Julia looked pouty. Apparently, she was upset because she realized that she had fallen asleep last night, and as a result, failed to make love with Edward.
While applying makeup, she pouted. Occasionally grumbling, she directed her protests towards Edward.
“Yet, I was ready, smelled nice, and deliberately waited for you. But why didn’t it work out in the end?”
Edward, who was putting on a tie, chuckled briefly. Not laughing at Julia’s complaints. Just finding it amusing because the previous night, his method had succeeded in making his wife fall asleep.
“Last night you looked so tired, Julia. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you up.”
“Excuses! You know if you had woken me up, I would have been ready right away.”
“No need to rush. There’s still plenty of time. Besides, you don’t have any plans to travel again, do you?”
The question Edward had just uttered actually held multiple meanings. Besides genuinely asking, he wanted to know Julia’s plans for the near future without arousing suspicion. Who knows, perhaps Julia had a show scheduled out of town or abroad, which he could leverage to spend time with Bella.
“I don’t know. I can’t say for sure. Besides, you’d probably be mad if I had to leave again after just a few days at home.”
“Thank your lucky stars you’re aware,” Edward replied nonchalantly. Though now he prayed to God fervently for his wife’s work schedule to be busy so she’d rarely come home or be around. “But for now, I prefer not to bother. I’m tired of arguing with you. Go ahead and leave for Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, or wherever. I won’t bother protesting.”
Julia finished her makeup. She stood up and approached Edward, throwing him a smile.
“Does this mean you’re giving me the green light for my career?”
Edward sighed and nodded.
“I’m tired of fighting with you. Besides, that’s your dream, isn’t it?”
Julia looked pleased. She hugged Edward tightly.
“For heaven’s sake, I’m thrilled to hear this, Darling. Thank you for finally understanding me.”
They both then left the room together. Descending the stairs, Julia intended to head to the dining room. Meanwhile, Edward seemed to head straight for the exit.
“I’m off to work.”
“Skipping breakfast?” Julia asked, somewhat surprised. She thought they would have breakfast together like usual this morning.
“No,” Edward shook his head. “I have a morning meeting. I’ll grab breakfast at the office. Want me to drop you off?”
This time it was Julia who shook her head. Knowing Aaron would pick her up, she declined Edward’s offer.
“No, Honey. I want to have breakfast first. Besides, Aaron will pick me up as usual.”
Julia then hugged Edward goodbye. Bella, who at that moment appeared to be coming down the stairs, intending to exercise, couldn’t help but notice how Julia and Edward hugged each other and even kissed so intimately.
Somehow, every time she saw scenes like this, she felt annoyed. Even though previously every morning, Edward and Julia always did the same thing before they parted ways to go to their respective destinations. But this time, she felt reluctant.
“See you tonight. I’ll make sure not to fall asleep tonight.”
Edward just nodded. As he turned around, he noticed Bella looking at him. Edward realized Bella must have seen what he and Julia were doing.
Since it wasn’t possible to reprimand or bid farewell, Edward chose to leave immediately. Arriving at the office, he immediately prepared for a meeting with some experts and investors to discuss a property project in Switzerland that he had surveyed with Kairos.
He spent roughly two hours in the meeting. Fortunately, everything went smoothly without any hitches.
“If all goes well, this project should be underway within the next three months.”
In his office, after the meeting, Edward was still engaged in an important discussion with Kairos. They were discussing a joint project that had been agreed upon.
“I also hope all of this can be done as soon as possible. But when construction begins, both of us must diligently check it in Switzerland.”
Edward nodded in agreement.
“It’s not a problem. I’ll have Alvin arrange my schedule amidst my busy days to visit Switzerland with you.”
Amidst their conversation, Edward’s phone rang. Taking it out of his pocket, Edward smiled upon realizing that Bella had sent him a text message.
Bella: Hi Handsome. Have you enjoyed your breakfast?
Edward smiled happily. Like a teenager in love, his heart immediately soared. He replied promptly to Bella’s message so she wouldn’t have to wait long for his response.
Edward: Not yet. I just finished a meeting. Have you had breakfast?
Bella: Not yet either. Right now, I’ve just finished showering.
Then, Bella sent Edward a message containing a photo of herself, sitting in front of a mirror as if she had just finished getting ready.
Edward: Bella, you look beautiful.
Bella: Matched with you being handsome, right? Just so you know, this morning, I already miss you.
Edward smiled unintentionally. Truly, he appreciated Bella’s straightforwardness and her willingness to express her feelings openly.
“Edward… are you going crazy?”
Kairos, who was still sitting in front of Edward and observing his friend’s strange behavior, immediately interjected. He was afraid Edward might suddenly go insane.
“Please be quiet for a moment, Kairos! I’m busy and don’t want to hear your nagging.”
Then, Edward refocused on his phone. He immediately replied to Bella’s last message.
Edward: I miss you too.
Bella: We didn’t even get a chance to meet this morning.
Edward: I was in a hurry because of an important meeting.
Bella: I know. That’s why I packed breakfast for you.
Edward reflexively furrowed his brow. He was puzzled by what Bella had just written.
Edward: Packed breakfast for me?
Bella: Yes! I made pasta carbonara for you.
Edward: How did you give it to me?
Bella: This morning, shortly after Julia left, Kairos stopped by the house. He said he wanted to pick you up. But since you had already left, he decided to go straight to the office. Knowing that Kairos was going to see you, I decided to leave the packed meal with him.
Edward sighed. Apparently, Bella had left food with Kairos since this morning. But why hadn’t his friend informed him at all?
Edward: Alright then. I’ll eat it now. You should have breakfast too. See you at home later.
Ending the conversation with Bella via text, Edward looked up. He shot a frustrated glance at Kairos.
“Kairos, did Bella leave breakfast for me?”
Regardless, Kairos responded to Edward’s question just now casually, as if he hadn’t done anything wrong.
“She did.” The man opened his black bag. Then he took out a stainless lunchbox and handed it to Edward.
“Oh my. Why are you giving it to me just now?”
Kairos remained calm.
“It’s your fault for not asking. Besides, since before the meeting, you were the one who warned not to talk about anything other than work, right? So, how could I tell you?”
Edward grumbled in frustration. He was irritated by Kairos’s behavior, which he considered unreasonable. But because he didn’t want to escalate the situation, he chose to simply enjoy the meal that Bella had prepared for him.
“Edward…” Kairos called out. “If you truly like Bella and feel comfortable with her, it’s best for you to make a decision soon.”
Edward, who was eating, then stopped chewing. He looked at Kairos, who was now staring at him seriously.
“Do you mean I have to make a choice?”
Kairos nodded.
“To be honest, rather than being with Julia, I support your relationship with Bella more. But, you can’t keep hiding this relationship from Julia and the public indefinitely. If you’re serious, you have to choose one. Bella or Julia. Don’t be greedy and selfish. In this situation, Bella will be greatly disadvantaged. She could be labeled as a temptress or even a home-wrecker.”
Edward fell silent. He understood clearly what Kairos was saying. However, no matter what, if he felt comfortable, it was only right for him to make a decision. Should he end this forbidden relationship and return to Julia? Or should he leave Julia and be with Bella?
“But, I can’t just leave Julia without a reason.”
Kairos nodded. He understood that Edward was still hesitant and in a dilemma.
“Just make sure you’re sure about your heart and your choice. If you’re sure about leaving Julia, I’ll tell you the secret and the way to leave your wife.”