Olivia and Jenny stood at the staircase, hearing Nanci’s words, and grew tense. Olivia pulled Edward aside, took Nanci’s hands, and said, “Nanci, don’t think that way. None of this is your fault. Others just have prejudices against you. They don’t know how wonderful you are, but I do! Your marriage to Edward is something that makes me smile even in my dreams. Please reconsider-if not for yourself, then for me, okay?”
Nanci replied, “Olivia, you’re so kind, but every time I’m with Edward, I encounter these problems. At first, I thought I just needed to stay true to my feelings and be happy. But as it keeps happening, I realize I may have been too naive. Olivia, I’m tired…”
“My dear child, if you want to cry, let it all out. I’m here. And Edward is here for you too! Haven’t there been happy times with Edward? Think about all your joyful moments. Can you really let go? Would you let other people’s mistakes force you two to bear the pain of separation?”
Nanci shook her head and exclaimed, “I don’t want to leave Edward, but I also don’t want to live in constant fear. I just want a simple life with the person I love-just the two of us living a peaceful life and growing old together.”
Seeing that her resolve was wavering, Olivia signaled to Edward with her eyes to come and hold Nanci.
Edward received the signal, came forward, embraced Nanci, and said gently, “Nanci, I failed to protect you properly. You can hit me or scold me, but please don’t leave me, okay? I can’t imagine how I would live without you.”
Jenny, watching the young couple, felt emotional. She quietly said to Madam Clarkson, “Let’s go downstairs and give them some space.”
Hearing this, Olivia descended the stairs with Jenny.
“Edward, I’m just tired. My feelings for you haven’t changed. Is being together really so difficult? People say that when you love someone, you can overcome any challenge. But why does it feel like all the difficulties fall on me?”
Edward held Nanci as she leaned against him. He carried her back to the bedroom and gently placed her on the bed. Kneeling before her, he said, “This is all my fault, Nanci. I’ll find a way to protect you better, but you absolutely cannot think about leaving me. We’re perfect for each other. Others are just jealous of how good we are together. You shouldn’t doubt yourself since there’s nothing wrong with you. If there’s a problem, it’s mine. Let’s stay together, have adorable children, and grow old together, okay?”
Nanci pulled Edward up to sit beside her and buried herself in his embrace. “I’m sorry, Edward. I was just overwhelmed by frustration and said things that disappointed you. We’ll always be good together, right? Those insignificant people who don’t accept us-I could fight them all. They can’t stop me being with you!”
“Silly girl, how could I let you fight? I should be the one protecting you. You should always be happy by my side. If you’re unhappy, it’s my fault, which means I’m far from being perfect. Are you hungry? Let me take you downstairs for something to eat.”
“I don’t want to go down. I’ve already worried Olivia. I don’t know what to say to her now. My eyes hurt from crying. Can I sleep for a while first? Stay with me-I’m afraid to be alone.”
Edward went to the bathroom and returned with a towel, carefully wiping the tears from her face. He said affectionately, “You little crybaby, what would you do without me? Don’t ever say such things again. You can throw tantrums, and I’ll comfort you, but saying you want to leave me upset me.” He placed her hand on his chest.
“Your heart is pounding!”
“I’m alive, of course, it’s beating. And the woman I love is lying before me.”
Nanci felt shy, so she pulled up the blanket, covering her face, and said, “I’m fine now. You can go eat. I’m going to sleep!”
Edward laughed and said, “Didn’t you just say you’d be scared if you were alone? Forget it. I’ll go downstairs.”
Nanci felt the bed lighten as he stood up. She reached out to grab his hand and said pleadingly, “Can you stay until I fall asleep before going down?”
Edward sat back down beside her and took out a storybook from the drawer.
Nanci asked in surprise, “When did we get this book in our room? I never noticed it.”
“You’re so careless-it would be strange if you had noticed. Now close your eyes. I’ll tell you a story. If you can’t sleep, I’ll take you downstairs for food.”
Nanci yawned and said, “Start telling the story then. My eyes are closed!”
Edward cleared his throat and began telling the story of Snow White. At first, Nanci asked a few questions, but Edward silenced her with a look, making her close her mouth. Eventually, he heard steady breathing beside him. He quietly put down the book and gazed at her sleeping face.
On his way home, he had been thinking that he hadn’t done anything wrong and was prepared to be coldly distant after returning home. But when he arrived and heard from his grandma that she had been locked herself in the room, he suddenly felt that everything was his fault. All he wanted was for her to be safe and happy.
