Chapter 6 Waiting for You to Be Completely Out

Donna's heart suddenly skipped a beat. The warmth from Edward's palm still lingered on her waist, carrying an undeniable presence.

She bit her lower lip, her fingertips curling unconsciously.

Logic told her she should refuse immediately and draw clear boundaries as soon as possible.

But as she recalled Edward's protection, Leo's arrogance, and Peter's indifference, she felt a trace of hesitation.

Perhaps maintaining this marriage temporarily was the only way to completely get rid of those annoying troubles.

Anyway, once things blew over, she could always find a reason to divorce. No need to make things awkward right now.

"Let's give it a try then." She lifted her head, met Edward's gaze, and spoke softly and clearly.

She secretly calculated that once the Jackson family's crisis was resolved and Leo completely gave up, she'd find a "incompatible personalities" excuse for a decent divorce. No one could stop her then.

A faint smile instantly appeared in Edward's eyes, diminishing his cold demeanor.

The two walked out of the banquet hall side by side. A Cayenne was parked at the entrance, its body gleaming with a steady luster in the sunlight.

The car windows had dark tinting, making it impossible to see the interior, but the whole vehicle exuded an impressive aura.

The driver quickly got out to open the door, his movements respectful but not servile.

Edward shielded Donna's head with his hand, preventing her from hitting the door frame. After she settled into the back seat, he bent down and got in after her.

The car interior was lined with soft beige leather. The air was filled with the same cedarwood sandalwood scent as Edward's, mixed with a faint leather smell. It was so quiet you could hear each other breathing.

Donna leaned against the car window, staring blankly at the street scenes flying by outside.

"What are you thinking about?"

Edward beside her suddenly spoke, breaking the silence in the car.

He turned sideways, his elbow resting on the window edge, fingertips against his chin, his gaze falling on her face with a hint of inquiry.

Donna snapped back to reality and shook her head. "Nothing, just thinking about how to explain this to my family."

She was indeed worried about Peter's reaction, but she was also figuring out how to quickly distance herself from Edward.

Edward smiled faintly. "No rush, I'm here."

Just a few simple words, yet they carried a reassuring power. The anxiety in Donna's heart inexplicably eased a bit.

She uncomfortably looked away, pretending to focus on the street scenes passing by the window, not noticing the fleeting smile in Edward's eyes.

Just then, Edward spoke again, his tone calm but with an undeniable certainty. "I have a house. Move in with me."

"What?" Donna whipped her head around, her eyes full of shock, her voice unconsciously rising several notches.

"So soon? We just finished the wedding today, and now we're living together?"

She had originally thought "trying to get along" just meant occasionally meeting to deal with family, at most having a few meals together.

She hadn't expected Edward to make such an intimate request. Her heart involuntarily tensed up, her fingertips gripping the wedding dress hem tightly, crumpling the lace trim into a ball.

Edward watched her tense appearance, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, though he said seriously.

"Since we're a legally recognized married couple, we can't keep living separately. If we want to know if we're compatible, we need to live in the same space first and gradually develop feelings."

She nodded. "Okay, then I'll go back and pack some things, move over tomorrow?"

"No need to wait until tomorrow. Whatever you need, just say it, and I'll have someone deliver it directly."

She intended to handle it herself, but was interrupted by Edward's gaze. "Be good. After going through so much today, you're tired too. Rest well."

His tone was natural, carrying a gentle refusal to be denied. The words on Donna's lips were forcibly swallowed back.

The Cayenne slowly left the city center, heading toward the suburbs.

Looking at the scenery flying past outside the window, Donna couldn't help wondering—this direction, wasn't it heading toward Grandview Estates?

It was the most exclusive wealthy area in the entire city, backed by green mountains and facing an artificial lake, with extremely scarce land.

"Are we going to Grandview Estates?" Donna couldn't help asking, her tone carrying some uncertainty.

Edward glanced at her and nodded in confirmation. "Yes, I live there."

The car continued forward. About ten minutes later, it finally stopped in front of an ornate iron gate.

The iron gate was 10 feet high, with golden vine patterns winding across it.

After the guard carefully verified the license plate and Edward's identity, he slowly opened the gate.

After another two minutes or so, the car finally stopped.

Donna followed Edward out of the car. Looking up, she was instantly stunned by the sight before her.

This was an impressive villa with cream-colored exterior walls paired with dark green ivy. The roof had red tiles that gleamed warmly in the sunlight.

Donna couldn't help wondering about Edward's identity. This place wasn't somewhere ordinary people could live—most people didn't have the means to live here.

Edward watched her shocked expression, amusement flashing in his eyes as he gently patted her shoulder.

"Want to go in and look around? The interior design is pretty simple. If there's anything you like, we can change it too."

Donna followed him into the villa. Pushing open the heavy solid wood door, a faint woody fragrance wafted over.

"The first floor has the living room, kitchen, dining room, and guest rooms. The second floor has bedrooms and a study. The third floor has a terrace and gym. The basement has a wine cellar and home theater."

Edward walked and introduced the place, his tone as natural as if he were talking about the most ordinary thing.

"You can choose a bedroom on the second floor. Pick whichever one you like—they all have private bathrooms and walk-in closets."

Donna followed behind him, her gaze sweeping over the paintings hanging on the living room walls.

She stopped, turned to face Edward, and asked seriously, "Edward, who exactly are you?"

Edward was about to speak when Donna's phone suddenly rang.

She pressed the answer button. "Dad."

"Donna! Get back to The Russell Manor right now! Apologize to Leo!"

Peter's furious voice came through the phone, exploding like thunder in her ear, making Donna's eardrums hurt.

Donna's brows immediately furrowed, anger rising in her heart. "Why should I apologize to him? He's the one who cheated first and got exposed at the wedding. He's the one who embarrassed the Russell family. What does it have to do with me?"

"You dare talk back!" Peter's voice got even louder, carrying undisguised anger and disappointment.

"If you don't go apologize, the Jackson family business is finished!"