Chapter 184

Chapter 184

Edward seemed to ask for my opinion on everything.

After all, this wasn't my first engagement or wedding, so I didn't care much about the ceremony.

But maybe...

"Today?" I asked hesitantly. "Can you pick me up from my place?"

Whether I tried on the dress or not didn't matter; Edward's preparations were always flawless.

But if I stood next to him, I'd have the courage to face the family downstairs.

I already knew the answer, didn't I?

When Raymond actually showed up downstairs, I couldn't believe it, and I certainly didn't dare to face him.

Especially since he had another woman with him.

Edward didn't expect my reaction and gasped in surprise, but he agreed.

After hanging up the phone, I stood by the window.

I thought I saw Raymond looking up at me.

I knew Raymond's number by heart. As long as he hadn't changed it, I could call him, but I didn't dare.

Raymond really didn't leave until Edward's car arrived downstairs.

I saw Edward get out and meet Raymond.

Then I went downstairs. By the time I reached the first floor, Raymond had already left.

"Is this why you called me here?" Edward suddenly pulled me into his arms and whispered, "He hasn't gone far."

My body stiffened for a moment, but I didn't push him away.

I had to admit it was Raymond who sought me out.

With his wife and child, he came to see his ex-wife.

And he knew about our child.

"Yes, you know I can't handle him alone."

If I hadn't called Edward today, I wouldn't have dared to go out by myself.

Raymond had forcibly taken me away more than once.

"Then why don't you consider moving in with me?"

Edward suggested matter-of-factly, "Don't worry, I'll ensure your safety. I won't touch you, and I'll have someone take care of the child."

He seemed to be offering me a trap I couldn't refuse.

"That's not a good idea. I'm an actress now, working under your name. Living together would definitely attract gossip."

It wasn't that I cared about others' opinions; I simply didn't wish to invite unnecessary trouble.

In the end, I refused.

"Thank you, but living together isn't the right move right now."

Edward didn't insist. He took me to his car and drove me to a hotel.

"I've had the dress sent to the hotel's lounge. The engagement ceremony rehearsal is happening in the hall right now. You can go check it out later."

Rehearsal?

I smirked. "It's just an engagement. No need for a rehearsal."

Even though I knew his kindness had ulterior motives, what woman wouldn't be happy to see a man so attentive?

For a moment, a ridiculous thought crossed my mind again.

If I had met Edward first, would everything be different?

If I hadn't been involved with Raymond, would Edward not see me as a tool to deal with Raymond?

Thinking about the past, the pain in my heart resurfaced, and any gratitude I felt for Edward vanished.

I haven't forgotten—it was Edward who aided Emily in getting close to Raymond.

I lowered my eyes, trying to hide the anger rising within me.

"Engagements are important. And... Caroline, you haven't answered my question yet. Have you thought it over?"

As we entered the lounge, the world suddenly became quiet.

The room's soundproofing was excellent; the footsteps outside were barely audible.

Edward locked the door and walked over to the dress, fiddling with it. His voice had a chilling edge.

"What?"

I was really nervous.

I didn't want to answer the so-called question. I thought that matter was already settled.

"Forgotten? Let me ask you again."

Edward suddenly approached me with a forceful demeanor. I had to retreat until I sat on the sofa against the wall.

He pressed his knee between my legs and leaned in close.

"Let's make Raymond die at our engagement party. Consider it a blessing for us."

I turned my head, feeling very uncomfortable. "You don't need to ask me about such things."

He wanted Raymond dead, but why under the guise of my name?

"I just want revenge, but I don't want to kill anyone. Are you forcing me?"

I hated Raymond, wished he were dead, but I would never do it myself.

His death shouldn't be by my hand.

"I'm not forcing you. If you don't want him dead, I won't act, even though I do want him dead."

I was speechless.

Wasn't this forcing me?

"You decide your own matters. If you want my opinion, I want him to suffer more than death."

Edward and I were indeed different people.

He could talk about killing and even shoot someone, but I couldn't.

"Suffer more than death, huh? Good idea."

Edward gave a wicked smile, released me, and pointed to the dress. "Try it on."

I had no mood to try on the dress.

I took the dress and went into the inner room to change. As I pulled the zipper halfway, I suddenly felt warmth behind me.

Edward had finished zipping it up for me.

I felt uneasy.

"The dress fits well. I'll change out of it."

Edward stopped me and led me out of the lounge. "Let's go check out the hall."

Today, Edward was still in a suit.

Not a tuxedo, but it didn't affect his appearance at all.

He held my hand as we walked into the hall, which was almost fully decorated.

On stage, brilliant lights bore down upon me, flooding the scene with dazzling, metallic gleams.

But I smelled gunpowder.

At first, I thought it was my imagination, but after standing on stage for ten minutes, the smell hadn't dissipated.

"Edward, would you kill me?"

Out of nowhere, I asked, "Your hatred for Raymond... surpasses your affection for me, right?"

How much affection could there be? In Edward's eyes, I was more of a pawn.

Even though he said he loved me.

"What are you talking about? Why would I kill you?" Edward seemed to find it amusing and rubbed the back of my head. "My hatred for him... can't compare to my affection for you. Strictly speaking, I should thank him. Without him, I wouldn't have met you. Don't overthink it. The less you know, the better."

I vaguely sensed a hint of hostility around Edward.

I didn't know if he had thoughts of killing me.

But I clearly felt the same vibe from him as I did from Raymond.

A destructive, almost pathological possessiveness.

I feared Raymond, but not Edward.

Probably because I didn't love him.

Only when facing Raymond did I consider more.

Until I changed out of the dress and left the hotel, the smell of gunpowder finally dissipated.

The engagement venue felt off.

Edward might really have murderous intentions.