Chapter 3
I swallowed the ripple of emotion in my chest and turned my head away, dodging his kiss.
"Not here, they might hear us," I murmured.
Edward froze, then reluctantly let go of me. "Alright, guess I'll have to wait a little longer. If I get a chance tomorrow, I'll take them house hunting."
"Dad!" Lucas was back again, bursting into the room.
"Come on, tonight Dad's gonna tell you the story of the Flash!" Edward said, scooping Lucas up with practiced ease.
He reminded me that tomorrow was Lucas' birthday, and his parents had booked a restaurant for it. He told me to get some rest and be up early.
Today, I found myself rising with the early light, all thanks to a night of restless slumber. It was only in the dead of the night that I managed to slip into sleep. Meanwhile, Edward was still absent.
The next morning, I got woken up by a call—Edward and Lena had already taken Lucas to the restaurant and told me to get over there ASAP.
When I pushed open the heavy private room door, what I saw inside made me feel sick.
"Sweetie, look this way! Dad, scoot closer to Mom—yeah, arm around her waist! Big smiles, everyone!" the waiter called out.
The waiter was snapping away, trying to get the perfect family shot.
Edward had his arm draped over Lena's shoulder. His father, Vincent Graham, had Lucas in his arms, while his mother, Megan Graham, just beamed from her seat.
Clicks and flashes filled the room, locking in every second of their happy little family moment.
Then the waiter noticed me and grinned. "Hello, you're Lucas' aunt, right? Come on, hop in for a family photo!"
"No, thanks," I said, my voice coming out dry and flat.
After the photos, the waiter brought in the birthday cake.
Lucas blew out the candles and made his wish. "I hope Mom and Dad give me a baby sister!"
Vincent and Megan's smiles froze, and Edward just cleared his throat, saying nothing.
Lena gently patted her son. "Don't talk nonsense."
Then Lena turned to Vincent and Megan with an apologetic smile. "Mom, Dad, don't mind him—kids just say silly things sometimes."
Megan glanced over at me. "Sophia, you should hurry up and help our family grow. We're counting on you!"
I thought maybe she'd apologize or say something comforting, but I guessed I was just fooling myself.
Seeing Edward so quiet, I realized these three years together had all been a joke.
"I'm not feeling well, I'm leaving," I said, my voice flat as I got up and walked out.
"Hey! Such a rude girl! You're not even officially part of the family yet, and you're already showing attitude?" Megan snapped.
"Sophia!" Edward rushed after me, grabbing my arm. "It's Lucas' birthday—why are you making a scene?"
"I told you, I'm not feeling well," I said, my voice flat.
Edward looked at me, his face calm, but I could see the frustration and anger simmering beneath the surface. After a long moment, he finally let go.
"Just go home and rest," Edward said, his tone distant.
Later that night, my phone lit up with a call from Emily's cousin, Charles Bennett.
"Ms. Lane, your new place is ready—just bring your stuff and move right in.
"And your spot in the ceramics contest is saved for you.
"I'll come pick you up at the airport myself tomorrow," Charles told me.
"Thanks, Mr. Bennett," I said, keeping it formal at first.
"Just call me Charles. Can't wait to have you here," he replied warmly.
As soon as I hung up, the guest room door swung open—Edward walked in.
"Feeling any better?" he asked.
"Babe, were you mad at me today? I've already sorted out a new place for Lena and Lucas—they'll move out tomorrow. I promise nothing's going to get in the way of our wedding," Edward said, trying to reassure me.
His hand slid around my waist again, his breath hot and heavy.
I pushed him away, feeling physically repulsed. "I told you! I'm not feeling well."
Suddenly, there came a crisp crash out of the blue from my adjacent workshop, startling me like a thunderbolt in a clear sky.