Probably because the heat was most intense in the middle of the day, Edward could only see a few people in the park. From his point of view, the place looked more like a mountain than a park. Along the way, he had seen vast stretches of bushes, come across birds chirping melodious and soothing songs, and passed through woods where sunlight filtered through the tree leaves to create golden halos.
The entire place was quiet, peaceful, and sweltering. For a moment, Edward thought that he was visiting a tropical rain forest. After running continuously for a while, Edward found himself a bit exhausted. He stopped on a flat place, panting heavily. While he was trying to catch his breath, a familiar figure came into his sight. The woman was slowly moving down with her flowing white dress fluttering and dancing in the autumn breeze, like a fairy who lost her way deep in the mountains. Edward couldn't take his eyes off her.
By now, Daisy realized that her sprain was more serious than she thought. Half an hour had nearly passed and she had only trudged a short distance. How long before she could reach the bottom of the mountain at the speed of a tortoise? What a nightmare!
She sighed and wiped off the sweat brought out by the pain from her, and looked down at the seemingly endless road in frustration. Suddenly, she caught a pair of glaring eyes that stopped her thoughts. Then she saw Edward's darkened face. Startled by the intense look, she subconsciously took a step back, only to trip over a small stone. When her sprained ankle twisted again, she was unable to maintain her balance and fell on the ground.
Be careful!" Edward exclaimed while rushing up to Daisy quickly. Although he was fuming with anger, he got very worried when he saw her tumble down.
How did you know I am here?" Daisy asked, nearly moved to tears. Because she upheld her military training, she had been strong despite the pain and suffering she endured today. She believed that a soldier could shed blood and sweat, but never tears. But the moment she saw Edward, her nose couldn't help twitching. Although his expression was grim, the sight of his face comforted her.
"I didn't, I was only trying my luck. Are you alright?" Edward replied angrily. He was still infuriated, but he helped Daisy up as gently as possible. After all, it was a big relief to see her safe and sound. He finally relaxed the moment he touched her.
I'm fine. Thank you, Edward. I'm glad to see you here anyway." Daisy didn't tell him about her sprained ankle. Instead, she stared at him with delight. His sudden appearance seemed to have relieved much of the pain she felt.
Why didn't you wake me up? How could you come to such a remote place alone?" Edward still looked upset despite her pleasant smile. But he reached out to dust the dirt off her dress.
You've driven for so long last night. I didn't have the heart to wake you up because you were sleeping so soundly this morning..." Daisy replied in a low voice. Like a child being scolded, she hung her head low and kept her gaze at her feet. She didn't dare to meet Edward's angry stare. Because she knew that the man was just worried about her, she didn't lose her temper in any way.
Are you telling me that I'm the one who should apologize? Fine. Let's get out of this place now," Edward said, turning on his heel in a fit of pique. He didn't like seeing her act so politely with him. Although it sounded like she was showing her consideration for him, he only felt like she didn't need him in any way. At this moment, his heart was deeply stung by her pride and independence. As her husband, it hurt him a lot to see that she didn't seem to need him.
Daisy was stunned by Edward's reaction. She didn't expect him to turn his back on her. The surprise made her freeze and gape at him as he walked away.
Now what? Are you not coming with me? Don't tell me that you haven't had enough," Edward snapped. He turned to look at her in confusion when he didn't hear footsteps following behind. Seeing that Daisy hadn't moved a single step, he could no longer restrain himself from losing his temper.
I..." Daisy bit her lip. The sudden sadness she felt made tears well up in her eyes. She subtly tilted her head to prevent the tears from falling down on her cheeks. She could easily turn a deaf ear to people's malicious remarks, but like anyone else, cold words from family would always break her heart. In the face of Edward's indifference towards her, she could barely hold back her tears.
Don't test my patience, Daisy." Edward simultaneously felt bad as he replied coldly to Daisy. As a person from a rich and powerful family, he had long grown used to having people's obedience. Earlier, he had been on the verge of a nervous breakdown because she went out without a single word. Everyone else would always be at his beck and call. Since when did he have to put up with a headstrong person like her? He was too exasperated to mind his words at the moment.
Sorry to have troubled you. You go ahead, I can go back on my own." Upon hearing his reply, Daisy straightened her face and looked very much the colonel she was. She stood with her back facing him and responded in an even colder and more distant manner.
"So this is your answer?" Edward asked in a chilling hard voice, with veins throbbing in his temples. Gnashing his teeth in anger, he glowered at back of the stubborn woman. He kept clenching and unchenching his fist, as if trying to control his rage. He firmly held the idea that Daisy was simply in a bad mood. He didn't know that she was hanging behind because of her injury.
Yes, if you don't mind. This was the way Daisy had always been. In a weak state, she was willing to throw herself into her beloved's arms and act like a spoiled child in a delicate and sweet manner. But if anyone dared to offend her tender sensibilities, she would automatically put on a mask of indifference at once, and keep people at a distance with a cold detachment.