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Since I’d helped Sophia with my plan, her gaze held less hostility toward me now.
Edward, glared at me with eyes so wide they could’ve rivaled copper coins.
I ignored them, sitting with Eleanor at the farthest table from them and ordering a modest meal.
Edward couldn’t resist swaggering over, nose in the air.
“You can afford to eat here?Times have changed.Spending so recklessly,who’d marry a divorced woman like you?”
“Not everyone’s as patient as I was,tolerating your extravagance.”
The surrounding diners cast glances our way, but Eleanor and I stayed unfazed.
Soon his solo performance fizzled out. With a stiff neck, he retreated.
Once he was gone, Eleanor and I exchanged amused smiles.
In this life,I wouldn’t waste energy on verbal spats.
He didn’t even deserve it.
Edward,however,was fuming.He slammed his chopsticks down,especially after seeing our lavish spread compared to his meager soup and bread.
Sophia had to pat his back like a spooked horse to calm him.
The meal concluded pleasantly.
As moonlight bathed the streets,I bid Eleanor goodbye, only to find Edward was waiting for me.
Silhouetted against the moonlight, his refined features almost looked handsome.
“Grace,I know you’re jealous of me and Sophia.”
He sighed,as if disappointed.
“But love can’t be forced. Tell you what—once Sophia bears my child, you can come tend to it.”
“I’ll even let you be my mistress.”
I blinked,processing his audacity.
And he stood there, smug as a cat licking cream.
“Sometimes I wonder where you get the nerve to say such things.”
“Now I know—your whole family’s shameless.You’re too ugly for anyone to want.”
He sputtered, tongue-tied.
“Y-You’ll regret this!” With that, he fled again.
At home,I told my parents about my study-abroad plans.
They hesitated hesitated—a rarity—but nodded at my resolve.
They even offered another gold bar, which I declined.
One was enough.
What Edward achieved, I’d surpass.
They didn’t insist, instead spending the night talking with me.
As departure neared,I stayed home more.
On sailing day,a crowd came to see me off.
