The windows in the living room were still open, and a gentle chilly night breeze brushed past Edward and Ophelia. Rather than feeling cold, Edward found the breeze extremely inviting. "Ophelia, what's going on? Tell me what happened.""Edward…" Ophelia threw herself into his arms. She could smell his cologne, which was her favorite scent. She nuzzled against him before hugging him tightly. Edward froze all over and did not move for a moment. Afterward, he responded in a low hum and drew her into his arms. "I'm here.""Do you like me? Do you like me so much that you always want to hold my hand and hug me? To kiss me and marry me?" Ophelia had asked bluntly without reservation.Edward seemed to sigh very softly. "I thought I was very obvious about it."Ophelia gazed at Edward. She was unable to hold back her tears. "I was just terrified…""What were you terrified about?""I was terrified that Dad would be angry and send you away. I'm already used to you being by my side. I don'
Edward was still in a daze when Ophelia yanked him forward by his tie and forced him to tilt his head back. He followed her lead without resistance. His eyes flickered as he watched her, and his Adam's apple bobbed."Cut it out, Ophelia."He genuinely thought she was just messing around.How long had he wanted and longed for her? Ever since she brought him back to the Ford residence, his world had revolved around her and her alone.Edward's rough childhood had made him mature faster than most. In the beginning, he thought the only way to stay in the Ford family was to build a bond with Ophelia and secure his place as her brother.But he would never forget the day she first appeared before him.That winter, he wandered like a beggar and nearly froze to death in the snow-covered mountains. That willful little princess, who insisted on dragging her bodyguards through the snow, stepped into his world.And what had he looked like then?Days of wandering had left his exposed skin rou
Matthew had always been one to think ahead. Initially, he had planned to find a companion for Ophelia, someone her own age to look after her. His thinking was that raising this person from a young age would foster loyalty, which was why he had kept Edward around.Edward knew well that although he appeared to be Ophelia's brother, in reality, he was more like an accessory in her life. He existed solely for her.He had been protecting Ophelia since she was a child, but he had to admit to himself that he wasn't a saint.By the time he had been brought home, he was already a teenager. He had developed feelings for her even then.Edward knew that there were kids at school who bullied Ophelia. Of course, he would stand up for her. But he always stayed in the background. He would watch as her eyelids fluttered with tears before stepping in. Her tears would fall like pearls onto her beautiful dress.She really was stunning when she cried. He thought of himself as a freak—just a child, yet
Edward was not just willing; he was more than willing. He would give his life for Ophelia at any moment.Matthew had said all that, but what could he possibly use to pursue Ophelia? Did he even deserve to?Everything he had was given to him by the Ford family. Officially, he was their adopted son, but deep down, he knew he was nothing but Matthew's dog.What right did a dog have to pursue anything? He even felt it was an insult to Ophelia.So, Edward stopped staying by her side as she grew up. He focused on constantly learning and skipping grades. When Matthew asked him to go abroad to help expand their market, he didn't hesitate to agree.He wanted to prove he wasn't useless. He wanted to leave the country and move abroad to create his own business. Only when he was truly established would he have the right to say the word "love" to Ophelia.His princess was so high above him.Edward wanted to give her everything he could—the best of what he could offer. That was his love.He
Edward had clearly said he would protect Ophelia and keep others from bullying her, but in reality, he was the one who had hurt her the most."Ophelia." His voice was hoarse.He took her hand and wiped away the tears on her face. As he looked at her swollen, red eyes, his gaze was filled with nothing but tenderness."I hope you can think this through. This will affect your entire life. You need to be careful and make the right choice. I don't want you to act impulsively and make a mistake."Edward's intense gaze was fixed on her."Do you know what kind of person Edward Ford is?" He referred to himself like an outsider.Ophelia froze. It took her a while before she responded, "You're my brother.""Yes, I'm your brother, but I'm not just your brother." Edward cupped her face with both hands. His voice was hoarse with emotion. "Ophelia, I'm your brother, but before that, I'm a man."I'm a madman with a strong sense of possessiveness. You're my sister, and I'll protect you. You're
The noodles had gone a little too soft. There was a perfectly poached egg on top and tender chunks of beef. Ophelia ate it all, bite by bite.While she ate, tears rolled down her face.After all this time, Edward still remembered what she liked to eat.Stupid Edward.Cowardly Edward.She loved him so much.It wasn't until she finished the beef noodle soup that Ophelia suddenly realized that this was Edward's apartment. If she was here, then where had Edward gone?There was still so much left unsaid between them.Ophelia called Edward, but his phone was turned off.Of course. That coward.She didn't panic. Instead, she called Edward's assistant."Ms. Ford, there was an issue at the overseas branch. Mr. Ford has already boarded a flight to Matristan."Lies!There was no issue at the overseas branch!Edward just ran away!She was just trying to eat her beef noodle soup, yet that bastard had her heart racing the whole time.And what did he do? He spouted a whole speech abou
