The next day, Nanci woke up groggily. She picked up her phone to check the time and saw that it was already ten o’clock. She remembered that Brian was flying back to Woodlands today. She quickly got out of bed, washed up, and dressed in a hurry. She wanted to see him off so he wouldn’t feel the loneliness of leaving alone. She knew her decision yesterday must have disappointed him.
When she went downstairs, she saw Brian’s luggage already packed and placed by the door. She spoke first, “Good morning, Brian. I slept late last night and didn’t get up in time. What time is your flight? Let me take you to the airport.”
“Morning. No need to see me off. I’m a grown man. You should worry more about yourself. I’m more concerned about you here. What if you get bullied when I’m not around…”
Nanci saw his worried expression and quickly grabbed his hand, saying, “Brian, don’t worry about me. I made this choice after careful consideration. Besides, Edward is always by my side. He promised to protect me!”
“It’s almost noon, and you haven’t had breakfast yet. I’ll head to the airport now. Ask Jenny to make you something to eat first. Taking care of yourself will ease my worries.”
Nanci smiled, took a few pieces of Brian’s luggage, and said with a wink, “You always drove to pick me up when I visited Woodlands. Now that you’re going back, I can’t take you home, but I can at least drive you to the airport. This is the least I can do. You can’t refuse! Otherwise, I won’t let you pick me up next time.”
Brian looked at the girl in front of him, patted her head, and said, “Alright, thank you. You don’t need to carry the luggage. Let’s go.”
Before leaving, Nanci told Jenny, “Jenny, if Edward wakes up, tell him I went to take Brian to the airport and will be back soon. You all can eat without waiting for me.”
In the car, Brian still couldn’t help but worry about Nanci. He asked anxiously, “Are you really staying here with him? Have you thought about the challenges you’ll face? What if Elizabeth and Sophie cause trouble again?”
“Brian, you’re overthinking it. They sincerely apologized last night. I believe in giving them a chance. If they haven’t changed, I’ll teach them a lesson myself. I’m not a pushover, after all! Remember when I beat up those boys in school?”
“You were quite tough on them back then. If they saw you now, they’d probably still be scared. I’ve told you many times to think carefully about this decision. Since you’re so determined, I won’t say more. I’m glad Maggie stays at Alderley Industries with you for company.”
“Alright! That’s settled then.”
At the airport, Nanci watched Brian enter the terminal before heading home.
Driving back, Nanci reflected on her experiences at Alderley. They weren’t pleasant but were unforgettable. Previously, she would have had countless reasons not to stay here. But now she had one reason strong enough to stay-she wanted to be with him no matter how difficult it might be.
Edward woke up and found the spot beside him empty and cold. He went downstairs looking for her when Jenny informed him that Nanci had gone to take Brian to the airport.
Feeling both relieved that the third wheel was gone and annoyed that she went alone with Brian, he sat on the sofa waiting for her return.
After some time, he heard movement at the door but kept his eyes on his magazine, waiting for her explanation.
“Edward, you’re awake! Have you eaten?”
“I’m not hungry. I’m full of anger from being left alone while you saw another man off!”
Nanci laughed and said playfully, “How about a kiss? Will it make you feel better? I’m starving. I didn’t have breakfast since I got up late.”
Hearing she was hungry softened Edward’s heart a bit despite his annoyance.
Nanci snuggled into his arms and traced circles on his chest with her finger as she said coquettishly, “If you stop being mad at me, I’ll grant you one reasonable request.”
“Are you tempting me?”
“If that’s what you think, then yes… So, do you accept it?”
Edward gave a mischievous smile and lifted her into his arms as he walked towards their room. “Don’t regret this.”
Nanci panicked at his actions and kicked her legs, playfully saying, “Hey! I said a reasonable request! If it’s unreasonable, I won’t agree!”
