Chapter 66 Edward Stepped Back Before Evelyn
A few steps ahead, Eric and Evelyn walked side by side toward Edward and Nicole, one tall and handsome, the other beautiful and noble. They seemed like a perfect match.
Edward frowned, noticing Eric carrying a shopping bag. He wondered, 'Are they here for shopping together?'
Evelyn didn't even notice Edward and Nicole, she was listening to Eric vividly telling jokes, and when it got to the funny part, Eric and Evelyn both smiled at each other.
Unexplainably, Edward felt a bit jealous deep down in his heart as he saw them both joking around.
Eric vaguely sensed the sharp gaze and suddenly looked up with widened eyes. "Edward? What are you doing here?"
Evelyn finally noticed the indifferent expression on Edward's face, then her gaze shifted to Nicole in Edward's arms, her red lips curling mockingly.
Nicole saw an opportunity and clung to Edward even tighter, resembling a koala, while looking at Evelyn, asserting dominance.
However, Evelyn completely ignored Nicole. Perhaps in the past, Evelyn would have felt heartbroken, but now, she was calm.
She knew Edward and Nicole were meant for each other.
"That should be my question to you, Eric." Edward's voice lowered, his face darkening.
"Shopping. Don't you know me? I love shopping the most." Eric laughed happily, unaware of the trouble brewing.
Evelyn thought Eric's words were true. She had never encountered a man more enthusiastic about shopping than Eric. Throughout the entire time there, although Eric chatted warmly with Evelyn, his eyes were constantly glancing at the shop windows, as if he wanted to enter every store if Evelyn didn't hurry him along.
But to Edward, it seemed like Eric was clearly provoking him.
"I never expected you and Eric to have such a strong bond in private, Ms. Brown. You guys are even going out shopping together." Nicole clung to Edward's chest. "Edward, let's go back. Let’s not disturb Eric and Lily and ruin their date."
Evelyn's gaze was cold, but Eric couldn't help but feel happy hearing the word 'date'.
Edward slowly pushed Nicole away from his embrace and walked toward Evelyn.
"Edward!" Nicole called out, but Edward didn't even look back, leaving Nicole with red eyes full of resentment.
Evelyn raised her beautiful fair face to meet Edward's sharp gaze. Even though Evelyn was wearing high heels, Edward was still much taller than her, and the oppressive feeling when he stared at Evelyn was overwhelming.
"What do you mean?" Edward asked coldly.
"We were just shopping. What's the matter?" Evelyn lightly quipped with a raised red lip. "Isn't it a coincidence to bump into you here? Do you also want to blame me for not avoiding you and Nicole?"
"You, shopping with Eric?" Edward's eyes darkened even more, emphasizing Eric's name heavily.
"What's wrong with her going shopping with me? I’m not a bad person." Eric clicked his tongue.
Edward gritted his teeth. "You might look decent when you are wearing clothes, but if you take it off, I'm not sure about that!"
Eric frowned in anger.
"Edward, who I shop and spend time with is my choice. This is ridiculous. We're divorced, so let's not create unnecessary drama," Evelyn remarked, brushing off the anger in Edward's eyes.
Evelyn knew Edward was angry. But she couldn't understand what was there to be angry about. It couldn't be because he saw Evelyn with Eric and felt jealous.
It was impossible. Edward didn't love Evelyn at all, so why would he be jealous?
"We haven't completed the divorce proceedings yet, and you're so openly going out shopping with Eric? What will people think of the Wellington family and the Clark Group if they see this? Are you trying to cause trouble?" Edward felt suffocated in his chest, his eyes even redder.
Eric sneered inwardly, thinking, 'You sly troublemaker, causing issues without any real reason.'
Evelyn found it like a joke, but not at all amusing. "Edward, besides the people at Riverside Villa, who else knows that I am your wife?"
Edward widened his eyes, the emotions churning in his chest suddenly tightened.
"We've been married for three years. Have you ever shown me in public? Have you ever taken me to meet your friends? Have you ever held a wedding for me?" Evelyn smiled brightly, deliberately provoking Edward. "Don't worry, even if I posted my face on the big screen outside the mall now, no one will know that I was your former wife. As for being undignified for you, you're overthinking it. Let's go our separate ways, if we meet outside again, we'll pretend not to know each other. After all, a qualified ex-husband should disappear."
Evelyn decisively brushed past Edward.
