Chapter 176

After a quick run to the supermarket, Edward rushed home to cook dinner. It wasn’t until after she’d finished setting everything up that Alice noticed his earlier text—he was going to be late. Probably caught up with something at work again. She didn’t think much of it and just popped the dishes back in the pot to keep them warm. While waiting, she threw on an old movie and curled up on the couch. The day’s exhaustion mixed with the quiet vibe, and before she knew it, she was out cold. When she opened her eyes again, it was already nine. She blinked in surprise—he still wasn’t back. She quickly called Edward, her voice still hoarse from sleep. “Still stuck at the office?” “Yeah,” he replied with zero change in tone. Then added casually, “Have you been waiting long?” Alice rubbed her eyes and pulled the blanket over her. “Not really—your timing’s perfect.” She could hear the sound of his leather shoes on the floor through the phone. Then he said again, "I’m heading back now." With that,