Under Lindsey's post, comments flooded in.@OpenWindowOops: "Not a fan, but are they planning to get married?"@WinterHailIncoming: "Not a fan either. How old are their kids? I'd like to apply as their daughter-in-law."@LittlePrinceFox: "Is this really Damian and Chelsea? They're both rising idols, especially Chelsea. She hasn't even officially debuted yet, and she's already caught in a dating scandal? That's kind of insane. Honestly, I feel like the people in the video aren't them. Any fans here to confirm?"Most non-fans were just there for the drama and were tossing out playful jeers. Some even whistled and egged it on, while others kept asking if it was really Chelsea and Damian in the video.@DamianTrueLove: "Fan here to confirm! Damian's flawless skin alone makes me cry tears of envy."@PrincessChelsea: "Fan here to confirm! Chelsea is absolutely stunning! A literal goddess descending to earth!"@DamianWife: "What the hell are you thinking, Damian? Why are you actually in
Another response wrote, "Chelsea's like gum. She sticks to big-shot celebrities whenever she sees one. Hilarious. Didn't she try to stir up a buzz with Damian during the reality show? This time, she's planning to go public with their relationship, huh? Bold move."@WatchingDramaAtFront: "I'm not a fan here, but I have to ask... since when did idols dating become a crime?"Someone replied to that comment, "Idols shouldn't be dating. They always claim to be their fans' boyfriend or girlfriend, but they're discarding fans to date. Isn't that a betrayal?"This comment made both Damian's and Chelsea's fans burst out laughing.@FlyingLittleWitch: "Now this is funny! Chelsea never set up a girlfriend persona. Where did you hear that? No one here thinks they're her boyfriend."There's also a group of people saying that their relationship shows they lack professionalism. Forget about whether this video actually proves they're dating. So what if they are?""Chelsea is still doing her job w
Edward chuckled quietly in her ear. "Where do you want to go tomorrow, Ophelia? Should I take you on an overseas getaway? Or perhaps, we could take a stroll nearby and watch a movie.""I can't go overseas; I'm not on break yet. Let's go watch a movie," Ophelia replied. "I've only watched a movie with you as my brother. This time, I want to try watching a movie with you as my boyfriend."Although Edward was still the same person, his identity had changed.She could now touch Edward openly. She could hold his hand, hug him, and kiss him.It was… really great."Alright, get some rest today. I'll come pick you up tomorrow," Edward said.Ophelia nodded and walked him to the door. As soon as she shut the door, she pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heart thudding rapidly from the kiss earlier.She hopped into bed and rolled from side to side.After Edward got into his car, he finally let out a loud laugh. He pressed his fingers to his lips, reminiscing about the aftertaste sh
As their tongues intertwined, Edward could taste a sweet and sour flavor on Ophelia's tongue. It tasted like she just had a piece of strawberry candy that made her entire mouth taste sweet.Even her breath smelled like this refreshing and saccharine fruity scent. It was as if she was enticing him to take a bite of her and swallow her.The more they kissed, the more forceful Edward got. The air around them felt syrupy and intimate."Are you sure you really have never dated before? Am I really your first? If I am… then why are you so good at kissing?" she asked like it was an interrogation.She didn't know how to kiss and was very inexperienced. However, Edward had practically conquered her. He kissed her until her knees went weak.At the thought of Edward doing this to another woman, her chest began to ache terribly.Edward played with her hair, which had become messy from the kissing. "Like I said, you're all I dream about. I don't even know how many times I've kissed you in my d
"How would you know that I also didn't have the same kind of thoughts when you secretly kissed me all those years ago?"You said that I was born in a tall tower, but I didn't get to choose my background. Meanwhile, you have climbed your way up to where I am to be with me."In ancient times, we would have been innocent and carefree childhood sweethearts. We would've been considered a match made in heaven."Edward, what I'm saying is the truth." Ophelia said each word solemnly. She stared unblinkingly at Edward as she spoke. "While you were struggling with these emotions, who said I was not struggling too?"However, I just couldn't forget you. I couldn't accept a future without you. What I wanted was to have you by my side. I wish you were my lover, and I want to be with you, Edward Ford."Her response was firm and resolute. It echoed with conviction.At the same time, she seemed to be giving her answer to the Edward who had been hiding his feelings in fear and panic for many y
