Chapter 4 A Step Toward the Unknown

As soon as Robin finished speaking, the faint smile that had been lingering in Edward's eyes vanished completely. When he looked back at her slightly flushed face, his gaze was now cold and calculating. So, she wasn't asking for money or jewelry. She just wanted to marry me, huh? Edward's mind clicked into place. It seemed that she hadn't asked for anything last night because she was waiting for this moment. She must've recognized who he was and changed her mind. After all, marrying him was certainly a much better deal than simply asking for money or gifts. So, all the softness and kindness she'd shown him last night? It was just a mask. He couldn't help but feel a bit bitter. His gaze on her was distant and cold. "Are you sure this is what you want?" Robin was too nervous to notice the sudden shift in his mood. She nodded quickly. "Yes." She knew it was reckless to ask a complete stranger to marry her. Especially someone who clearly wasn't in a great situation. His suit was frayed at the edges, and based on what had happened last night, it seemed like he'd gotten himself into some trouble. The worst part was that this man had forcibly kissed her last night, even if there was a reason behind it. But there was no other choice. At least this man was much more handsome than Norris. Just looking at him was enough of a treat. Marrying him wasn't a loss. But Edward was silent for so long that Robin began to feel uneasy. Just as she was about to lose hope, thinking he might refuse, he lifted his chin disinterestedly. He said flatly, "Let's go." After all, he needed a wife; honestly, any woman would do. Robin was a bit distracted, still processing everything. "Where are we going?" Edward looked at her as if she were a fool. "Didn't you say you wanted to get married?" With that, he turned and walked toward the City Hall. "Oh, right!" Robin quickly followed him. Half an hour later, holding the freshly issued marriage certificate, Robin felt like her steps were floating. She couldn't quite believe what had just happened. She couldn't help but glance at Edward's calm, handsome profile beside her. This had to be the boldest thing she'd ever done in her 23 years of life—getting married to a stranger. Even though he seemed distant and cold, he did not even smile during the process. But now that they were married, she had to take responsibility. Robin reached into her bag, pulled out her spare key to her apartment, and handed it to Edward. "This is the key to my apartment. The address is Bauhinia Residence, Unit 8, on the tenth floor. You can move in whenever you're ready. By the way, I remember you're still injured. If it's inconvenient for you, I can help you move your things." Move into her place? Edward's dark eyes darkened. "Is this also your request?" Robin nodded. "Although I don't understand why you're so badly injured and still haven't been hospitalized, I'll work hard to earn money and take care of things. You don't have to keep doing that kind of dangerous work." She couldn't interfere before, but now that he was her husband, she hoped he'd live a safe and healthy life. Edward furrowed his brows. So, just after they got married, she was already trying to interfere with his work? And when did he ever need a woman to take care of him? "There's something I think I need to make clear to you," Edward said, his voice more serious. "Even though we're married, it doesn't mean you can meddle in my private affairs. Please be aware of that." Hearing the displeasure in his tone, Robin froze for a moment before nodding obediently. "Okay. "Do you need me to help you move your things now?" Robin asked. "No need, I have something else to do," Edward responded coldly, then turned and walked toward the road without even saying goodbye. Before leaving, he did accept the key to her apartment. Robin felt like he was a bit different from last night, but she couldn't pinpoint how exactly. She shrugged it off and took a cab to leave. It wasn't long before she received a call from Norris. After thinking briefly, Robin immediately hung up the phone and blocked his number. She had already made herself clear in the message, and whether or not he had seen it was no longer her concern. With that done, Robin glanced at the marriage certificate on her lap and smiled—a mix of unease and relief. It would get better. Not long after Robin left, a black Maybach approached the curb. A person exited the front passenger seat, respectfully opened the back door, and spoke to Edward, who was standing by the roadside. "Mr. Dunn, please." Edward got into the car, his long legs naturally crossing as he sat. His expression was slightly tired and pale—an aftereffect of getting out of bed before his serious injuries had fully healed. "Contact the doctor; have him come to change my bandages." Ned responded immediately, "The doctor is already on the way. Mr. Dunn, we've kept Mr. George's people outside, so they haven't discovered your injuries." Though George knew, Edward didn't have to rush into a marriage with someone just to hide it. But once George knew, the rest of the Dunns would also find out, and they'd take actions that would not be in Edward's favor. So, for now, it had to be kept a secret. Edward leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest. He casually tossed the marriage certificate to the side, where it slid off the edge and was forgotten.