Edward laughed and said teasingly, “Do you want Jenny to know what we’re doing here? Maybe I should call some witnesses over…”
Nanci buried her face in his chest out of shyness and muttered softly, “You’re such a rogue! Acting like a gentleman in public but like a beast in private! Put me down!”
Edward kicked open the bedroom door and closed it behind them as he said threateningly yet playfully, “You called me a beast? Then you’re Mrs. Beast! Seems like this is what you like. I’ll have to think of ways to meet your needs.”
He gently placed Nanci on the bed as she scooted back, trying to hide.
Edward watched her little movements, saying with a chuckle, “The room isn’t that big. How far do you think you can get from me?”
“I don’t care! Just tell me your reasonable request!”
“Kiss me.”
Nanci looked at him, curiously asking, “Just that?”
“Do you prefer something more intimate? Seems like you’re expecting more than I am.”
“No! Stop talking nonsense, or I’ll refuse even this kiss! I…”
Before she could finish speaking Edward pulled her ankle, bringing her closer until their faces were inches apart before sealing her lips with his.
Edward was punishing her for being disobedient, drawing the air from her lungs until she was forced to slap his chest desperately. As she gasped for breath, her delicate features flushed from lack of oxygen, making her look so tempting that one couldn’t help but want to take a bite.
Nanci weakly pounded on his chest, complaining, “Why do you always kiss me without warning and never let me breathe? Do you know this could lead to suffocation? Are you seeing someone else and trying to find a way to get rid of me so someone else can take my place? Please, just tell me! I can step aside willingly and watch you be happy from afar.”
Edward watched her theatrics and replied, “I guess you’re done catching your breath, right?” Before she could respond, he kissed her again, this time, he kissed her gently, allowing her to breathe. After a moment, he pulled back, wiping the lingering taste from his lips.
“You’re cutest when you’re silent. If you keep talking out of turn, I’ll kiss you every time you say something. Only then will you be quiet.”
Nanci was left speechless, unsure how to retort. She could only point at him and stammer, “You…”
“Aren’t you hungry? Let’s go eat, but I suggest you check yourself in the mirror first.”
Confused by his words, Nanci went to look and shouted, “Edward! Are you a monster? My lips are all swollen! How am I supposed to face anyone like this?”
Edward’s laughter echoed from the room. “Then stay home today. You won’t have to worry about anyone seeing you like this. If you want to go out looking like that, I won’t stop you.”
Nanci felt helpless against him and stormed out, plopping down on the bed with a huff. In a commanding tone, she said, “You better go downstairs and bring me something to eat! I can’t go out like this!”
Edward, with a playful smile, replied, “Okay, you sit tight. I’ll see what I can find for you, my little troublemaker.”
“Just hurry up!”
Left alone in her room, Nanci took out her phone and activated the front camera, grimacing at the evidence of his handiwork on her lips. “Not only a rogue but a monster who devours people.”
Suddenly, she received a message from Amelia. Curious, she opened it.
Amelia wrote, “Nanci, want to hang out today? Adam’s busy, and I’m so bored!”
Nanci touched her lips and replied, “I might not be able to make it today. I’m not feeling well. Let’s reschedule.”
“What? Are you sick? Where does it hurt? I’ll come over to check on you. Just wait for me to let me in!”
Taken aback by her response, Nanci began to type out a message to tell her it wasn’t necessary, but Amelia had already logged out. Now, she had to think of an excuse for her current situation.
Edward returned with the food. Seeing the beef stew improved Nanci’s mood greatly. “Not bad! I’m quite pleased. Come on, let’s eat together.”
“I’ve eaten. This is all for you. Jenny made plenty, knowing how much you love it. Dig in! Are you still angry?”
Nanci said, “I guess I can forgive you this time, but don’t do it again!” After she said that, her stomach growled in protest.
Edward chuckled and said, “Hurry up and eat, and after you’re done, I’ll take the dishes back down.”
“You’re so considerate! Love you!” With that, she eagerly began to enjoy her meal.