The bad news is that up until now, I’m still trying to track down her exact location. The witness only saw her in passing but didn’t follow her to where Patricia went.”
“But this information can be trusted, right?” Edward wanted to make sure. “I don’t want us to be mistaken about the person.”
“This witness seems credible, Ed. I can read people well. And… most importantly, at least we have a clue that she’s not far away.”
Edward let out a long breath. He didn’t know why he was so interested in finding Patricia. In his mind, he wanted to reunite the mother and daughter as a way to win Chloe’s heart. Perhaps, through his efforts, her heart would melt for him.
“Alright… I’ll leave everything to you. I can’t wait to share this news with Chloe.”
Hans reached for his wine glass and raised it, responding with a nod.
“I’ll do my best. You know you can rely on me.”