Chapter 487 Always Be Together
The midday sun made the marble tiles outside the courthouse scorching hot. Edward's Adam's apple bobbed a few times in the shadow of his collar before he finally reached up to tuck my windblown hair behind my ear. The same gesture that had been so cold and distant when signing the divorce papers now carried a trembling warmth. We stood half an arm's length apart, like two leaves blown apart by the wind and now tentatively reuniting in the sweltering heat.
As Edward's breath brushed my eyelashes, I caught the familiar scent of his cedarwood cologne mixed with the asphalt's burning smell. The moment our noses touched, all barriers vanished; all the resentment melted away in the face of the instinctive shiver of skin against skin. Edward's lips grazed my flushed cheekbone with careful restraint, and I tasted the salty sweat on my eyelashes.
When Edward finally kissed the corner of my mouth, I heard a suppressed sigh from his chest. His lips were dry and warm, with a hint of mint, gently brushing against my lower lip as if silently asking for permission. The moment I stood on tiptoe, years of longing broke free. Edward's arms tightened around me, lifting me off the ground, and my back hit the courthouse's iron railing with a crisp clang.
The kiss, which started cautiously, soon turned into a surging wave. Edward's teeth lightly bit my lower lip, and his tongue entered with an undeniable heat. My nails dug into the back of his neck, feeling the damp fabric of his shirt. The memories of our past conflicts shattered like the cicadas' song above us.
The flag outside the courthouse fluttered gently in the sunlight, but it couldn't compare to the hearts drawing close again. The glass facade of the distant office building reflected countless images of us, small figures swaying in the heat, finally piecing together the broken puzzle. In this moment, all conflicts, worries, and fears dissolved in the kiss, leaving only a firm resolve and a shared determination for the unknown future.
The cicadas' song faded into the distance as Edward's hand remained on my waist, his fingers rubbing through the fabric of my shirt, as if trying to make up for the lost warmth. His forehead rested against mine, eyelashes still dotted with sweat, but his breathing steadied, bringing a comforting rhythm.
"When I signed the divorce papers, I gripped the pen so hard it broke."
Edward suddenly chuckled, his voice hoarse, as his thumb gently brushed my reddened lips.
"From now on, I'll be the one chasing after you."
Edward pulled me into his embrace.
"Let me make up for the lost days, one by one."
I buried my face in Edward's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, the warmth and stability of this moment soothing all past wounds. After a long while, I lifted my head, my eyes moist, and wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers gently tracing the red mark I had left on his neck, my voice firm despite the nasal tone:
"Okay, let's start over. This time, we'll walk together and never let go."
I leaned in and kissed Edward lightly on the lips, as if making a silent promise. The sycamore leaves rustled above, casting dappled shadows on our intertwined figures. People hurried by outside the courthouse, some curious glances thrown our way, but no one knew that in this small space, a reconciliation more important than any verdict had just taken place.
Edward's hand gently stroked my back as he suddenly asked, "So, where to next?"
His thumb unconsciously rubbed my waist, his eyes full of concern.
I looked up at him, my gaze full of trust. "I want to transfer the Howard Group back to you. It's your legacy; it shouldn't be handed over so easily. I remember you staying up late working on business plans, falling asleep on the office couch. This company has your heart and soul. Even if Skylar is temporarily managing it, I believe only you can make it shine again."
Edward's expression froze, and he released me, stepping back and looking at the distant office building's blurred outline. "Forget it. The company's structure has changed over the years. I've been away too long; going back now would only cause chaos."
Edward's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice low. "And right now, I want to spend more time with Skylar, to make up for the fatherly love she's missed."
My fingers brushed the calluses on Edward's knuckles from years of holding a pen. "I can't handle it all alone. The Cooper Group's project is at a critical stage, with three video meetings a day, and the Howard Group has a new acquisition to follow up on. At the last board meeting, I couldn't even catch the anomalies in the financial report in time."
I gently shook Edward's hand. "Skylar needs to know her dad is someone who can shoulder responsibilities. You always said you wanted to set an example for her. Taking back the company is the best way to do that. And only if you come back can I catch my breath and spend more time with Skylar."
Edward looked down at our clasped hands, silent for a long time before sighing softly and pulling me back into his arms. "You're as stubborn as ever."
Then Edward gently shook his head and held me tighter. "But before that, I have something more important. Today is Skylar's birthday, and I promised her a big surprise."
As he spoke, Edward's fingers lightly brushed my nose, a natural and affectionate gesture. Talking about Skylar, his lips curved into a tender smile. "I've prepared everything. Now, let's go pick up our little princess. She said on the phone yesterday that if I didn't deliver the surprise, she'd never talk to me again."
I looked at the anticipation and love in Edward's eyes, feeling a warm current in my heart. The once ruthless businessman was now filled with nothing but affection for Skylar.
"Let's go," I smiled, linking my arm with Edward's and leaning closer to him. "We can't keep Skylar waiting. If she really stops talking to you, what will you do as her dad? I'm also curious to see what surprise you've prepared."
Edward held my hand as we walked to the parking lot, suddenly stopping to turn and look at me. He cupped my face in his hands and gently kissed my forehead.
"After Skylar's birthday, we'll talk about the company. I've realized a lot over the years, and some management ideas might need to change."
Edward's gaze was firm. "But the most important thing is that from now on, we'll face everything together. I never want to be apart from you again. We'll always be together."
The sun was still hot, but no longer scorching. We walked hand in hand towards the parking lot, our shadows closely intertwined on the ground. This time, no matter what lay ahead, we would face it together.
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