His Plaything Became the Heiress He Can't Touch

When the family dinner ended with the announcement that Edward Dawson was getting married, Carol Bright wasn't all that surprised - just as she'd guessed.

Grandpa Dawson kept things vague on purpose, not saying who the lucky bride was.

Around the table, everyone chimed in with their congratulations, but Edward? His expression was plain unreadable, still that same laid-back, couldn't-care-less vibe.

"Oh, something just came up at the company. Gotta bounce."

He gave Carol a quick look. She instantly got the hint and stood up too, politely nodding to the others before following him out.

Carol had just stepped outside the house when she heard someone catch up behind her -

"Carol..."

The soft call made her mask her emotions in a split second. She knew that voice - it was Edward's older brother, Christopher Dawson.

"You alright, Carol?"

His voice carried real concern. She turned around after a steadying breath, smile easy, tone light. "I'm fine."

Christopher's gaze was gentle, voice warm, but his words stumbled a bit. "You heard what Grandpa said at dinner. He's picked someone for Edward to marry. Some things can't be dragged on forever... I think it's time you make a decision."

Carol's eyes dimmed slightly. She didn't warm up to him, but her response was respectful. "Yeah, thanks for the reminder. I'll think it through."

Christopher noticed her hesitation, a trace of guilt crossing his face. "Carol, I know you care about Edward, but after everything he's put you through... are you really still gonna stay by his side?"

That hit a nerve.

Carol's face cooled, her smile turning mocking. "You, of all people, should understand exactly why I stayed with him."

Her voice was calm but drew a clear line. "You know, I went to you first."

Back when Raymond passed away suddenly, and the old man wanted her and her mom out of the house... out of everyone, she had the best relationship with Christopher.

But when she turned to him for help, he said no.

So... she chose Edward.

Christopher clearly didn't want to go down that road. He reached out, clearly rattled. "Carol, I... back then..."

But the moment got cut off before he could finish. A pair of blinding headlights swept over them, making Christopher shield his eyes.

Carol knew right away - Edward had arrived.

"Chris, you should go in. Don't let me waste your time."

But Christopher stayed put, staring at the car approaching.

It rolled to a stop in front of them. Edward lowered the window, chin tilted slightly. "Get in."

"I'm heading out now, Chris."

Carol gave him a nod, then just as she was about to get in the passenger seat, Edward opened the door and stepped out. "You drive."

Outside the Dawson house, she was simply his employee. Stuff like this? Her job.

Carol walked around to the driver's side. As she passed Christopher, Edward brushed past him too - the moment their eyes met, the air practically sparked.

In the car, Carol kept her hands on the wheel, but her mind wandered to what Christopher said. Her gaze flickered with something soft.

Maybe to Edward it's all just business, but what he doesn't know is...

She'd known him long before she ever stepped into the Dawson household.

They went to the same high school years ago - he was two grades ahead.

Back then, Edward was the untouchable star; she was just a nobody in the background.

Seventeen's such an easy age to fall - he used to be so full of life. And now? He's more of a charming heartbreaker.

A loud snap of fingers snapped her out of it.

"What are you thinking about?" Edward asked.