Chapter 462 Hard to Part
Edward kept his cool and bowed respectfully, showing the proper manners for someone his age.
Even though this elder had always clashed with him, and their past encounters had ended badly, Edward loved Evelyn and deeply respected Charlie's character. So, he stayed humble, but not in the suck-up way Gilbert did.
"Mr. Taylor, it's pretty chilly and damp out here tonight. Make sure you don't catch a cold."
Charlie nodded slightly.
Seeing the big-shot mogul without any bodyguards made Evelyn anxious. She hurried over, "Dad, why didn't you bring anyone with you? Coming alone at this hour, what if something happened..."
"Hubert's capable, and besides, it's late. I didn't want to disturb their rest. I also wanted to see how you're living in Mugden, if your house is comfortable."
Charlie glanced around the villa. "It's not spacious, but it's cozy."
"You didn't break in, did you?" Evelyn's cheeks flushed, her usual sharp tongue showing.
She was embarrassed because the villa had become her and Edward's love nest, filled with traces of their life together.
"Do you think your dad can't act like a normal person?"
Charlie looked exasperated. "You have a housekeeper, don't you? She opened the door for me, made me a cup of coffee, and brought out some desserts. I had a few pieces; they were good. I had Hubert pack the rest."
Hubert shook the clear container in his hand.
"Charlie, you're awful! Those were for Edward! Give them back!"
Evelyn stomped her foot in frustration, reaching out to grab them, but Edward quickly held her back. "You have three women doting on you every day, but Edward only has me! He hasn't even had a chance to eat them yet. How could you take them all? Leave some for us!"
"Evelyn, it's okay..." Edward hugged her tightly, amused and helpless.
"Giving your dad some treats isn't a loss. Besides, you can always make more for him. But if I want some, I have to make a special trip to Mugden. It's not easy, so I'm not giving them back!" Charlie was very protective of the desserts.
In the future? Both of them were taken aback, exchanging a glance.
Charlie's attitude towards Edward had subtly changed. Previously, he had been very resistant to their relationship. Tonight, not only was he not harsh with Edward, but his words were also thought-provoking.
Edward's heart raced, his palms starting to sweat.
But he didn't dare to hope too much. Even a slight softening of Charlie's stance was enough to satisfy him.
In the end, Evelyn couldn't win against Charlie, and the desserts were taken away.
She had made them especially for Edward, and he hadn't even had two pieces before Charlie took them all!
"Evelyn, you seem to be doing well. Is your back better?" Charlie asked, concerned about her injury.
"I'm fine. I'm not that fragile." Evelyn straightened her back, lifting her chin defiantly.
"Evelyn, don't push yourself. How could you be better so quickly? You still need to rest more."
Edward frowned with worry, exposing her lie on the spot. "Last night, you were in so much pain you couldn't sleep, even turning over was hard. Why didn't you tell me the truth?"
"I... I wasn't. You're just being dramatic." Evelyn pursed her lips, elbowing him lightly.
Charlie watched their interaction, a hint of a smile on his face.
Even Hubert, standing behind him, couldn't help but smile.
"Mr. Wellington, Evelyn isn't in the best health. Although you're by her side, as a CEO, you can't be with her all the time. I'm worried about her, so I want to take her home to rest for a few days."
Charlie got to the point.
"I'm not going back. Who says I don't have anyone to take care of me? Edward found May for me, and she's very reliable, taking great care of me every day! I don't want to go back." Evelyn revealed her true, adorable self in front of the two men she loved most.
Edward stood silently by her side, his arm around her waist tightening slightly.
He actually wanted her to go home. There, she would have plenty of people to take care of her, and she could spend time with her family. But he couldn't bear to be apart from her. Every moment with her was precious, and he cherished their time together deeply.
Even a day's separation was unbearable for him, the longing too intense.
Seeing that Evelyn wouldn't budge, Charlie turned to Edward, his expression serious. "Mr. Wellington, even though Evelyn married you, you're no longer husband and wife. And given your backgrounds, living together like this isn't appropriate. If you truly want a future with Evelyn, you should take things step by step, not rush. Don't you agree?"
Edward took a deep breath, gently but reluctantly pushing his beloved woman towards her father.
"Evelyn, go home with Dad and rest well."
"Are you kicking me out?" Evelyn's eyebrows knitted together, her eyes gradually reddening with hurt.
"What nonsense, I'm not kicking you out. I'm... doing this for your own good." Edward's throat tightened, his heart aching at her pitiful expression.
"Will you come to Hameen to see me?" Evelyn's lips trembled as she asked.
"Of course, I'll come find you in a few days."
He even wanted to leave for Hameen at dawn, just to be closer to her, even if it meant standing outside Oasis Villa.
Charlie suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
But he'd rather be the bad guy than leave Evelyn alone in Mugden.
After all, she had just offended the Wellington and Clark families. The Clark family had already started retaliating, and who knew what they might do next. The thought kept him up at night with worry.
In the end, Evelyn got into the car with Charlie and left.
As the night grew colder, Edward stood tall and handsome in the wind, watching the luxury car drive away.
He didn't lower his head until it was out of sight, his fists clenched tightly in restraint.
Bart felt sorry for Edward and tried to comfort him softly, "Mr. Wellington, don't worry. Mrs. Wellington is just going home. She'll be back with you soon."
