Chapter 32: I'm Really Tired

Edward asked, puzzled, "Ma'am, can I ask what you're thinking?"

"No need to think. Ever since you took over the Great Saint Group, you've never made a losing deal. So, whatever you invest in, I'll invest in as well."

Edward broke into a cold sweat.

[ [ What the hell? All this effort, and we're back to square one?! ] ]

[ [ I'm throwing money into the slums project, fully prepared to lose it all. What's your endgame? I don't mind going broke, but your Windsor family can't afford such a loss! ] ]

[ [And Davis and your father are expecting good news from me. If you insist on joining me in this loss-making venture, they'll kill me alive!] ]

Victoria saw Edward's bewildered expression and burst into uncontrollable laughter.

"Look at your silly face. Are you really that scared of my dad and Davis?"

Edward said seriously, "I mean it—stay away from the slums project."

Victoria looked directly at him. "Dear Edward, tell me honestly, do you... still like me?"

Edward froze, his mind blank for a moment, then quickly shook his head. "N-no, I don't like you anymore."

Victoria's gaze dimmed. "When did you stop liking me?"

"I… I can't pinpoint it. But let's handle the engagement issue first. If this project helps you make money quickly and forms a solid partnership with Davis, Chifeng Group can regain its footing. At that point, our engagement will be unnecessary. You'll be free to pursue whoever you truly like without dealing with someone like me."

Victoria hesitated. "I suddenly…"

"Huh?"

Victoria's pulse raced, her nerves pushing her to the brink. Edward frowned slightly, waiting for her to finish.

"I…"

"What is it?"

Victoria hesitated for a long time, finally mustering the courage. "I think… I might like you."

Edward's eyes widened, his brain seemingly short-circuited. "Wait, what… what did you just say?"

"I said, I like you."

Edward stared at Victoria, his mouth half-open, frozen in place.

Victoria's cheeks flushed. "These past few days without you… I've felt… really uneasy."

She shyly looked away, letting out a soft laugh. "I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like I can hear your inner thoughts, and they're so genuine. I think… you're a good person."

Edward remained as still as a statue.

Victoria bit her lip nervously. "So… if you're willing, if you don't hate me… from today on, I'll be your girlfriend. And next month's engagement…"

She trailed off, her voice trembling, her heart pounding as if it would leap out of her chest.

"If you think the engagement's too soon, we can delay it, take things slow, and just… try dating first. Then, we can tell our families later…"

Edward stood frozen, completely unresponsive.

"It's okay if you disagree."

Seeing no reaction, Victoria's thoughts spiraled out of control. The initial excitement and nervousness gave way to anxiety and despair.

"I'm not saying it has to be you. But… we could at least try. I don't want to pressure you, and I know I have a lot of flaws. You'd need to be patient with me, but you'd also need to change a little too, because I… I'm ready to give myself entirely to you…"

She lowered her head, cheeks burning with embarrassment, unable to look at him.

Yet Edward still didn't move.

Finally, Victoria noticed something was off.

She raised her head and waved a hand in front of Edward's face. "Dear Edward? Are you okay? Say something!"

No response.

"Dear Edward? Hello?"

Victoria pulled out her phone. "Hello, 911? I'd like to report an emergency. There's someone here who's completely unresponsive—like frozen. He won't move or respond no matter what I do. Cause? Well, I, uh… just confessed to him that I like him, and then he just… froze. Yes, frozen! I don't know how else to describe it. You're the professionals—come figure it out! No, we don't need a funeral home. He's frozen, not dead…"

.................................................................................

Edward returned home with a vacant expression, like a lifeless shell.

It's over. Completely over.

The protagonist—the leading lady—just confessed to me.

[ [ What kind of storyline is this?! ] ]

[ [ This isn't a confession; it's the death knell for me! I'm the villain who somehow ended up wooing the heroine?! ] ]

[ [ There's no way the male lead lets me walk away from this alive. The plot is sealed—this can only end in my death! ] ]

[What did I even do wrong?! I've gone out of my way to make her hate me, pushing her away at every turn…]

[Does the leading lady have a screw loose? Why would you confess to me of all people? Do you have no standards?]

