Money and Shops Are Yours

Aria knew Lily well. This brave solo journey to chase a high school dream meant Lily had truly let go of Royce.

Lily stayed in Finland for a week before returning. She slept for a day after she got back and then messaged Edmond the following afternoon.

Lily:"Are you free tonight?"

Edmond was in a meeting and saw the message half an hour later. He called her immediately. "You're back?"

Before New Year's, he had asked about her holiday plans. She had mentioned traveling abroad. He had wanted to accompany her, but she said she needed some time alone to gather her thoughts and find inspiration for her photography.

"Yeah, I'm back," Lily replied. "Are you free tonight? I'd like to take you to dinner."

"I'm free." He actually had a dinner engagement, but since Lily rarely initiated plans, he didn't want to dampen her enthusiasm. He asked Octavian to reschedule.

Lily picked a Western restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and romantic saxophone music. She arrived early and waved to Edmond as he approached. He was dressed in a black shirt and trousers, with a knee-length black wool coat, exuding grace and sophistication.

"Have you been waiting long?" Edmond asked, taking a seat across from her.

"Not very long." Lily handed him a glass of lemon water. "This place is nice, but it's busy and service can be slow. So I asked Mr. Pan about your preferences and ordered for you."

She called the waiter over, and soon, two steaks and accompanying soups were served. Edmond cut his steak with elegant precision and brought up her recent trip.

"Where did you go? Did you have a good time?"

Lily watched the red juices ooze from his steak. "I went to Finland to see the Northern Lights. It was great."

"Were the Northern Lights beautiful? I've never seen them."

"Beautiful. I took lots of photos and videos. I can send them to you."

"Is it more impressive in person?"

"Absolutely."

"I'd love to see it in person too. How about we go there for our honeymoon?"

"Honeymoon…?" The tranquil atmosphere, the gentle music, and the pleasant conversation had relaxed Lily. She almost answered without thinking but then caught herself. "Are we going on a honeymoon?"

Edmond smiled. "You don't want a wedding, but we can't skip the honeymoon. Otherwise, it would be unfair to you. Pick a time and a place, let me know, and I'll make sure to be free."

Lily felt a bit embarrassed. This marriage was something she had begged for. He was the one making the sacrifice. Why did he keep saying she was the one being wronged?

"I'm not wronged. I…"

"Lily," Edmond interrupted. "You're young, beautiful, smart, talented, passionate, and excellent. You deserve the best. You deserve everything."

He set down his utensils, his deep eyes warming under the soft light. "I'm eight years older than you. I'm dull, not romantic, and I lead a simple, boring life. My advantages are few. Yes, I have some money, but you don't need money. If it weren't for my influence in the Zhou family, you wouldn't have considered me."

His voice was gentle and magnetic. "So, marrying me is a sacrifice for you. Don't feel like you owe me. You don't owe me anything. Relax."

Lily was at a loss for words, emotions swirling inside her. Was this the charm of a mature man? Every word and gesture was measured, making her feel comfortable and at ease. Conversation with him was truly enjoyable.

Seeing she had taken his words to heart, Edmond smoothly changed the subject. "I've been too busy lately. I should've asked you out to dinner sooner. My apologies."

Lily quickly shook her head. "I didn't mean to imply you should have asked me out. I know you're busy."

"Actually, I asked you out today because I have something to discuss with you."

"I know you're not complaining. I was just reflecting on my shortcomings. I'll take the initiative to ask you out in the future."

"No need." With the New Year approaching, Lily knew he would be very busy. "It's not urgent. Once our marriage is public, we'll have plenty of opportunities to dine together."

For now, they had to keep a low profile. She had chosen a restaurant far from the city center to avoid being seen, making them feel like they were sneaking around.

"Okay, we'll do as you say." Edmond ended the topic and pulled a card from his coat pocket, handing it to her. "This is the money from selling the house. It's yours."

He had given Royce a deadline to sell the house, and Royce had quickly found a buyer through connections.

Lily was stunned for a moment before she understood. So, the house she and Royce had planned to live in was sold, and this was the money from that sale.

"The house is sold, that's fine. But I don't need the money," Lily refused. "I didn't contribute to buying the house."

Edmond placed the card on the table, pushing it towards her. "Besides the money, Royce also transferred two shops on Huian Road to you. Octavian and a lawyer will help you handle the details."

Lily didn't know what expression to make. "But…"

"Take it," Edmond said with a warm yet firm smile. "You don't have to feel burdened. When he agreed to the engagement, I gave him shares. He's gained far more because of you than this."