"If you're ever unhappy, you can come find me anytime. I'll always be here for you."This was Edward's promise.These were the moments when Ophelia had seen Edward smoking. Each time, it seemed to have something to do with her.She recalled the past. The way Edward always looked at her became even clearer in her mind. Back then, she might not have understood the struggle and yearning in his eyes.But now, she thought she understood.Her mind was filled with too many thoughts, and their embrace had lasted far too long.She wanted to push him away, but at that moment, he suddenly whispered in her ear, "Your first kiss wasn't him. It was me."What?Ophelia was stunned. She even thought that she'd heard wrong.When had she ever kissed Edward? How come she never knew about it?She pushed him away. Her doe eyes widened."You're lying. E-except just now, we've never kissed before!""The night before I left the country, you held onto my shirt and refused to let me leave. After you
Ophelia still remembered the melancholy and confusion that she'd seen in Edward's eyes. He had looked like a young boy who couldn't find his way home.The moment Edward saw her, he stubbed out his cigarette. Holding her hand, he led the bleary-eyed Ophelia back to the bedroom.Worried that she'd catch a cold from the freezing winds, he made her a cup of hot chamomile tea. She didn't like the taste, so he had to try his hardest to coax her into drinking it.Upset, she said to him accusingly, "Edward, I feel I'm turning into a chamomile plant."Edward laughed.He was handsome. Even when he laughed, he looked attractive. Amusement bloomed on his charming and elegant face.She complimented him dazedly, "Edward, you're really good-looking."Even though she was still mad that she'd been coaxed into drinking a whole mug of chamomile tea, she still found herself lost in his handsomeness. Edward's eyes were curved from his broad grin, and he reached out to rub her head."You're very goo
"So it is because of Stanley.""Well, I'm much older than you. Stanley is young so there wouldn't be a generation gap between you two. You must like someone younger."That's not all. Stanley has excellent grades. I naturally understand that you'd choose him. After all, he's the first guy you've ever called your boyfriend."You don't have to say anything; I understand. I'm not up to standard. Stanley will definitely achieve greater things than me in the future, so I shouldn't keep clinging to you…" I must have put you in a difficult position. If I had known that you had picked Stanley, I wouldn't have come back and disturbed you. I've disturbed the peace in your life."Every single word Edward said felt like a stab in Ophelia's heart.Was he crazy? Why was he talking about Stanley in every sentence?Ophelia tried her hardest to bite her tongue, but in the end, she failed to hold her anger in."You keep talking about Stanley, but didn't I already tell you that we've broken up? A
Ophelia snatched the junk food box in a huff to fill the gift boxes with snacks."You! Stop causing trouble!""Okay, okay! I'll stop messing around." With that, Joseph muttered, "It was just a few sweets…"Ophelia glared at him. Joseph immediately cleared his throat and no longer uttered a word. Instead of teasing her, he also began helping her pack the boxes. Not trusting him, Ophelia intentionally inspected each box. She only felt assured to hand him the boxes once she was certain none of the chocolates or snacks were missing.Not long after Joseph started packing, he began looking around absentmindedly. He looked down and noticed many private messages on Ophelia's phone. Those still part of Yvonne's fandom had sent those messages. They were scolding Ophelia.Ophelia merely glanced at the messages before nonchalantly turning off the phone screen. Not only were she and Joseph done wrapping the boxes, but Edward had finished preparing breakfast as well. Edward prepared all of
"Oh!" Joseph exclaimed. He whirled around and took a step back before patting Edward's palm. "Shouldn't you give me something in return for my advice? A present or something, right?"Edward came off as rather domineering as he asked icily, "Tell me which car you want. What model and series? When do you want it?"Yes, Edward had brought up cars. Joseph's eyes lit up. "I want the latest SUV from Land Rover within the next three days."It wasn't as if Joseph couldn't afford the car. He simply liked messing with his friends. After all, free things were the best. "Sure." Joseph continued flatteringly, "Bro, this is how it works. Women are usually more soft-hearted, especially someone like Ophelia at her age. You should give in sometimes."Be shameless if she ever tries to drive you away. Hug her and act pitiful by saying that you don't want to leave her. Say that you can't sleep or will have nightmares if you don't see her. You can even be more dramatic."Joseph was quick-witted enou
Ophelia was left dumbfounded after hearing Joseph's advice. What nonsense was he talking about? He was supposed to be on her side, not sabotage her. Edward shoved Ophelia out of the kitchen. "Something's wrong with his brain, so just ignore him. Go and rest."Ophelia was still perplexed as Edward pushed her out of the kitchen. However, she didn't probe further since she refused to speak to him for now. Once Ophelia was gone, Joseph immediately cursed. "You're such a beast. 28cm, 28cm. Why don't you cut off that thing of yours? Did you think your sweetheart is someone who appears in those adult films?" Edward's eyes twitched. He finally understood what Joseph had been blabbering about. Joseph was such a pervert through and through. Edward slammed the knife onto the chopping board. "I'm talking about my age. What's gotten into you?""Oh, it's your age." Joseph sighed in relief. He had been worried about how Draskia could have such a pervert like Edward.After a while, Joseph e