"No, thank you. I'm going shopping with Leena. And I'd like to have a nice, long walk." That said, Edward followed Leena away. He had no idea how horrified and helpless Luke was when he heard his decision. Although Luke was unwilling to accept it, he couldn't talk back to his boss nor could he try to change Edward's mind. All he could do is to follow his order, and to call up another bodyguard of Edward's, asking him to drive Edward's car following them, in case Edward was tired or needed to get in the car.
Edward didn't know his bodyguards were having such a dilemma. Being the center of everyone's attention, he was enjoying his time, and gazing at the goods through the shop windows casually. At this moment, he felt joyful and care-free. He was no longer the CEO of FX International Group, nor the dream lover of ladies, the Mr. Mu, but a happy commoner, who was enjoying himself freely.
"Edward, can I ask you a question? What does it mean if the same person pops into your mind from time to time? And what does it mean if you can't help comparing other men to that person? Does it mean that he's special to you? Does it mean he's the right one? I don't even know how to put this..." Leena suddenly asked. Her voice was low and uncertain, little greater than a murmur. She sounded like she were questioning herself rather than asking for Edward's opinion.
I think so. Are you talking about Kevin? Are you in love with him?" When he heard her question, Edward paused for a while, and asked. The one who fell in love first was often the one who suffered greatly, whose heart was hurt. Love was painful sometimes. He didn't want to see the lovely Leena struggle in pain. Moreover, it reminded him of Daisy. He had wronged her for so long a time...
"No, just asking. I'm not into him yet. Speaking of which, Edward, why have you never asked me how I met Kevin?" Leena turned her head to Edward, and flashed a gentle smile. Although the sun was scorching, since the sides of the street were equipped with rows of trees, Edward wasn't feeling too awful. He felt pretty good in the shade.
"I don't feel it necessary. I have a feeling that even if I ask, you wouldn't tell me. And even if you tell me, it wouldn't be the truth. So, why ask? If you really want to say something about it, even if I don't ask you, you would say it anyway. I just decided not to bother."
Edward returned her smile. In his opinion, everyone had a secret in their heart that they didn't want to reveal. The reason that stopped him from asking was not that he didn't care about his friend, but the fact that he respected others' privacy and understood the boundaries in social situations. When his friends were in trouble, he knew exactly when they needed him to help them out and when he should step back and turn his eyes away.
"Well, I don't know. I think you've seen right through me, Edward." Leena giggled as she spoke, but she didn't reveal any details about she and Kevin's past. As friends, she and Edward knew each other very well. But however friendly she was to him, she had to keep him in the dark on some things. How could she tell Edward about her one night stand with Kevin back in the bar? It was not something she could speak freely without any feelings of doubt.
It doesn't matter. What matters now is your relationship with Kevin. If you truly love him, you should tell him about your real feelings. You shouldn't be overcautious and indecisive in love affairs, nor should you worry about things that haven't happened yet. It's too difficult for someone to meet their true love in her lifetime." Edward wasn't too curious about how Leena and Kevin got together. What mattered now was that she had started to have feelings for Kevin. The feeling of love would last forever, and outlive life and death. Even when everything in this world had turned to ash, it still remained.
But what if he doesn't feel the same way about me like I feel about him? What if he loves some other woman whom he should never want, never be with? If that were the case, do I still have to love him, like always?" Asked Leena sadly. Although the sun was shining brightly, her heart felt cold and lonely.
"So you've already known it. No wonder you haven't been yourself these days. Are you regretting your marriage to Kevin now? Do you blame Daisy for winning his heart?" Edward led her into a bower in the central park. They took a seat together on the bench. After a short walk, he felt his strength draining away, presumably because his body had not fully recovered.
What? You already knew Kevin's feelings for Daisy? Does it mean that all our friends know? Is that why you're so critical of him, and have to pick on him every time?" Leena was shocked. She thought that she was the only one who had seen into Kevin's heart. She didn't expect it to be an open secret.
That's not possible. Rest assured! They're not as smart as I am. So far, I am the only one who has sensed Kevin's feelings for Daisy. I've also talked to Daisy several times about it, and asked her to pay attention to that, to take care, lest you get caught in the middle of what's between Kevin and Daisy. However, there is no hiding the truth, and you figured it out much earlier than I expected you to. Okay then. If you didn't figure it out, when your feelings for him get deeper, you'd be hurt even more. But now you've known, and that's a good thing. You should get prepared for whatever is going to happen next."
That said, Edward patted Leena on her shoulder. Leena was more sensible than she looked. She tended to observe the subtle changes that other people would overlook but it also was easier to hurt such a sensitive heart.
That's such a relief. It would be a disaster if all of our friends thought that he was hot for your wife. By the way, does Kevin know that you know? Asked Leena. She care so much for Kevin, and didn't want him to feel guilty or resentful, for whatever reasons.
You tell me. Edward didn't give a direct answer. He intended to help her forget about Kevin, and had tease her more often than before. Knowing what was bothering her now, he just hope that she wouldn't get too carried away. Since she had started to fall for Kevin, it would be highly likely for her to fall in love with him. Though he was once a romantic rival, Edward couldn't deny that Kevin was a charming man.