Chapter 2
Edward leaned against his car, his posture relaxed as he waited for me to walk over.
But I stayed put. My best friend, Emily Carter, had promised to pick me up, and her vehicle was already nearby.
My calm, unemotional expression seemed to irritate him.
"What's your problem now? Are you mad I didn't come see you the other day? I'm here to take you back to the company, aren't I?" he snapped.
I didn't bother arguing, just raised an eyebrow. "Take me back to the company?"
I held up my bandaged hand, staring at him coldly. "Mr. Grant, there's no way you expect me to work with a burnt hand, right?"
Edward froze, his gaze darting down to my hand.
Pouring that hot coffee on me had been an impulsive stopgap measure.
He'd never thought it would be this serious.
He asked awkwardly, struggling for words, "Did the doctor say when it'll heal? Do you want to go to my family's hospital—"
"No, thanks." I cut him off sharply, leaving no room for argument.
Edward frowned, taking a step forward as if to grab my hand. Before he could touch me, the roar of a motorcycle echoed nearby.
Emily skidded to a stop in front of us with a perfect drift, yanking off her helmet and yelling excitedly, "Sophie! Your mom said you're getting married? Is that for real? I have to be your bridesmaid!"
My new fiancé's family wanted a quick wedding.
They'd already made all the preparations, and a wedding planner had contacted me a few days ago to ask about my preferences.
I didn't want a big, fancy ceremony, and they'd respected my wish.
I was about to explain when Edward's face clouded over with anger. "Sophie, I told you before. I can't marry you until Michael wakes up.
"Seeing our wedding would break Charlotte's heart. She's already stuck alone in that empty room every night. How do you think that would make her feel?"
Once upon a time, his words would have hurt me, made me argue my case, and fixate on his cold attitude.
He'd prioritize his brother's wife's feelings over his own wedding, painting himself as some loyal, caring man.
But now, a genuine smile appeared on my face.
I said, holding his gaze steadily, "I texted you to break up the other day. If you forgot, I'll say it again.
"Edward, I don't like you anymore. From now on, we'll go our separate ways. You marry who you want, and I'll marry who I want. Do you understand?"
"Worried she's lonely? Why don't you go keep her company in bed?" Emily chimed in, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Will you stop being so unreasonable? Threatening to break up every time. Who else is your family going to ally with besides me? And Charlotte and I are pure..." Edward snapped, still trying to defend himself.
I didn't let him finish, hopping onto the back of Emily's motorcycle in one swift move.
All Edward heard was Emily's eye-roll and a muttered "idiot" as we pulled away.
*****
Even with a skin graft, the scar on my hand wouldn't fade anytime soon.
Taking advantage of my medical leave, I wrapped up all my work at Grant Corporation.
No need for messy loose ends after I quit.
My parents, worried I'd be bored, bought a jewelry store for me to run.
My mom said, her voice soft with concern, "Sophie, Mom told you Edward was no good. Are you really over him this time?"
"If you're holding any grievances, tell me. Don't marry someone you don't like out of spite..."