Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Sensing the quiet tension in the car, Janice's heart began to race. Yet this time, she didn't shy away or feel awkward. She held Edward's gaze without hesitation.

After a moment, Edward finished replying to his email and looked up.

Leaning back in his seat, he casually rested his arm on the central armrest between them. "Isn't it obvious by now?"

It was the same question Matilda had asked him before.

Janice's eyelashes fluttered, and for a brief second, she froze. Her thoughts raced, but they moved too fast for her to catch hold of anything.noveldrama

Noticing her flustered reaction, he suppressed a smile and nodded. "Yes. I like you."

Janice's mind slowly started to settle, but it still wasn't entirely clear. Without thinking, she asked, "What do you like about me?"

His answer came quickly and with certainty. "Your kindness."

A cynical thought crossed Janice's mind. "My kindness just makes me an easy target, doesn't it?"

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes unclouded by any shyness or unease. They were clear. "Is that all?"

Edward wasn't used to being asked such questions.

What exactly did he like about her?

His chairman instincts kicked in, and he answered, "I like you simply because I do. There's no deeper explanation. To be more specific, I admire who you are. If you're looking for something more romantic, well... That's just how I feel."

It wasn't easy for someone constantly immersed in business and responsibilities to offer up a grand, poetic confession.

Edward then shifted the topic. "Do you dislike me?"

Without a second thought, Janice replied, "Of course not."

"Then should I hold back on liking you?"

The flirtatious energy abruptly shifted, replaced by an almost formal, bureaucratic tone.

Trying to regain her composure, Janice shook her head. He was her boss. How could she interfere with his affairs?

Edward looked at her, his voice carrying a hint of authority. "Janice, what happened between you and Simon was a mistake, and mistakes need to be corrected. But you can't judge me because of that scum. Do you understand?"

"I haven't."

Edward chuckled softly, his eyes

gleaming as if he could read

Janice's mind. "Let me guess, you

thought was interested in your

crochet skills? Or maybe you

assumed I was looking to

you

for money laundering?"

Janice fell silent.

At that moment, Edward gently took her wrist with two fingers, guiding her hand to rest in the warmth of his palm.

His voice was calm yet resolute. "If I were interested in your talent, I could easily pay you a substantial amount to hire you there'd be no need for any of this. There are plenty of talented people out there, and Prosper Stitch Group will be bringing in all kinds of talent. Should I be

pursuing every one of them?"

Janice rubbed her cheek. "Stop saying things like that."

Edward's eyes remained fixed on hers.

After a long moment of silence, he finally asked, "So, can I pursue you?"

Janice quickly withdrew her hand, her heart pounding uncontrollably as though it had a mind of its own.

Over the last six months, Edward's consistent support and protection had been undeniable. It was impossible for her to ignore the impact he had on her.

After all, no woman could resist the comfort and security of having a powerful man stand by her, especially when he had been there during her hardest times.

But because of Simon, Janice had learned something important. Gratitude didn't equate to love. It wasn't something she could depend on for a lifetime.

"I..."

"I'm not asking you to answer right now. Take your time to think it over. Just don't avoid me."

Avoid him?

She was still playing the role of his girlfriend. How could she possibly avoid him?

Still a little dazed, Janice snapped back to reality as the car rolled into the underground parking lot of a large supermarket. Before she could fully process what was happening, Edward was already leading her inside.

They were here to shop for groceries.

"What do you feel like eating?" Edward asked.

Janice found herself staring at him. He was now pushing a shopping cart through

the aisles. It almost felt unreal. After all, this was the chairman of Prosper Stitch Group.

"How about I push the cart?" she suggested.

Edward gently took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. "Just hold onto me," he said.