Kevin Gu stood quietly, looking at the woman who was crying her heart out in the corner. He thought she was strong, but he was so wrong. She definitely had times where she broke down, crying hard, giving in to feelings of loneliness and helplessness.
His heart felt tight in his chest. How he wished he could just let go, hold her in his arms, feel her heartache, and never let her go. But he was not the one she wanted. He never envied anyone before, but now he longed to be the one she cried for. Because that would prove how important he was to her. His love withered before it had bloomed.
Edward kept flipping the phone in his hand, hesitant to press the green key. He didn't know what he was going to say when he finally got through. 'Will she answer?' He got her number from Justin after the meal because he worried about her. However, he was not brave enough to call her.
Daisy did not know how long she had been crying, but she knew that her eyes must be red and swollen. How embarrassing! How could she go out in public tomorrow? They would definitely think that she cried because she did not get the promotion. What a shame! She gently patted her face and tried to reduce the embarrassment.
Suddenly the phone rang in this quiet room, shattering the silence. She picked up the phone and saw an unfamiliar number. Who would call at this hour? She frowned. She pressed the answer key unconsciously and slowly moved the phone close to her ear.
"Hello? Daisy speaking." She resumed her cold voice.
"It's me, Edward." Regardless of how he felt, she was still his wife. The reason was that simple. He wanted to know why she had cried. Daisy's jaw dropped. She went stiff and her hands started shaking. This was the first time he had called for so many years following a good cry. She dared not think of it before. For the moment she was speechless.
"Hello? Are you okay? Talk to me, please." The coldness had left his voice, now possessing a magnetism that tickled her eardrum and sent that tingle right through her heart.
"Yes. I'm all right. Anything happens to Justin?" Why had he called her so late? Her son was the only reason she could think of.
"Justin is fine. I heard that you were crying. What happened?" Edward's words hit a nerve with her. Her eyes were filled with tears again. Did she dare think that he cared for her? Could it be?
"Is that why you called?" Though she knew it was impossible, she could not resist asking. "Justin said you were sad. He was afraid something bad happened." He wanted to tell her so badly that he was also worried about her.
"No, really. I'm okay. I'm just missing Justin. Really." Daisy laughed at herself. She still took herself too seriously. If it wasn't for Justin, he would never call.
"Okay then. I'm glad to hear you're alright. Get some sleep, okay? Good night." Without waiting for her response, he hurriedly hung up the phone and threw himself into the big soft bed, grabbing his hair with annoyance. It was not his original intent, but why did it change when he heard her voice? Was it because of her indifference and alienation? So he didn't want to show that he was concerned for her.
Daisy was still in a state of shock, too confused to know whether she had a call. Shaking her head, she sighed. She was too proud to be vulnerable in front of him.
She walked, deliberately keeping away from the crowds She didn't want people to find her in this state, preferring to be alone. But someone did not let her do so.
"Colonel, you're here. I've been looking for you for a while." Mark Du was panting and out of breath. It's obvious he had run to meet her.
"What's up?" She didn't want Mark to see her red eyes, and deliberately shielded her gaze with her military cap.
"There's a campfire tonight on the training grounds. And we're gonna leave tomorrow. Mr. Gu wanted you to join them." Mark was excited. He was looking forward to the party.
"I'm not going. I still have a lot of things to do. And it's not appropriate, as I am the only woman here." All Daisy wished for at the moment was to take a shower, and then slip into a coma. She felt like she could sleep for a week.
"Colonel, let's go together. You said yourself that there's no distinction between men and women in the army, only the difference between the weak and the strong." Mark secretly glanced at Daisy's red eyes, and grew worried.
"Mark, just go. Have fun. I'm not in a partying mood." All she wanted at that moment was to be alone.
"But Mr. Gu said you have to go." Mark murmured.
Daisy put a hand to her forehead helplessly, and she paled. Why would Kevin command her to go?
"Alright. Give me a minute. Let me wash up first. Then we can go and have a look."
"Yes, Colonel. I'll wait here for you." Mark knew that she needed to change.
They could hear bursts of laughter before they reached the training ground. The pleasant atmosphere relaxed Daisy somewhat. It was a truism that soldiers in the army were enthusiastic.
"Daisy! You're finally here!" Kevin approached Daisy as soon as he saw her.
"Soldiers cannot disobey their orders!" she said stiffly. "You have commanded that I attend this party, and I dare not disobey you." Sometimes Daisy would be naughty to tease Kevin. She adopted an exaggerated pose, standing at attention.
"There is no other way. I know you won't come if I don't give an order. I had to pull rank." He knew Daisy was teasing him. He was glad to indulge her as long as she was happy.
"Aren't you afraid to go to Grand Council due to the abuse of your power? She always felt at ease in front of Kevin, though she didn't know why. Being with him was like having a big brother next door. She never felt she had to keep him at arm's length. She could drop the act and just be herself.