Today is Edward’s last day attending a meeting with Emaar Properties. As scheduled, tomorrow morning he will return to London and begin carrying out the agreed-upon tasks. Together with Nicholas, early in the morning, he has already headed to the meeting building.
However, when he arrived and was about to enter the room, Edward’s eyes caught a sight he didn’t like. A man whom he hadn’t seen in a long time was in the building and the same room today. He even greeted him without hesitation.
“Sebastian Eduardo Martin. It’s such a pleasure to meet you again after all this time.”
Edward turned. He used his eyes to scan the appearance of the man in front of him from head to toe. A moment later, he responded with a flat expression.
“Arsene Tobias Geraldo. I’m sure this is not a coincidence. God doesn’t joke around like that, right?”
The man named Arsene chuckled so lightly.
“Why should we blame God when the two of us accidentally meet? Have I done something so terrible to you that you refuse to see my face?”
Edward raised an eyebrow. He wanted to openly sneer but was aware that he was in a public place now. So, the next thing the man did was step forward. Closing the distance between them and whispering.
“For God’s sake, Arsene. We used to be friends. But after you forced Olivia to marry you, I’ve seen you as a rival. I even prayed to God that we wouldn’t have anything to do with each other again.”
Arsene chuckled softly. He didn’t expect that the man who used to be his close friend now hated him so much. He also didn’t expect that the events of a few years ago still lingered in Edward’s heart.
“Isn’t it true that you are married and have a wife? Why do you still hate me?”
Edward’s gaze became sharper, conveying an annoyance that never faded.
“I just don’t like the way you are. You’re so cunning, and even-”
“Oh, come on, Ed,” Arsene interrupted. “You should also realize and accept that Olivia eventually fell in love with me. Please accept the situation.”
Edward clenched his jaw, balling both wrists in preparation to strike. He hated accepting the fact that Olivia, who was once his girlfriend, now loved Arsene.
“Mr. Edward,” Nicholas called suddenly. He was well aware that his boss was now controlled by emotions. To avoid any unwanted situations, he quickly intervened. “The representatives from Emaar are already inside. We should go in now.”
Edward took a deep breath and nodded in understanding. But before leaving completely, he spoke again in a low voice.
“Even though Olivia is now your wife, I won’t hesitate to win her back if you ever hurt her!”
A clear smile formed on Arsene’s face.
“As long as I breathe, that will never happen.”
Arsene continued to smile meaningfully. The next moment, he even gestured for Edward to enter the meeting room first.
****
Chloe read through each financial report that had just been handed to her. After resuming work, she was determined to complete the tasks that had been put off for a few days.
Engrossed in reading the reports on her desk, the door to her office opened. Dylan walked in and immediately took a seat on the couch.
“Are you feeling better?”
Chloe got up and approached him. She chose to embrace him first before finally sitting side by side with her father.
“Much better, Dad. I’m as healthy as usual,” she replied. “How about you, Papa? Are you doing well?”
Dylan smiled.
“I’ve never been better. Especially after you got married. Papa feels much lighter now.”
Chloe pouted playfully.
“So, you mean all this time I’ve been a burden that troubled your heart and mind, Papa?”
Dylan, of course, laughed. Finding it amusing to see his youngest daughter teasing him.
“Yes, you could say that. You always made Papa worried.” Dylan paused for a moment before speaking again. “And honestly, since you married Edward, Papa’s feelings have become peaceful.”
Chloe also smiled in response to her father’s words. Before she could reply, the middle-aged man spoke again.
“Do both of you have no desire to have children in the near future?”
Chloe fell silent for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she thought about what answer she should give her father. It’s not possible, right? She admitted that she married Edward for a specific purpose.
“We are both still young, Dad. Let everything flow naturally. If God wishes for me to get pregnant soon, I will certainly not reject it.”
A bright glow of happiness radiated from Dylan’s eyes. The old man curled the corners of his lips into a warm smile.
“I pray that you both will be blessed with children soon. Because honestly, I can’t wait to hold your children in my arms.”
Chloe could only muster a faint smile in response to Dylan’s prayer. What else could she do? She wanted to object, but she couldn’t bear to shatter the happiness her father was feeling.
If only Edward hadn’t been the cause of Nathalie losing her life, maybe Chloe could accept him as her husband with sincerity. Because to be honest, the criteria for a man that Chloe desired were present in Edward.
“Alright, Dad, you should go back to your room. You have to finish your work, right?” Dylan patted her thighs gently and then stood up, preparing to leave the room.
“Take care of yourself,” Dylan continued. “Send my regards to your husband.”
After Dylan left, Chloe resumed her work. And when it was time to leave, she directed her car to the usual café where she spent her time.
