"Iāve finished the first phase of treatment and decided to come home for a few days. I also have some important business involving Hawk Real Estate Co., Ltd., and the L. N. Group. Didnāt you know Stuart and I have been working together? I came because I have something to discuss with your husband," Donald replied quickly.
While Donald was talking to Edie, he heard the sound of footsteps coming from behind him. He turned towards the stairs, and there was Stuart standing in front of him. He overheard their conversation and wondered what Donald meant. Stuart raised an eyebrow, the expression in his eyes quizzical. Everyone fell silent as minutes passed by, or maybe it was just a couple of heartbeats. Stuart and Donaldās expressions were tense as they kept their eyes locked on another.
Donald broke the silence by stepping forward and shaking Stuartās hand. "Mr. Yates, nice to meet you." He was speaking in a flat monotone, his face composed and still except for his eyes, which were deep black pools of pain.
Stuart nodded. "I was expecting you," he said as he stood beside Edie and put his arm around her as if he was claiming a prize.
Donaldās eyes were dim, sad. āSheās so beautiful. Her cheeks are as bright as her lips. Oh, how her eyes sparkle.ā His thoughts were always of Edie. The smile on his face faded away as he looked at her, the look of wonder crossed his face, and the smile reappeared. "What are the flowers for?" he asked.
Edie smiled sweetly and said. "I picked them for Stuartās office to brighten it up."
Stuart didnāt like change. He was used to using his own way of doing things. Edie decided that his habits didnāt make him a bad person. She accepted them, enough though he knew how much he overworked bothered her, and after a few months, he started to change. He didnāt seem to work as much and spent more time with her. When Edie entered his life, his world was knocked entirely off its axis. From the first moment he gazed at her long brown hair and fiery eyes, he knew that everything would change.
Stuart noticed a cut on Edieās hand and picked up on her hands and squeezed one of her wrists just barely "You hurt yourself. You need to be more careful."
Edie was flattered by the way he doted on her. "Donāt worry, itās not serious," she said in a soft and gentle voice.
"I know you two have a business to discuss, but Iām going to make you a cup of tea first," Edie said and left the room quickly.
The atmosphere in the room had changed quickly, and Stuart squinted dangerously at Donald. "What do you want?" he asked in a cold tone. "You said you came here for business, but you and I both know I have no involvement with Hawk Real Estate Co, Ltd. Thereās something else you want," he said curiously.
Donald pursed his lips with that slight, wistful smile. "Yes, youāre right," he answered. "I came here because of Edie, but I was looking for you."
"What do you want from me?" Stuart asked. His voice was cold and without emotion.
"I came back as soon as I heard what happened to Edie." Donaldās voice was somber and quiet. "I donāt want to intrude, but Edieās safety is important to me, and if you canāt protect her, let me do it..." he hesitated and continued. "I know you love her, but so do I."
Stuartās eyebrows rose, and he stared at him. "No, sheās mine." He was looking at Donald coldly, the strength of his purpose flowing into his body and his voice. "You had her in your life for five years, and you let her go." There was so much anger in his voice when he said it.
"I donāt remember the past five years. Thatās probably for the best," Donald said, his voice sour with irony. "I donāt want to take her away from you, and I want her to be happy." He looked at Stuart with a wry smile and shook his head. "I already knew what your answer would be, but I have another proposal for you."
Stuartās dark eyes squinted with curiosity. "What do you mean by another proposal?"
Donaldās eyes widened, and he grinned. "Now that youāre back in the L. N. Group and Edie is part of the Yates Family, can you tell me that Edie isnāt in any danger?" He shook his head and said, "I can tell by the look on your face what the answer is. Aaron canāt use my company as leverage, so let me be the one to protect her."
Stuartās face went red, and his fists tightened. "I donāt..."
Donald interrupted before giving him a chance to finish his sentence. "I didnāt come to start an argument with you." He paused, speaking guardedly. "Iām not going to lie to you, and Iām still in love with her. But I know how much Edie loves you, and I donāt want to see her suffer anymore. I owe her that." His words were suddenly aggressive. "Donāt be so quick to say no. Itās not a bad thing to have someone else look out for her safety."
Stuart didnāt immediately answer. He looked at Donald steadily, wondering if he could trust him. Well, he knew he couldnāt trust him, but he thought that perhaps in this promise, at least, Donald might prove honest.
A dead silence followed Donaldās words, and right after, Edie walked in with the tea. She looked a little worried and said, "Is something wrong? Why arenāt you talking?"
Donald looked at Edie, and his face softened. "I donāt have a place to stay. Your husband is so generous and invited me to stay here," he said quickly.
Stuartās expression changed, and he shot a glance at Donald, who merely smiled at him. "Stuart asked you to stay with us?" Edie asked in a somewhat surprised tone.
Stuart squinted dangerously at Donald. "Yes, I asked him to stay, but he said no," he said through gritted teeth. "He told me he has to go back to the hospital."