Chapter 163
Alicia blinked playfully, a mischievous smile on her face. “Edward, you look panicked. What are you up to?”
Edward didn’t try to hide it. “I’m looking for a boyfriend for you. See, these are all grandsons of my friends. Their families aren’t super rich, but they’re decent. I’m checking them out to see who might be a good match
Alicia gaped. “Edward, are you trying to play cupid now?”
Edward reached out and poked her head. “What are you saying? I’m only thinking about your future.”
He let out a deep sigh. “I’m getting old. You don’t have parents, so someday you’ll need someone to rely on. I just want to find a good man who can have your back.”
Alicia said, “Edward, can’t I just rely on myself?”
“You’re a girl, it’s easy for people to bully you, and I just worry you’ll have it too tough,” Edward said, his eyes full of concern as he gently patted her head. “You’ve had it hard enough growing up. It’d be good if you had someone you could lean on.”
“I’m not afraid of hardship,” Alicia replied. “I want to make my own decisions. If I rely on someone else, they could control me.”
Edward smiled softly. “Silly girl, if someone truly loves you, they’ll always have your best interests at heart. Why would they try to control you?”
Alicia sighed inwardly. ‘Where am I supposed to find someone who truly loves me? My own parents didn’t love me. Why would I expect a stranger to? Love? It was the biggest joke!
She had seen too many people obsessed with love, only to be hurt by heartbreakers. Love was just a rush of hormones. Once the rush was over, all that was left was mutual annoyance.
Sure, some couples made it to the end, but it was their sense of responsibility and character that kept them together, not love. Realistically, love was never meant to last.
She tilted her head and asked Edward, “Edward, does love even exist?”
Edward was taken aback for a second, then said, “Even if love doesn’t exist, there’s always family and responsibility
Alicia shook her head, dodging the question. “I brought some takeout, so we don’t need to bother cooking tonight.”
“Alright,” Edward nodded.
Alicia headed to the kitchen, grabbed some dishes, plated up the food, and warmed up the takeout.
Edward was already dialing up his old friends. “Hey, it’s me, Edward. How’ve you been lately?” he greeted.
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After a short chat, Edward laughed. “You’ve got it easy, huh? Unlike my family, who’s always nagging me.”
Once they finished pleasantries, Edward got to the point. “So, your grandson’s graduated by now, right? What’s he up to?”
After hearing the answer, Edward murmured with a hint of disappointment, “He’s got a girlfriend? And married without telling you? Well, kids these days really do whatever they want. At least you won’t have to worry about finding him a match.”
After hanging up, he dialed a few more numbers.
But every grandson he asked about was either already taken, off studying abroad, or too busy starting their own business to even think about dating.
Edward felt pretty defeated. Finally, he tossed the notebook into the trash, muttering, “Not a single one has their act together.”
Alicia came out of the kitchen, seeing the notebook in the trash. She chuckled lightly. “Edward, what made you throw the notebook away?”
“It’s useless now,” Edward said, waving his hand.
Alicia picked it up and flipped through it. It was filled with details about his old friends and their families.
She smiled softly. “Edward, this notebook is like a piece of history for you. You should keep it for the memories.”
Edward glanced at it, a sense of helplessness creeping in. He had no idea how to find her a good man.
Alicia put the notebook away and started setting the table. “Dinner’s ready, Edward.”
“Alright,” Edward nodded.
Alicia placed a piece of rib on Edward’s plate. “Edward, try this. This place makes the best rib.”
As soon as she finished, her phone rang. It was Charles. She hadn’t seen him since he dropped her off at the Crown Hotel. Out of nowhere, a weird feeling came over her–she actually wanted to see him.
She quickly pushed that thought to the back of her mind and tapped the answer key. “Hello, Mr. Yates,” she said in a gentle voice.
Without even realizing it, Alicia’s tone turned softer as she spoke with him over the phone.
Edward, sitting next to her, noticed the change in her demeanor. He was surprised.
Alicia didn’t step away or try to hide anything–she just answered the call right there at the dining table with Edward beside her.
On the other end of the line, Charles had just returned from a business trip. It had been over a week since he saw Alicia, and the longing inside him grew every day. He couldn’t hold it in anymore. Even though it was getting late, he wanted to see her tonight.
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There was a hint of exhaustion and huskiness in his voice as he said, “Would you paint for me tonight?”
“Sure,” Alicia responded instantly. “Around what time will you get here? I’m actually not at home right now”
“Eight.” Charles told her. “Take it easy on your way. I don’t want you to rush.”
Truth was, he was already sitting in his car right outside Linen Bay Residences. As he called her, anxiety gnawed at him, worrying she’d hurry home and something might happen, so he said eight, just to make sure she’d take her time.
Alicia replied in a gentle voice, “Alright, I’ll get back as soon as I can.”
As Alicia chatted on the phone, Edward sat quietly by, listening in on every word. The man’s voice was deep and magnetic.
Edward felt a ripple of excitement and a pinch of nerves. ‘Wait a minute, is Alicia actually dating someone?‘ he wondered. ‘Looks like I need to be on my guard. No way am I letting some sketchy guy fool her on my watch.
After Alicia hung up, Edward couldn’t hide his curiosity, his eyes lighting up as he leaned forward. “Was that your boyfriend? What does he do for a living?”
Alicia shook her head. “No, he’s just my landlord.”
Edward’s face fell a little. “Just your landlord? Is he calling about rent? Why don’t you just move in with me? You wouldn’t have to pay any rent at all.”
Alicia paused, thinking it over. Now that everything with the Lawrence family had settled down, maybe it really was time for her to move out of the apartment she was renting from Charles.
“Okay, I’ll talk to Mr. Yates about it,” Alicia agreed with a nod.
Edward served Alicia a piece of rib. “Okay, time to dig in.” The two of them ate happily, finishing their meal.
Alicia checked the time. It was already 6:30. She quickly cleaned up and told Edward, “Edward, I need to work on a painting tonight. I’ll head back now.”
“Alright, Edward nodded, trying to act casual.
After she left, Edward rushed to his room, grabbed a hat and scarf, and covered himself completely, making sure no one could recognize him. Then he sneaked out, determined to follow Alicia without being seen.
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