Whether it was a coincidence or a deliberate act by God, as soon as she entered the café, Chloe had another encounter with Damian. He immediately called her and invited her to sit with him.
“It seems like God has arranged this meeting.”
“Oh, really?” Chloe responded. “I thought you deliberately followed me.”
Damian laughed heartily, finding it amusing that Chloe accused him of such things.
“Well, consider it me following you because I am very interested in collaborating with you.”
Chloe grinned.
“What is it that you want, Mr. Damian?”
“Of course, I want to invite you to work together,” he said. “Are you sure you don’t want to be my partner? I can guarantee that you will make an extraordinary profit. We both have the same goal.”
“It seems like you’re obsessed with trying to destroy Edward?” Chloe guessed. She dared to make such a conclusion because Damian openly showed his dislike.
“Not exactly,” he replied. “I just want to claim what is rightfully mine.”
Chloe looked intently at her conversation partner.
“But, by the way, are you the type of person who can be trusted?”
Laughter rang out from Damian’s lips once again.
“Absolutely,” he answered with confidence. “You can see for yourself. Or… how about I give you some more time to think. In our next meeting, I hope you have a definite answer to this collaboration offer.”
Chloe nodded this time. “Alright. Hopefully, we are destined for this business partnership.”
****
“Mr. Edward, are you sure you want to take the flight to London tonight?” Nicholas asked, trying to confirm. It’s unusual for his boss to accelerate his return schedule. “Don’t you want to rest first?”
Edward, who was packing his belongings into the suitcase, responded immediately. “No, Nic, I want to go home right now and rest in my own house. So, please arrange my return ticket right away.”
Nicholas didn’t argue any further. He simply nodded and carried out what Edward instructed.
Thus, precisely at six o’clock in the evening, the two men headed to Atatürk International Airport. After waiting for about 60 minutes, the plane they boarded finally took off, leaving Turkey behind.
During the journey back, Edward appeared different from his usual self. Nicholas could sense that his boss was more silent than usual. It was quite a contrast to Edward’s usual cheerful personality.
Nicholas tried to guess whether the change in Edward was a result of his encounter with Arsene earlier in the morning. It could be, right? His mood might have been affected after arguing with his lifelong rival.
“Mister…” Nicholas cautiously addressed him. “Are you okay?”
Edward, who had been reading a book, briefly glanced at his assistant.
“What’s wrong with me?”
“I just find it strange that you’ve been unusually quiet for a while.”
Edward smirked, closed his book, and turned to Nicholas.
“I’m fine. Maybe it’s just fatigue. That’s why I want to go home quickly.”
“If you need a lot of rest, you shouldn’t work tomorrow, Mister. I can bring all the work to your home.”
This time, Edward laughed. “No need to overdo it, I’m fine, Nic. Besides, I have to lead the weekly meeting tomorrow. So, taking a day off is not possible.”
Nicholas nodded in understanding. He felt admiration in his heart because his boss was so responsible for his work. No wonder Quantum was growing rapidly under his leadership.
After three hours of air travel, they finally arrived in London. Edward immediately headed home.
When he arrived at his residence, Chloe was not there. However, instead of worrying as usual, Edward didn’t mind. He chose to clean up and then rest. He was truly exhausted and just wanted to sleep.
After showering and dressing, just as he was about to climb onto the bed, the bedroom door opened. Chloe entered with a look of surprise on her face. Of course, she was puzzled because she thought Edward would return to London tomorrow morning, not tonight.
With a sense of curiosity, she approached and asked directly, “Wasn’t your return scheduled for tomorrow morning? Why are you already home now?”
Edward, already lying down, glanced briefly before pulling up his blanket.
“Actually, I wanted to surprise you. But it seems like you don’t need any surprises from me, do you?”
Chloe was taken aback. This was the first time she heard Edward speaking so brusquely. He usually behaved kindly and even gently. Something seemed to have happened to him tonight.
“Well… I guess I’m grateful that you realize that. I don’t need to bother warning you then.”
Damn it, Chloe didn’t really want to answer like that. But why were her brain and lips not in sync? Was it because her excessive pride got in the way?
“Don’t worry,” Edward replied from under the blanket. “I’ll grant you anything you want.”
Chloe felt even more puzzled. Where was the usual Edward who would tease her? Why was he acting so cold tonight? Was he deliberately playing with her?
“Are you not feeling well? Why do I feel…”
“Chloe,” Edward cut her off quickly. “Let’s continue this conversation tomorrow. I don’t want to argue with you right now. I’m tired and really need rest.”
Chloe swallowed back all the words she wanted to say. She could only stay silent while observing Edward’s movements until he finally fell asleep.