[Is everyone's mission here just to ruin me?]

Edward staggered into the living room, completely disoriented. His parents were chatting with Catherine, and when they saw him, their faces lit up.

"Edward, look who's here!" Mrs. Astor said cheerfully.

Catherine quickly stood, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Dear Edward."

"Ah," Edward mumbled absentmindedly, continuing toward the stairs.

"Hey!" Mrs. Astor grabbed his arm. "Catherine has been waiting here for ages. Go chat with her!"

Edward, utterly drained, muttered, "Mom, you chat. I'm tired."

Mrs. Astor shot him a glare. "What do you mean, tired? Catherine came specifically to see you. Show some manners!"

Edward turned to face Catherine, who gave a polite but nervous smile. "Dear Edward, I… just wanted to thank you."

Edward nodded wearily. "Got it. You can go now."

Catherine froze, stunned. She had taken the initiative to visit, just like in their high school and college days, even at the risk of being teased by the Astor family. Yet Edward's indifference cut deeply.

Feeling humiliated, she forced a smile. "Well then, Uncle and Aunt, you stay seated. I'll be going now."

"Wait, don't leave!" Mrs. Astor snapped at Edward, visibly annoyed. "She's been waiting here for hours. Why are you being so rude?"

Turning to Catherine, she said, "Why don't you and Edward go upstairs and talk? Young people like you should chat in private. Your Uncle and I have a card game to catch, so we'll leave you two to it."

Catherine hesitated but nodded. "If you say so… is it really okay?"

"Of course! It's been years since you visited. I'm so happy you're here!" Mrs. Astor ushered the two upstairs before leaving with her husband.

Edward walked into the elevator, and Catherine followed nervously.

Inside, Catherine spoke hesitantly. "Dear Edward, about the other day… thank you."

Edward forced a smile. Those words were meant for Davis, yet here she was, endlessly repeating them to him.

"You must be busy. Was this really worth coming all the way to my house for? A text would've sufficed."

Catherine felt a pang of hurt. Of course, she could've texted, but she came because she wanted to see him.

She began, "About what happened back then—"

Edward cut her off. "Let's not bring up the past. You were pretty ruthless, sure, but I had it coming. It's all water under the bridge now, so let's leave it there."

Catherine had so much to say, but Edward gave her no chance, shutting down the conversation at every turn.

In moments like these, it didn't take long for unspoken feelings to surface. Catherine could see it clearly now: Edward was cold, dismissive, and completely uninterested.

Feeling humiliated and heartbroken, Catherine finally said, "Well… you seem tired. I'll be leaving then."

This was her last attempt. If Edward asked her to stay, there might still be hope. She looked at him expectantly, searching his eyes.

But Edward didn't even glance at her. "That's fine. I'll have Jon drive you."

Catherine's face darkened instantly. "No need. I can leave on my own."

She stepped into the elevator alone, feeling utterly humiliated.

As she walked toward the parking area, her eyes grew misty. Why did I even come here?

He saved me once, and I foolishly thought that meant we could rekindle our past?

All those childhood memories I've cherished—he's clearly forgotten them all.

As she reached her car, Edward came rushing down the stairs, clutching his jacket. "Jon! Bring the car around!"

Jon pulled up with Catherine's car, looking baffled as Edward stormed over. "Boss Edward, what's going on?"

Edward grabbed the keys. "Whose car is this?"

Jon, thoroughly confused, pointed to Catherine. "It's Miss White's."

"Get in," Edward barked.

Catherine, still upset, folded her arms. "What are you doing?"

Edward had already climbed into the car and started the engine. "I said, get in!"

Catherine stood her ground. "This is my car, Edward. What are you trying to do?"

Jon, ever the obedient lackey, fastened his seatbelt without hesitation.

Edward lost his patience and yelled, "Get in the damn car! Now!"

Startled, Catherine reluctantly climbed in. "Fine, fine! No need to yell!"

Before she could even sit properly, the car shot forward.

Jon had already radioed ahead. "Open the gate! Boss Edward's car is leaving!"

The gates swung open as Edward sped through.

Catherine, pale with fear, screamed, "Edward, have you lost your mind?!"