Bailey fell silent.

Yeah.

Will a man as proud as Edmund ever compromise in matters of the heart? But if he doesn't, will he really live a solitary life? Decades of loneliness stretching out before him, and how will he survive them?

“Edmund, I...” Bailey stuttered.

Edmund sensed her emotions shifting. He reached out and grasped her shoulder. “You don't have to worry about me. Just take care of yourself. Artemis called me before leaving town and asked me to do everything in my power to protect you. I haven't had a chance to arrange for extra security around you yet, and now someone's taken advantage of that window. Bailey, do you have any idea how worried I was when I heard about your accident? If something had happened to you, not only would Artemis have been devastated, but I...”

He trailed off with a soft sigh. “Never mind, I don't want to burden you with my troubles. Please be kind to us and take care of yourself. If anything happens to you, many lives will be at risk. Can you bear that weight?”

Bailey turned her face away and let her tears fall.

“I'm sorry,” she said. “I've made you all lose your passion for life, and I owe you everything.”

“You don't owe us anything,” Edmund said firmly. “Just live your life well. We don't wish to accompany you to the grave. So, please take care of yourself.”

With that, he turned and walked away.

Bailey watched his proud yet desolate figure receded into the distance, and felt a sharp pain in her heart.

She knew Edmund was stuck in a more difficult situation compared to Raiden. After all, Raiden had no blood relation to Artemis. If Artemis treated her badly, he could openly compete for her favor.

But Edmund? Could he do the same?

In terms of ethics and morality, she was his cousin's wife—they were family.

Her phone beeped in her pocket, and she saw that it was Artemis calling.

She took a few deep breaths, suppressed her grief, and answered the call.

Silence hung heavy between them for two whole minutes before Artemis spoke in his low, husky voice.

“I heard about the accident, and I found out about my mother's condition. Are you okay, Bay?”

Bailey had just barely held her grief in check, but hearing his voice made her cry again.

“I'm fine, Artemis. I'm so sorry I caused your mother to get injured. Her injuries are so serious, and if it weren't for me, she would have escaped in the first place. But she gave me the chance of survival, and she...”

“I know. I know you feel guilty, but as a mother, she would naturally protect her child. She loves me, so she transferred that love to you. Bay, listen to me. Now is not the time to blame yourself, because only you can save Mom. You have to be strong and do your best to wake her up. I have faith in you.”

Bailey cried, “When are you coming back?”

She immediately realized it was an inappropriate question and hastily added, “Don't rush to come back. Take care of things there first. I'll take care of Mom. I promise that when you come back, she will be smiling at you, and you two will hug each other. She'll still be the kind and loving person you remember. I...”

“Bay,” Artemis interrupted. “Just do your best. Don't burden yourself with too much guilt. I don't want anything to happen to you, and I think my mother feels the same way. She risked her life to save you, so you can't let her down.”

“Okay, okay. I promise I'll take good care of myself and avoid getting hurt,” Bailey said.

“Good girl. I'll be back in no more than seven days,” Artemis replied.

“Mmm, I'll wait for you,” Bailey said.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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