Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Early in the morning, Janice woke up intending to make breakfast, only to find that Edward was already up.

At 7:20 am, he was already in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

Leaning against the armrest of the couch, Janice quietly watched him move around the kitchen.

People always said it wasn't fair to compare, but sometimes, the mind did it on its

own.

Something as simple as this—an ordinary morning routine was something Simon had never done. And because of that, Edward's actions felt even more precious.

He didn't seem to notice her watching from the living room the entire time. It wasn't until he turned around and stepped out of the kitchen that he said, "You're up early."

Janice's lips curled into a faint smile. "I didn't expect you to cook breakfast yourself every day."

"Not every day." Edward washed his hands. "Only when you're here."

She paused mid-sip, swallowing the water in her mouth before glancing at him.

Edward stood tall, his broad shoulders and strong back exuding an undeniable sense of security-like he could hold up an entire sky.

"Edward, what exactly do you like about me?" she asked suddenly.

Then, after a slight pause, she added, "Do you really know me?"

The real her... She had never shown that side to anyone.

The kindness and grace people saw? That was just an illusion, a tool for navigating the world.

Edward finished drying his hands and turned to face her. "At the very least, it just means you and I are the same kind of person."

What kind of person?

"Ambitious, practical, ruthless..."

Edward stepped closer, looking down at her. "If that's the case, then we'll never have a conflict because what you want is exactly what I want. And if it's not... If you're kind, gentle, and pure, then I'd be more than willing to protect that innocence."

He leaned in, bracing his hands on either side of the armrest, caging her in. "Do you think I can't protect you?"

"Not at all." Janice chuckled softly, lowering her gaze. "I just don't think I deserve you."

These were her true feelings.

Anyone would feel a little lost being

pursued by the chairman of a

publicly traded company. He had

seen all kinds of women who were intelligent, beautiful, and

accomplished. en

So, why her?

It wasn't insecurity, just a quiet hesitation.

She was afraid she wouldn't be able to return his feelings the way he deserved.

Suddenly, she felt a weight on top of her head.

Edward's gaze was steady, serious. "Janice, I won't lie. When I first

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approached you, it was because of your abilities. But after working together, things changed. Whether you're a good or bad person isn't within my consideration.

"Money? I can earn it. Power? I can fight for it myself. The only thing I need from

you is to stay by my side. Everything else is up to you."

Everyone was selfish, and Edward was no exception.

He liked her that was it. That was the only reason he wanted to be with her.

As for everything else? He could build it with his own hands.

His words struck Janice like a hammer to the heart-loud, powerful, undeniable.noveldrama

She lowered her head, thinking back to the days he had been away during New Year's. Even while working, she had found herself thinking about him from time to time.

What if...

"Edward."

He looked at her. "Hm?"

She hesitated for a second before asking, "Should we start as boyfriend and girlfriend first?"

This time, Edward was the one whose heart shook.

He was silent for a few seconds, then said, "If you'd rather skip ahead to

marriage, I'll arrange it right now."

Janice stared at him, speechless.

"No, I meant "

Before she could finish, Edward stepped forward and took her hand. "So, you're

saying yes? You're letting me be your boyfriend?"

His patience and respect always came at just the right time.