Chapter 429 Date
Even though Edward was on the other end of the phone, he seemed to have an extraordinary sensitivity, instantly picking up on my fleeting change in mood.
His tone carried a hint of urgency as he quickly changed the subject, "Diana, I need to talk to you about something really important."
Before I could respond, he continued in a rush, "I heard Mr. Grant is going to a charity gala. This is a golden opportunity for us. I really want to meet him again and get his support to move our project forward. I want you to be my date and come with me. Will you say yes?"
Edward's invitation caught me off guard, and my mind flashed to the elegant invitation I had received earlier.
Given Edward's current situation and status, it was clear he wouldn't be on the guest list.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself and make my tone sound as natural as possible. "A charity gala? Not just anyone can get in. Do you have an invitation?"
There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, followed by Edward's slightly dejected voice, "I don't. But I want to try my luck."
"Diana, you know how crucial Mr. Grant is to our project. Even if there's only a slim chance, I don't want to give up. And I really hope you'll be by my side. With you there, I feel more confident facing everything."
I held the phone firmly with one hand while the other instinctively reached into the drawer, gently pulling out the gold-embossed invitation.
My fingers traced the intricate patterns on the invitation, fully understanding Edward's intense focus on this opportunity and his urgent feelings at the moment.
"The security and entry requirements for this gala are very strict. Getting in without an invitation is nearly impossible."
"I know it's difficult," Edward quickly responded, "but I've already thought of a plan. I intend to go to the gala venue early, talk to the organizers, and sincerely explain my intentions, asking them to give me a chance. If that doesn't work, I'll wait outside. Maybe I'll get a chance to speak with Mr. Grant when he arrives or leaves. Diana, will you try this with me?"
His words made my heart tighten as if gripped by an invisible hand.
Memories from the past surged uncontrollably, vivid images flashing through my mind.
At various events, Edward never considered taking me, while Anne always walked in gracefully on his arm, basking in the envious glances of others. I could only watch them from the shadows, longing to one day replace Anne and stand by his side at such occasions.
Now, the opportunity was right in front of me, but my heart felt like a mix of emotions, hard to describe.
I couldn't help but speak, my voice tinged with bitterness, and my brow furrowed as I questioned, "Why did you never take me before, always taking Anne instead? Now that she's imprisoned, you suddenly remember me and want me to be your date?"
As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. My face flushed slightly, and I silently scolded myself for being too petty.
But the long-held grievances in my heart burst forth uncontrollably like a flood.
On the other end, Edward spoke softly, "Diana, I'm sorry. I was too proud in the past, always neglecting your feelings. Anne was always interested in these events, and I cared for her deeply."
"But things are different now. I'm completely disappointed in her, and my heart is only for you. This gala is important for me, for us. I want the person standing by my side to be you, and only you."
I bit my lip, emotions swirling inside me. The past regrets and disappointments weren't so easily dispelled.
"I need to think about it," I hesitated as I spoke.
"Okay, Diana, I understand. Take your time. Whatever you decide, I'll respect it. But I really hope you'll come with me. With you by my side, I'll feel more confident."
Edward's voice carried a hint of hope and full sincerity.
After hanging up, I sat in my chair, lost in thought. Looking around my familiar office, I couldn't calm my mind.
Attending the charity gala meant standing in the spotlight, facing numerous eyes, which was a significant challenge for me. And doing it as Edward's date made me both excited and nervous.
But thinking about Edward and Anne at those events in the past made my heart feel heavy and uncomfortable.
The office door opened gently, and Melissa stood there with Skylar.
Skylar saw me and excitedly bounced in. "Mommy!"
Skylar called out cheerfully, letting go of Melissa's hand and hopping towards me.
"Come here, sweetheart!"
I smiled and opened my arms to welcome my adorable little angel.
Skylar ran to me, hugged me tightly, and kissed my cheek before letting go.
Her eyes were full of curiosity as she looked around, muttering, "So this is where Mommy works. It's even better than I imagined!"
She carefully walked around the office, smoothing out a corner of a paper that had been lifted by a breeze. "Mommy's papers need to be neat so she can work better."
"Diana, she couldn't wait to see you. She's been so excited."
Melissa walked in, smiling.
Skylar was drawn to the plants by the window. She quickly moved to them, tilting her head and staring at the leaves as if whispering secrets to them.
Watching her, I was about to ask when she reached out and gently touched a leaf, saying, "Your leaves are so pretty. I'll touch you gently so it won't hurt."
She touched the leaf as gently as I would touch her cheek.
I walked over and stroked Skylar's cheek.
She looked up at me, her eyes smiling like crescent moons.
"Mommy, your office is amazing. I want to work in a place like this and be as awesome as you."
Skylar's pure and radiant smile warmed my heart.