Eric thought for a second. In the end, he chose to ignore Edward and followed Evelyn as she left. Edward stared at Eric's retreating figure and took a deep breath, his hand veins tensed, his expression falling. Somehow, Edward had a feeling that Eric had taken something away from him. They say friends help each other, but here Eric was ignoring Edward for Evelyn.
"Edward, I'm not feeling well." Nicole approached again, leaning on Edward's shoulder and pouting, "Since we're here, why don't you go shopping with me? You've never gone shopping with me before. Look, even Eric is accompanying Ms. Brown."
Edward's face darkened, his gaze following Evelyn's figure like a guided missile. "Alright."
Evelyn walked briskly ahead; her expression not too pleasant. Her ex-husband was like a fly on a strawberry cake, ruining her good mood!
"Hey!" Evelyn suddenly called out.
"Yes, I'm here," Eric quickly responded, his eyes lighting up. "I'm not in a good mood, tell me a few jokes to cheer me up."
Eric was a bit hesitant. "It's not that I can't, but if you really want something fun, I've arranged to meet with some friends at Alahle Club tonight. How about going there with me?"
"No thanks. I never drink with unfamiliar men." Evelyn glanced coldly at Eric. "Besides, if you keep hanging around me, aren't you afraid of ruining your friendship with Edward?"
"You're divorced, even if the proceedings aren't complete, it's a done deal. I didn't take advantage, so why should Edward be upset with me?" Eric muttered under his breath, feeling a bit annoyed.
At that moment, Evelyn noticed a jewelry store with a sparkling sapphire necklace in the display window.
Unable to resist, she walked into the jewelry store. Eric followed suit.
"Could you show me this one, please?" Evelyn pointed at the gorgeous necklace.
"Madam, good call! This necklace is from our brand designer's 'The Sea of Stars' limited edition for this summer. There are only five in the country," the sales assistant enthusiastically introduced, taking out the sapphire necklace from the display case.
Evelyn, being very knowledgeable about jewelry, could tell that the sapphire was of average quality, not Vivid Blue or Deep Blue only with a glance. However, the excellent cutting and design concept were still outstanding, showcasing the designer's talent and creativity.
Coupled with the brand's prestige, the price of the necklace exceeded seven figures.
"Do you like it?" Eric sat on a small chair, one leg crossed over the other, his hand supporting his chin with a smile in his eyes, his thin lips hinting at a touch of elegance.
The service staff was stunned. Evelyn was very beautiful, and Eric was very handsome, making them a pleasant sight!
"Yes." Evelyn admired the necklace, responding softly.
"Try it on." Eric lifted his chin slightly.
"What a beautiful necklace! I love it!" Nicole's voice suddenly pierced through, sharp and thin, causing both Evelyn and Eric to furrow their brows.
Evelyn looked over, gazing coldly at Nicole holding Edward's hand as they approached.
The sales assistant was extremely shocked inwardly. 'My goodness! Isn't that Mr. Wellington? He should be showcased in the Louvre, divine like a gem, absolutely perfect!'
However, when compared to the beautiful and noble Evelyn standing before him, Nicole by Edward's side couldn't even begin to compare in terms of attire and appearance.
"Why is she still following us?" Eric grumbled unhappily under his breath.
Edward's cold gaze remained fixed on Evelyn.
"Edward, I really love this necklace, it's so beautiful. Can you buy it for me?" Nicole pretended to be a cute little girl, shaking Edward's arm and pouting like she was asking for candy.
Eric rubbed his arm, feeling it was too cheesy.
Edward's eyes narrowed, and thin lips pressed tightly.
In the past, Nicole wouldn't even need to ask Edward for anything. As long as she said something was beautiful or that she liked it, Edward would silently buy it and present it to her. But now, when Edward saw this necklace, all he could think of was that shameful auction and the 'Heart of Flame' locked away in the cabinet forever. So, Edward hesitated.
As Edward remained silent, Nicole's smile gradually turned awkward.
"Miss, please swipe your card," The sales assistant uttered.
Eric smoothly pulled out a black platinum card and handed it to the sales assistant, smiling at Evelyn, "Wrap it up nicely, I'm getting it for this lady."
Evelyn was surprised.
Before the sales assistant could speak, another black platinum card was placed in front of her. "Swipe the card, I'll take the necklace." Edward's brows furrowed. His gaze fixed on Evelyn.