After the phone powered on, Nanci saw many missed calls and messages. She opened Brian’s text first. Seeing his accusations, Nanci said helplessly, “I’d better call Brian. I bet he’s cursing me in his head right now, calling me heartless…”
Edward looked at Nanci with innocent eyes and asked, “You won’t blame me, will you?”
Nanci said with amusement, “Edward, act normal. It makes me suspect you’re an impostor, and the real one is still in Alderley!”
Edward smiled and said, “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Go ahead and talk to them. I’ll go over there to ask about the local situation, scenic spots, and such. Just wait for me here after you finish your calls. I’ll be back soon.”
“Okay, come back quickly then, and don’t get into unnecessary arguments with people.”
After Edward left, Nanci first called Brian back. After quite a while, the call connected, and she said cheerfully, “Good morning, Brian! How are you doing?”
Brian replied, “Hmph, so you still remember to call me. Today I went to find you and learned about your whereabouts from Olivia. Nanci, what more can I say…”
“Don’t talk like that, Brian. I didn’t do it on purpose. I didn’t know I would be leaving so early. I was still deep in sleep, and when I woke up again, I was already on a plane. That’s why I’m calling you to apologize as soon as we landed. Don’t be angry with me, Brian. You’re so handsome, surely you’re also magnanimous, right?”
“How can I argue when you keep flattering me like this? I called to invite you out for a meal today, but you didn’t answer. I thought something had happened to you. I couldn’t reach Edward either. Both your phones were turned off, so how could I not worry…”
“Brian, you’re right to scold me. It was my fault for not notifying you in advance and making you worry. Due to current circumstances, I sincerely apologize over the phone. When I get back, may I treat you to a nice meal?”
“By the time you come back, we’ll all be returning to Woodlands. Since you’re already out, have a good time. Don’t think too much about it. How could I really be angry with you? If you suffer any grievances out there, call me, and I’ll come find you.”
“Thank you for your concern, Brian. Edward will take good care of me. Are you all heading back to Woodlands today? You’ve only been here for two days, with one day spent traveling. Why not stay for a few more days? Everyone can keep each other company. Otherwise, I’d feel bad that everyone rushed here just to attend my wedding.”
Brian comforted her, “It’s alright. How about a video call so you can talk to everyone?”
Nanci smiled and said, “Brian, you’re so smart! Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll hang up now and call you back on video in a moment.”
When Nanci connected again, Brian and a group of people appeared on the screen. Bethany spoke first, “Nanci, did you arrive? How’s that place? Are you adjusting well?”
“Bethany, I haven’t gone sightseeing yet. We just arrived here. Why don’t you all stay in Alderley for a few more days? Edward can extend your room reservations. It’s fine, really. My departure was quite sudden and I didn’t have time to tell you, so I can’t accompany you. But I still hope you can enjoy yourselves there.”
Bethany quickly refused, “There’s no need. At my age, I miss home more. This city is indeed prosperous, but it can’t compare to the tranquility that home brings. You can ask the young people if they want to stay. I won’t keep you any longer. Enjoy your trip and come back safely.”
A woman spoke up, “Congratulations on your marriage! I won’t be staying here any longer either. I’m very happy I could attend your wedding. I hope you’ll be happy. Goodbye.”
After everyone said their piece, Brian took the phone and said to Nanci, “You heard them. Everyone wants to go back, so we won’t be staying here any longer. When you have a chance to return to Woodlands, I’ll gather everyone for a get-together. Why are you alone? Where is Edward?”
Just as Nanci was about to answer, Edward’s voice rang out. He asked with a smile, “Nanci, still on the phone?”
“Yes, Brian and the others are planning to return to Woodlands today. I’m chatting with them.”
Brian said, “Nanci, enjoy your trip. I’ll hang up now and we’ll be in touch later. Remember to call me when you have time!”
“Brian, Bethany, goodbye. I’ll definitely come to see you all in Woodlands when I have the chance.”
After Nanci hung up, Edward said with a hint of jealousy, “You talked to him on the phone for so long. You’ve never talked with me for that long.”
