Chapter 3
Edward let out a soft laugh, didn't say another word, and just followed me inside.
"Let's talk," he said.
I paused, then headed for the couch.
There were some things we had to clear up.
"While you were gone, I took stock of all our assets," he said.
"At first, I was going to give you everything and just walk away with nothing, but honestly, that was just out of guilt.
"But I've changed my mind. We'll just split everything fifty-fifty.
"After all, James was the one who took you away today. With him, you'll never have to worry about money or anything material.
"I've already had the lawyer draft up the agreement. I'll send it to you. Check it out."
Maybe it was because the Edward from my previous life and the Edward standing here now felt like two totally different people, but my chest felt tight and sore, like someone was squeezing my heart.
My phone kept buzzing with notifications.
I picked it up and saw the agreement was pages and pages long.
Edward and the lawyer were thorough; they thought of everything, down to the smallest detail.
"No issues, right?" Edward asked.
"No issues," I replied.
It wasn't until I spoke that I realized my voice was rough and raspy, almost scary.
"I'll have the lawyer print it out tomorrow and get your signature on it," Edward said.
"Okay," I replied.
With everything settled, Edward sprawled out on the couch, chatting away with Victoria as if I were invisible.
It felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room, and I could barely breathe.
I couldn't stand being there any longer, so I got up and went to my bedroom.
I lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.
Every time I closed my eyes, memories of Edward and me together kept replaying in my mind.
He'd brave the blizzard just to buy me baked cashews.
On my birthday, he'd set off fireworks all night, just to make the day feel magical for me.
Even if I just caught a cold, he'd get so anxious he'd even break out in mouth sores.
We had so many wonderful memories together, so when Edward finally opened up to me about his feelings for Victoria, I honestly thought he was just joking.
But when I saw him kneeling down and proposing to Victoria right in front of me, I had to accept that he really meant it.
My tears wouldn't stop, no matter how many times I tried to wipe them away.
My phone buzzed twice: it was a message from Edward.
[Hey, are you still up? Vicky ordered some takeout. Want to come out and have some?]
My eyes blurred with tears, and my heart ached even more.
I didn't reply.
I just changed his nickname in my phone back to his real name.
*****
Early the next morning, Edward had already picked up breakfast.
"You're up? Come on, let's have breakfast," he said.
As I sat down at the table, I noticed a food container nearby.
Inside, there was a perfectly made sandwich on one side, and the other side was packed full of fresh berries.
"Which one do you want?" Edward asked.
"You go ahead. I'm not hungry," I said.
Of course, it was for his one and only, Victoria. Edward, who always hated the smell of cooking, actually went into the kitchen and packed her a homemade meal.
Back then, I was always the one making breakfast. Sometimes, Edward would get up early and grab breakfast for us from downstairs.
But he never once cooked for me.
I used to think he just didn't know how, but now I realize he just didn't want to.
"Are you okay? Not feeling well?" Edward asked.
I didn't answer.
Edward just asked casually, not really expecting an answer.
After that, he went back to packing the lunchbox into the cute tote bag in front of him.
The bag still looked a bit empty, so he grabbed a yogurt from the fridge and tossed it in.
Perfect, now it was just right.
"I'm heading out," Edward said.
When Julia didn't answer, Edward looked around and noticed she was already gone.
Edward stared at the lunchbox on the table, standing there for a moment, a bit dazed.
I saw James as soon as I got downstairs.
"Have you had breakfast yet?" he asked.
"Not yet," I replied.
"Perfect timing, I brought some," he said.
When I peeked inside the bag, I found a croissant and some hot chocolate.