Edward's vision blurred, his voice hoarse. "I know, I just feel... like I failed to take good care of her."
The Rolls-Royce glided through the night towards Hameen.
In the back seat, Evelyn leaned against Charlie's broad chest, silent for a long time.
Charlie held her shoulder, gently patting her like a child, and asked softly, "Evelyn, are you upset with me?"
Evelyn shook her head. "I know you're doing this for my own good."
After a while, Charlie heard soft sobs and felt the warmth and dampness on his shirt.
"Evelyn? Are you... crying?"
"Dad... I miss Edward... I miss him so much."
It had been a long time since Evelyn had cried and acted spoiled in his arms like this. Charlie felt a pang of sadness, his eyes moistening.
When Nancy got married and moved to Aurora Isle, he hadn't felt this strongly.
But seeing Evelyn and Edward's deep love and reluctance to part, his heart ached. The pain and reluctance were something only a father could understand.
'My Evelyn. This time, I really can't keep you.'
After returning home, Evelyn locked herself in her room, wrapped in a blanket, and called Edward.
She talked endlessly, and Edward patiently listened, occasionally agreeing with her thoughts or adding to her suggestions.
Two souls connected, with shared values, always had endless things to talk about.
Eventually, Evelyn's head grew fuzzy, and she fell asleep without realizing it.
The next morning, she rubbed her sleepy eyes and stretched comfortably.
"Evelyn, looks like you slept well."
Evelyn gasped, quickly grabbing her still-lit phone. "Edward? You're... still online?"
On the other end, Edward's voice was hoarse, clearly tired. "Last night, you stopped talking. I figured you fell asleep."
"So... you..."
"I couldn't bring myself to hang up. After all, the chance to hear you grind your teeth and snore while awake is rare." Edward chuckled softly.
Evelyn's cheeks turned red, and she buried her head in the blanket. "You're making things up... I don't grind my teeth or snore!"
"Alright, alright... I must have heard wrong." He quickly reassured her, but couldn't help yawning.
"You should go to sleep. You stayed up all night; you must be exhausted." Evelyn's heart ached for him.
"By the way, Evelyn, we might see each other soon. This weekend, the Wilsons are hosting a party at their castle villa outside Mugden. They've invited all four families, so your father should know about it, too. We'll meet then."
"The Wilsons are hosting a party? They must have something important to announce." Evelyn's eyes sparkled.
"I think they're going to announce who they'll ultimately partner with."
"Your dad won't miss the chance to collaborate with the Journey Group."
"Tiffany's situation has him overwhelmed, and he doesn't have time to deal with the Wilsons."
Edward's voice suddenly grew serious. "But I don't know if Caleb will make a move."
"Edward, even though Caleb is recovering in Mythorica, don't underestimate him. His debut with the Journey Group shows he's serious. He'll be back sooner or later." Evelyn couldn't help but worry for him.
"Evelyn, are you really worried you can't support me?" Edward teased.
"Be serious!"
"I'm not afraid of Caleb coming back, nor of facing him head-on. In fair competition, if he wants to reclaim what's his, I won't have any complaints."
Evelyn knew the kidnapping incident was a hurdle in his heart. He always felt indebted to Caleb.
"But if he uses underhanded tactics, I won't let it slide. The Taylor family won the equestrian competition fair and square. Gavin should choose you without hesitation. But if Caleb or anyone else tries to interfere, I won't stand by."
Edward's deep, magnetic voice whispered in her ear, stirring her heart. "With me here, don't worry."
Joyce didn't go on vacation as she said she would. Instead, she stayed home, taking care of Charlie and cooking for the family.
Her life remained calm and peaceful, unchanged by Tiffany's downfall.
She was grateful to Evelyn for avenging her, but with her loved ones around, hatred had long lost its importance.
Evelyn happily drank the soup Joyce made for her.
Donna, Joyce, and Susan surrounded her, relieved to see her looking well.
"Looks like Edward took good care of you."
Susan rested her chin on her hand, shaking her head in admiration. "I have to say, I'm impressed with Edward. A pampered rich boy willing to stay home and take care of you, that's quite a sacrifice."
"Indeed, Charlie would never do that. He's too proud." Donna joked.
Evelyn's face lit up with pride, feeling very lucky.
"Evelyn, be patient. I think Charlie is already considering your relationship with Mr. Wellington. He's just too proud to find an excuse."
Joyce's words surprised and delighted the other three women.
"Really?"
"Charlie used to favor Gilbert and tried to create opportunities for you two. But after the equestrian competition, I think he's less resistant to Mr. Wellington."
"He even told Gilbert clearly that he wouldn't interfere in your relationship with Mr. Wellington anymore and would let things take their natural course."
Evelyn was thrilled.
"Joyce, Jennifer, and William are here. They're in the living room downstairs." The housekeeper reported.
Joyce's expression stiffened slightly. "Got it, I'll be down in a bit."
"Joyce, you don't look well. Is something wrong?" Evelyn, always perceptive, noticed her unease.
Joyce didn't know how to explain, but Susan spoke up quickly. "Charlie knows about William and Jennifer. He doesn't approve of the match. And now, William's brother Gordon is defending Tiffany, and their father Brian supports Gordon working for the Wellington Group. Charlie is even more displeased."
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