Olivia, Jenny, and the little boy were sitting in the living room. Rhys was playing with the cat. When Jenny and Olivia heard movement on the stairs and saw only Edward coming down, Olivia asked worriedly, “Where’s Nanci? Did you comfort her? Why isn’t she coming down? Is she still…”
“Grandma, you’re overthinking. Nanci cried herself tired, and I just got her to sleep. We’re fine. Don’t worry. Let’s eat now. If she gets hungry, I’ll get her something to eat then.”
Rhys stood up too and asked curiously, “Where’s Nanci? Isn’t she coming down to eat? Should I bring food up to her? She’ll get hungry if she doesn’t eat.”
Olivia guided him to the dining table and said, “Nanci is tired today and needs to sleep. You’ll see her tomorrow. Let’s eat first.”
Edward sat down too. Jenny brought the dishes from the kitchen, and everyone began eating, though each had concerns on their mind.
After dinner, Olivia suggested, “Edward, take me for a walk around the neighborhood. I’m not familiar with the surroundings yet. Otherwise, when you and Nanci are both busy, I won’t even know how to get back if I go out alone.”
Edward nodded. Jenny said, “The night air is cool. Dress warmly so you don’t catch cold, and be careful on the way.”
Outside, Olivia seriously asked, “Edward, is Nanci really okay? She didn’t look well earlier. Should we take her to the hospital again?”
Edward replied resignedly, “Grandma, we’re really fine. It’s my fault for not protecting her well, which upset her. She’ll be fine after she wakes up.”
Olivia said earnestly, “Don’t think I’m nagging you, but a girl as wonderful as Nanci is rare. Cherish her, or don’t come crying to me if you lose her! I have been through this too. When your grandfather and I were together, many people disapproved, so I understand how Nanci feels. This is something outsiders like us can’t help with. You need to give her a sense of security and make her feel your sincerity.”
“I know, Grandma. The wind is picking up. Let me take you back.”
Olivia sighed silently, then let him take her back home.
When Edward returned to the bedroom, Nanci was still asleep, though she had changed positions.
He quickly washed up and slipped under the covers, holding her close. He whispered, “Nanci, good night.”
In the morning, Nanci woke up first. She stretched, and Edward, feeling her movement, quickly opened his eyes and smiled. “Good morning.”
Nanci smiled back and replied, “Good morning. Why don’t you sleep a bit more? It’s still early. I slept from yesterday until now-so deeply!”
“It’s fine. Sleep as much as you want. If you’re hungry, I’ll bring you food.”
Nanci kissed his cheek and said, “I’m really fine now, and I feel refreshed. I’m hungry and want to go down for breakfast.”
Edward sat up too and said, “Let’s eat together.”
After washing up in the bathroom, Edward held Nanci’s hand tightly as they went downstairs as if he feared she would disappear if he let go.
Nanci was thinking about how to make it up to him, realizing she must have scared Edward yesterday to make him so cautious now. She squeezed his hand back, and Edward felt it, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile.
Olivia saw the couple and enthusiastically pulled out chairs for them. “Good morning! Breakfast is ready. We thought you might skip breakfast!”
“Olivia, I went to sleep too early yesterday, so I woke up early today. Next time, don’t wait for me. You should eat first, or I’ll feel bad if you go hungry!”
Olivia was about to get up to help Jenny in the kitchen, but Nanci stopped her. “Olivia, I worried you all yesterday, didn’t I? I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight and said foolish things. Please don’t take it to heart. After sleeping, I feel much better now.”
“Really? Do you feel any discomfort? You didn’t eat yesterday. Look, you’ve already lost weight…”
“It’s okay. I’ll just eat more now. Olivia, you sit here. I’ll go help Jenny in the kitchen.”
Edward looked at Nanci and said, “You all stay seated. I’ll go.”
Jenny was surprised to see her boss in the kitchen and quickly said, “Mr. Clarkson, please wait in the living room. I’ll have this ready quickly.”
“I’ll make some fried eggs for Nanci.”
Jenny exclaimed in shock, “Do you know how to make fried eggs, Mr. Clarkson?”
“Yes, when I used to live alone, I could make simple things, though they don’t look as good.”
“That’s okay. Mrs. Clarkson certainly won’t mind what you make. Be careful not to get splashed by hot oil.”
Edward hadn’t cooked for himself in a long time and awkwardly cracked a few eggs into the pan.