Nanci laughed and said, “That’s because I was chatting with many people, not just one person. Who are you jealous of? Whose wife am I?”
Edward put his arm around her waist, asserting his claim. “You’re my wife. Do you even need to ask that question?”
Seeing him so proud, Nanci laughed, “Alright, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have asked such a stupid question. You’re my husband! My head isn’t very big, and it’s all filled with thoughts of you!”
Edward clearly appreciated these words and said, “If you give me a kiss, I might stop being upset. If not…”
Without hesitation, Nanci stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. She looked at him and said, “Where are we going to play now? Do you think we’ll get lost here? I should clarify that I have no sense of direction and can’t really read maps…”
Edward held Nanci’s hand and said, “Just follow me then. I know everything. Just stick with me and there won’t be any problems. Let me take you to eat some delicious food first. You must be hungry since we didn’t eat much on the plane, right?”
“Edward, how do you know what I’m thinking? If I ever have an accident and become mute in the future, I won’t have to worry!”
Edward helplessly said, “How can you say such inauspicious things when we’re on vacation? If Grandma knew, she would worry about you and be upset.”
Nanci obediently said, “My bad! I won’t say silly things anymore. Let me say some nice things instead, and hope they all come true.”
Edward nodded and said, “Whatever you say will definitely come true, because I’m by your side. All the bumps in your road will be smoothed out by my efforts. I want your future to be smooth and unobstructed. I love you, Nanci.”
“Oh, you’re being sentimental with me again. I love you too.”
Edward held her hand with one hand and carried the luggage with the other, shouting excitedly, “Let’s go! Time for our honeymoon. We’ll spend happy days together!”
Nanci reached out to help, but Edward stopped her, “Your hand is just for holding mine. How can I let you carry these things?”
After much persistence, Nanci took over a bag and said, “You’re always spoiling me, but I want to be good to you too. Can you try to accept my kindness? Your presence makes me feel so happy. I hope I can also create some touching moments in your life that make you aware of my love for you.”
“Your presence is my greatest gift.”
“I knew you would say that. Edward, I want to tell you something. In front of others, you can be cold and ruthless, efficient and decisive. That’s the role you need to play in your work. But when you’re not working, your time is your own. In front of me, just be yourself. Express whatever emotions you have to me. Don’t wear a mask of pretense in front of me too. It makes me feel useless…”
Edward let go of the suitcase and hugged her, saying with emotion, “I understand, Nanci. I think the most correct thing I’ve ever done in my life was to bring you back.”
“Returning to your side is also the thing I regret least. Though the process was full of difficulties, I’m truly satisfied with the result.”
After leaving the open area, Edward called for a private car. The chauffeur came down to help with the luggage, and then they set off for the hotel. Nanci looked at the scenery outside and remarked, “I actually long for this kind of life. Do you like it?”
“If you like it, I like it. Shall we move here after we retire?”
“You should express your own opinion instead of always following my thoughts. Speaking of retirement, bringing Olivia here to travel would definitely be nice. She would surely like this place.”
They soon arrived at the hotel. Edward carried the luggage and led Nanci inside. Once they reached the room, she smiled and said, “When did you book this?”
“While you were on the phone chatting with them, I was searching for various places we should visit.”
“Haha, your words make me feel a bit guilty. Is there anything you haven’t figured out yet? Let me contribute to our honeymoon trip too!”
Edward nodded and said, “There is.”
Nanci asked eagerly, “What is it? Tell me quickly. I’ll complete the task perfectly!”
“What should we eat now?”
Nanci said helplessly, “Such a simple task… Are you underestimating me?”
Edward smiled and said, “This is the hardest part. I think only you can handle it because choosing food can be overwhelming. I don’t regularly eat much of anything, so you must be able to decide, right?”
Hearing this explanation, Nanci happily said, “Then I’ll take care of it! Although I don’t eat that much either, I’ve heard about a lot of options. I wonder if they have any unique dishes here. Should we order takeout or go out to eat?”
Edward asked in return, “What do you think?”
Nanci smiled and said, “Let’s go out and look around then. Since we’re here, wasting time in the hotel room would be such a waste.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.”