Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

In a society governed by law, no one could just make someone disappear no matter how much of a nuisance they were. But some people buzzed around like flies, and it was enough to give anyone a headache.

"I understand," Edward said.

Sensing something off in his tone, Janice looked at him. "What's wrong?"

He had insisted she take two days off, so she had no choice but to stay home with him.

"Nothing," he replied.

Edward hated bringing up Simon around Janice. He had his pride, and part of him couldn't help but feel possessive.

Janice had spent years with Simon-far longer than she had been with Edward. The thought of all they had shared was something he hated acknowledging.

"It's just work. I need to make a call," he said before walking away.

He stepped out onto the balcony, closed the door behind him, and dialed Marie's number. After a brief conversation, he hung up and headed back inside.

"My mom's coming over. Do you want..."

Edward stopped mid-sentence when he realized Janice wasn't in the study.

Laura had just let Barbara in and hurried over. "Mr. Moore, Ms. Smith just had some of the chowder I made, and she suddenly threw up."

Threw up?

Edward hurried to the bathroom, where he found Janice over the toilet, dry heaving. She looked pale and miserable.

"What happened?" He gently patted her back.

She took a moment to catch her breath. "I'm fine. That seafood chowder was too fishy. I've never liked the taste of clams, for that matter."

She had always disliked them. Something about the flavor always seemed a little off to her.

"I'll get the doctor to check on you." Edward looked worried.

Janice grabbed his arm. "Your mom's here. You should spend time with her. I just can't stand the smell of the chowder. It's not like I'm sick."

He frowned. "Are you sure? If you're not feeling well, you need to speak up. Your health comes first."

"Yes, yes, I got it." She pushed him toward the door. "Go on. I need to rinse my mouth."

Barbara had already heard about the incident from Laura and was visibly worried. "What happened? I bought some food. Let's see if there's anything she can eat to settle her stomach."

"She doesn't like seafood chowder," Edward said.

Laura looked guilt-stricken. "Oh... I had no idea. I won't make it again. I'll cook something else next time."

She had made the chowder because Edward liked it and she thought it would be good for Janice too. She hadn't expected it to make Janice sick.

When Janice finally emerged from the bathroom, Barbara fussed over her. "Go lie down and rest. You look pale after throwing up like that."noveldrama

Janice felt embarrassed. It didn't feel right to rest when Edward's mother was visiting.

But Edward didn't seem to care. He led her to the bedroom, tucked her into bed, and pulled the curtains shut. "Get some rest. My mom's not picky about things like this, so just get some rest."

She had been working non-stop lately and barely getting any sleep. His insistence on her taking time off was meant to help her recover.

Janice pulled the blanket up and smiled. "Why are you always so good to me?"

Edward leaned down and kissed her forehead. "This isn't me being 'good'-this is just normal. You only think it isn't because of what you were used to."

At first, she didn't understand what he meant. Then, it hit her—he was referring to Simon.

Helena was overly demanding, which had conditioned Janice to think she had to endure discomfort in front of elders-even when she wasn't feeling well.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay

home. I have lunch taken care ret

and let

Edwou know when it's ready."

Edward brushed his hand across her cheek. "Get some sleep."

Janice had never felt so secure. She watched him head for the door, then suddenly sat up. "Edward."

He turned, and his gaze softened as he smiled and walked back toward her. Resting his hands on the edge of the bed, he smirked. "Miss me already?"

Janice wrapped her arms around his neck and said gently, "You won't leave me, right?"

Edward answered without a second thought, "Never. I'm going to marry you."