Chapter 780 Things Change, People Change
After realizing it was her, Colin's voice immediately softened.
Edith felt a tightness in her chest. "Thank you for taking me to the hotel that day. Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to treat you to a meal."
"No."
"Then let me know when you're free."
"The day after tomorrow."
"Alright, the day after tomorrow then."
They ended the call after a brief conversation.
Sophia had asked Colin for permission before calling Edith.
She had lunch with Jennifer at noon.
Sophia subtly inquired about Colin's past relationships.
Jennifer said, "Colin had a girlfriend while he was abroad, but when he was about to bring her home, she returned to the country. After that, I heard they broke up."
Jennifer didn't know the specifics of what happened between Colin and Edith.
During that time, Colin was in a low mood. She didn't dare to ask too much, fearing it would hurt him more. Later, Colin went away with his mentor for six months, and when he returned, he seemed to have recovered from his heartbreak, so she didn't ask further.
Sophia wondered if Edith was Colin's ex-girlfriend.
It seemed like Jennifer, David, and Celeste knew about Edith but had never met her.
When she was bored, Sophia liked to read the news. Sitting in her office, she came across an article about the Murphy Family’s charitable donations to orphanages over the past two years and their adoption of children.
Netizens were praising the Murphy Family.
Sophia saw Edith in the article.
'So, this is the Murphy Family Edith married into?'
She recalled Rose's words about Edith's husband having a male lover outside.
Sophia became intrigued. Since it concerned Colin, she decided to investigate further.
She found something shocking.
Despite the Murphy Family’s numerous good deeds, such as donating after earthquakes and floods and helping impoverished families, there were people trying to expose their dirty secrets.
They claimed the Murphy Family's donations never reached their destinations, the donated goods were expired, and the supplies were just for show and never reached the needy children.
The donations to orphanages were allegedly to facilitate adoptions because the Murphy Family's only son, Jasper, couldn't have children.
Sophia was stunned.
There were also reports about Jasper and Edith's marriage.
When the two families married, the wedding was grand, and everyone said it was a powerful alliance.
However, three years later, the chairman of the Astor Family passed away, and Jasper, as the son-in-law, became the actual controller of the Astor Group, with Edith as the general manager.
Some said the marriage was a scheme by the Murphy Family to take over the Astor Group.
Others argued it wasn't a takeover since Edith was the only daughter of the Astor Family, and Jasper, as her husband, should help manage the Astor Group.
Some claimed Jasper was incapable of running the Astor Group, spending his days with his male lover and neglecting the company, leaving all the business deals to Edith.
With so many conflicting statements, Sophia couldn't discern the truth.
But after summarizing, she concluded that Edith and Jasper's marriage was in name only, and the Murphy Family now controlled the Astor Group.
Sophia sent her findings to Colin.
Colin had just finished counseling a child with psychological issues and left the rest to his assistant. He returned to his office and saw Sophia's message, pursing his lips.
When he learned Edith had returned to the country and married, his heart had already turned cold. So, when he met her again, he tried his best not to pay attention to her.
He hadn't looked into Edith's life after marriage.
From their recent meetings, Edith seemed to be doing well in front of him.
Except for that night when she got drunk and showed her vulnerability, he realized that perhaps her well-being was just a facade.
Colin briefly looked into Jasper and found many stories about his wild life.
Edith was inspecting the production line at the factory. They had received a large order, and fulfilling it would revive the Astor Group.
So she took it very seriously, personally overseeing production and quality.
Her phone vibrated, and seeing it was a call from Colin, she quickly answered.
"Hello."
The sound of machinery roared in her ears, and Edith shouted, "Hold on a moment, it's a bit noisy here."
She then moved to a quieter spot. "Hello, Colin, what's up?"
Colin said, "I'm free tonight."
He was straight to the point.
Edith was momentarily stunned but quickly understood. "Alright, I'll treat you to dinner tonight then."
Edith booked a restaurant she knew Colin would like. At 6:30, she arrived early.
Colin was already seated.
Edith quickened her pace towards him. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
She maintained a certain distance and politeness when speaking to Colin.
She knew well that she and Colin were completely in the past, and now she was a married woman. Even if she got divorced, she felt she was no longer worthy of Colin.
Moreover, she was the one who initiated the breakup. A man as outstanding as Colin probably had a better girl by now.
This dinner had no other intention; she simply wanted to thank him for taking her to the hotel that night.
Otherwise, given her drunken state, even calling a driver wouldn't have been safe.
Colin tossed the menu to her. "Order."
Edith took it, glanced through, and ordered a few dishes.
Hearing the dish names, Colin's eyebrows twitched.
These dishes were all his favorites. 'Does she still remember my preferences?' Colin wondered.
Edith smiled, "I still remember your preferences, so I ordered what you like. Thank you for taking me to the hotel that night."
Colin's heart sank slightly.
So she ordered his favorites just to thank him.
She said she remembered his preferences so calmly that it didn't invite any further thoughts.
Colin nodded slightly and said no more.
The atmosphere was a bit too silent, making Edith uncomfortable.
"Why did you suddenly decide to return to the country?" Edith asked like an old friend.
"My family moved back, so I followed," Colin replied.
Edith was stunned.
Colin had grown up abroad and lived there with his family for decades. She thought they would stay there forever.
"Why the sudden move back?" Edith's tone was concerned.
"Returning to our hometown."
Another silence ensued.
Edith looked out the window.
For some reason, she felt like leaving.
"You..." Colin suddenly spoke but then paused.
Edith turned back, "What?"
"Have you been well these years?" Colin asked.
Hearing this, Edith froze, her nose suddenly tingling. She knew she shouldn't, but when emotions surged, she couldn't control them.
Colin was the person she once loved the most, the one she wanted to spend her life with.
But they had long become strangers.
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