Chapter 5 In the Blink of an Eye

Bauhinia Residence. Robin had taken the day off from work to clean up the room where Edward would be staying. The room wasn't that big, but it still took her the entire afternoon to tidy up. After dinner, Robin searched for bedding online. Things like that were usually overpriced in stores, but online, they were more affordable and practical. She wasn't sure, though, which style Edward preferred. Robin thought about calling him to ask out of politeness to her future housemate. But then she realized she'd forgotten to exchange contact information with him! It wasn't entirely her fault—during the entire marriage registration process, Edward had been cold and distant, so she had been somewhat intimidated by him. Robin sighed, put away the clothes hangers, and was about to head to her room when she suddenly heard a knock on the door. She jogged over to open it, only to be taken aback when she saw the man leaning against the wall with an unusually pale and cold expression. It was Edward. Looking around, she noticed he wasn't carrying any luggage. "Didn't you bring any luggage?" she asked in surprise. Edward had come on a whim, with George's people keeping an eye on him at home. If the doctor came to check on his injuries, it would expose everything. In addition to his family, people were watching the properties nearby under his name. After thinking it over, the only place that wouldn't be under surveillance was his new wife's apartment. "Can I come in?" Edward asked, his voice hoarse. "Of course." Robin quickly noticed his discomfort and stepped aside to let him in. Edward walked inside, his gaze sweeping across the modest, clean, tidy living room. It wasn't a large space, but it was neat and had a sense of warmth. The flowers on the table, the wind chimes hanging by the window, and the stuffed animals on the couch all gave the place a homey feel. The apartment wasn't particularly spacious, but it felt even more cozy and inviting than his villa in the city center, which occupied a prime spot. Edward's eyes shifted slightly. With a powerful presence now filling the space, Robin felt a little tense, even though he was her new husband. "Um ... I didn't expect you to come tonight. I just finished cleaning your room this afternoon, but I haven't had the chance to buy furniture or bedding yet." "No need," Edward said, glancing at her with distant eyes. "I'm only staying for a couple of nights. No need to bother yourself." He paused momentarily, then added, "I can buy you a better apartment as compensation." Robin was taken aback, then quickly waved her hand. "No, no need for that. I've already gotten used to living here. And your work is tough enough. No need to spend money on something like this. "And," she added without thinking, "we're married now, so there's no need to keep everything so separate." Married, huh? Edward looked at her serious expression and suddenly felt a bit uneasy. He turned his head and cleared his throat. He spoke indifferently, "Even as a married couple, some things still need to be clear. But if you insist, it's up to you." "Mm ... " Robin pressed her lips together, feeling her ears grow warm, her palms starting to sweat. The atmosphere in the living room shifted, becoming just a bit awkward. "Do you have a first aid kit?" Edward asked, breaking the silence. "I do. You can sit down; I'll look for it," Robin replied, nodding as she walked over to the TV stand to rummage through it. She didn't ask why he hadn't gone to the hospital, figuring he must have some reason he didn't want to share. Edward nodded and sat down in front of the sofa. Soon enough, Robin found the first aid kit and placed it on the table. "Do you need any help?" "No," Edward said softly, refusing her offer. He rolled up the hem of his shirt, revealing a bandage on his abdomen, faintly stained with blood. Robin felt a chill run down her spine as she looked at the injury. "Maybe you should go to the hospital to have it treated? No one's chasing you now, so it should be safe to go." Her words sounded rather foolish, and Edward felt like laughing for some reason. But as soon as a smile appeared on his face, it disappeared abruptly when he noticed a small red dot in the corner of the living room. He suddenly stood up and walked over to the TV stand, grabbing the small bear-shaped plush toy that was sitting there. "What's wrong?" Robin looked at him, confused. In the next second, Edward twisted the bear's head off, revealing a tiny hidden camera behind its eyes. "A camera?!" Robin gasped, her face going pale. "How could there be something like this inside the toy?" And the toy was facing the sofa, so had she been watched every day without realizing it? "This is your place. Why are you so surprised?" Edward's long fingers crushed the camera, and he turned to look at her mockingly. "Installing a camera in the toy's eyes—looks like I underestimated you." He almost fell for the act she'd put on just now. Robin's eyes widened in shock as she heard the suspicion in his voice. "You think I did this on purpose to spy on you? But I didn't do this! I didn't even know there was a camera in the toy!" "You think I'll believe that nonsense?" Edward's gaze turned cold, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Marrying a woman like you, who's so scheming, looks like I made the worst life decision."