<b>Chapter 48 </b>


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    The excitement on Edward’s face gradually faded at Sharon’s words. He pressed his lips together, remained silent for a few seconds, then denied while frowning, “I’m not trying to appease Macie. Also, I’m not doing it out of my ‘feelings‘ for her.”


    “But didn’t you buy the ne for her?<b>” </b>Sharon asked through gritted teeth.


    Edward fell into a longer silence this time.


    A few minutes passed before he somewhat awkwardly said, “I waspensating her on your behalf.


    Don’t overthink it. My marriage with her is just a formality forced by my grandfather. I will never love her.


    n


    Sharon might have believed him before, but not this time. After all, when Edward bid on the Rose Crown,


    he didn’t even nce at her. He simply fixated on it and relentlessly ced his bids.


    And yet, he never once mentioned buying anything for her.


    His feelings for Macie were obvious.


    They soon arrived at the apartmentplex and took the elevator up.


    Holding a velvet box in his hand, Edward opened the lid to take onest look at the ne. He thought to himself, “It’s not like I want to give Macie a gift. This is justpensation on Sharon’s behalf to stop Macie from crying and pestering her.”


    Once they reached the apartment, Edward walked straight in without waiting for Sharon behind him.


    He knocked on the door of the smaller bedroom, only to not receive a response.


    “Macie, are you asleep? I need to talk to you,” Edward called out, knocking harder.


    Macie had no intention of answering. After all, it wasn’t like they needed her to cook since they had already gone out to eat.


    But the knocking didn’t stop. It only grew louder.


    Finally, she frustratedly got up and went to the door.


    “What do you want?” She opened it and red impatiently at the man standing there.


    Edward, who was in a good mood, didn’t argue with her. Instead, he opened the box as if presenting an aplishment.


    Macie’s eyes flickered as she momentarily froze at the sight of the pink rose ne. Its beauty stunned her for a split second.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    “Sharon lost something that belonged to you, didn’t she? This ispensation,” Edward boasted. <b>“</b><b>It’s </b>not worth much, but at least it’s better than that stic ne of yours. Take it and stop sulking already<b>,</b><b>” </b>he added before looking away unnaturally, his tone almost coaxing.


    After speaking, he waited for her response.


    He thought that Macie would definitely like it. He thought that she would ept <b>it</b><b>, </b>and then, just maybe, she’d smile at him again like before.


    The corners of his lips lifted slightly in anticipation, but at that moment, he heard her coldly asking, “Did you call me just for this?<b>” </b>


    Edward froze and turned his head to stare at her. 1


    Macie’s face was nk, her gaze cold as she continued, “I gave it to her willingly. <b>You </b>said I deserved it, didn’t you? I agree. So there’s no need for anypensation. This was all my fault.”


    She turned to go back into her room.


    But before she could shut the door, Edward forcefully pushed it open, stepping inside.


    “I said I wouldpensate for it, so just take it. I don’t want to risk youing after Sharon again.” Edward growled, shoving the box into her hands.


    This wasn’t what he wanted to tell her. Instead, he wanted to apologize for saying that she deserved it.


    But… <fn40fe> This update is avable on find{n}ovel</fn40fe>


    He couldn’t bring himself to say it–just like he could never bring himself to thank Macie. Deep down, he always felt like she was supposed to do everything she did for him.


    When Macie didn’t take the box, Edward grabbed her hand.


    As she tried to break free, the two of them struggled.


    Sharon discreetly watched them from outside. She ground her teeth out of jealousy as her nails dug into the skin of her palm. 1


    Finally, as Macie resisted, the box slipped from their grip and fell to the floor.


    Edward stared at it, dumbfounded.


    “I swear,” Macie began. “I will never bring this up with Sharon again. If I do, I’ll be struck by lightning and


    die a horrible death.”


    Stunned, Edward clenched his fists. He angrily roared, “Hah! You’d rather swear such a vicious oath than ept the damn thing?”


    <i>2/2 </i>