"Do I need to guess that? You don't like owing anybody anything. So I can imagine how you felt at that time," Edward said. He smiled bitterly. Sometimes it was not pleasant when a person was like an open book to him.
"I admit, I got emotional during today's training session. That's looked down upon in the job of a solider. It's risky to get emotional in a dangerous situation, and very important for a soldier to be psychologically strong," Daisy said. Daisy looked Edward in the eye. She had never gotten emotional during work before, because she knew about the tremendous risk better than any other of her colleagues. However, what she learnt today was really shocking. So, she was kind of beside herself today.
"How about now? Aren't you getting personal now too?" Edward evaded her gaze. Being stared at so intensely by Daisy made him confused and bewildered. He didn't know how to persuade her to make the right decision. Besides, his perception of Zemo had changed. Although he didn't like him, Edward had learnt to be polite to him, because he had saved Daisy's life. Edward was always a grateful person when it came to his wife.
"Are you referring to me leaving the army?" Daisy asked. Her mouth quivered. She had to refrain from sobbing whenever she thought about quitting her active military service.
"What do you think?" Edward retorted. He glanced at Daisy. Although he would be glad if Daisy gave up her career in the army, he also refused to force her to do anything she disliked. She liked her job too much to quit, and he wanted to respect her wishes. Edward hoped that Daisy always felt respected and loved by her husband and family.
"Don't you want it to happen? If it happens, you won't have to worry about my safety any longer!" Daisy answered, exasperated. Originally she had chosen this path for the sake of her husband. But now, her work seemed to have increased obstacles and it had started to worry Edward. She would give it up if that meant it reduced his anxieties.
"So according to you, your husband is that selfish? You really think l will force you to give up something you love so much, just so I'm happy?" Edward snapped. He could be the most obstinate and unyielding man sometimes.
"You are misunderstanding me terribly. Forget it. We better drop this topic right now. We can discuss it tomorrow. By the way, where is Tom? Is he home already?" Daisy asked him, in an attempt to change the topic. She felt desperate and helpless. It was clearly hard to talk to her husband reasonably on this subject.
Actually, we should settle this dispute as soon as possible. Prolonging this conversation will do us no good," Edward said. He had no intention of letting her drop this conversation, as he fixed his eyes on her face intently.
But you will disagree with me, no matter which kind of choice I make, won't you?!" Daisy was annoyed with Edward's persistence. She was a mere human, not God! She couldn't satisfy Edward in every way.
"Fine. Then just like you said, we will continue this discussion tomorrow. Make sure you don't get your leg wet when you take a shower," Edward said in concern, before turning around. He decided to leave. He knew he couldn't afford another confrontation or quarrel with Daisy tonight.
"Where are you going?" Daisy asked, bewildered. She took hold of Edward's wrist swiftly. Daisy wouldn't allow him to drive on his own again and leave, when he was so pissed off. Besides, she still remembered Luke's warning from that day.
"Don't worry. I won't storm out of the house this time. I want to be alone in the study for a while," Edward answered coolly. He shook his hand free, looking back at Daisy, an obvious hurt expression in his eyes. He turned round and walked out of the room resolutely. He needed to calm down and think about what occurred tonight.
Daisy's face darkened. All of sudden, she found her husband as strange, cold and indifferent as the very first time she had seen him.
Edward didn't smoke. However, tonight was an exception. He lit up a cigarette. The rising smoke clouded his eyes, not to mention his mind. In the pall of smoke that hung over the room, Edward looked handsome and distinguished, but formidable. He was indeed a unique man.
Maybe he was the one who was wrong. Edward thought he was capable of controlling everything. That was why he was always hesitant about dealing with Daisy-related matters. He was a successful businessman, but not a well-qualified husband. He was extremely bad at finding solutions to these domestic matters. He loved Daisy too much to intend to make her do anything by force. It placed him in a dilemma, because he worried for her as well.
What are you doing? I have never seen you smoke before!" a female voice rang out. His cigarette was snatched away by a white hand and put out in the ashtray.
"I'm fine. Take a shower before you go to bed. And leave me alone. I need to think!" Edward stared blankly at the cigarette in the ashtray, ignoring Daisy.
"Are you trying to avoid me?" Daisy looked at his perfect face. To be fair, she should also be blamed for their quarrel tonight.
No, I am not. You are overthinking things." Edward pursed his lips. He stretched out his arm, pulling Daisy closer to himself. He let her sit down on his lap and rested his hands on her hips, burying his head inside her hair. Taking a long, slow breath, he inhaled her fragrance.
"Darling, I have decided to respect your wishes. If you want me to serve the army, I'll do just that. But if you request me to retire from the job, I'll stay home and look after you, your parents and Justin," Daisy said. She sensed his frailty. When she saw the hurt on his face at the balcony, she wanted to give in immediately. She sat tight and let him touch her freely.