Still, she remained below 10@ pounds, a fact that always struck Edwin when he carried her.

Seated in the dining room, Laura nibbled at her meal in small bites.

Meanwhile, Edwin stood by the French window, silently puffing on a cigarette. Despite the stack of documents awaiting his attention, his interest in them remained conspicuously absent.

His gaze inadvertently fell upon Laura.

Edwin's eyes held a profound complexity. He bent his head to tap the cigarette's ashes, a growing sense of unease weighing on him.

Three days remained until Saturday.

Within that time frame, he had to end things with Laura.

It wasn't exactly a breakup. More accurately, he planned to abruptly abandon her.

He had manipulated her, kindling her feelings for him and fostering her dependence.

He intended to sever their connection mercilessly when she was deeply in love with him.

It had been his meticulously crafted scheme, seemingly straightforward to execute. Yet, at the precipice of its completion, he found no satisfaction or pleasure in the prospect of revenge.

What had gone wrong?

Was it due to her docility, or perhaps the sheer pleasure he derived from their intimacy?

Edwin grappled with confusion.

However, his reserved and haughty nature deterred him from overthinking. He chose instead to adhere to his devised plan.

Considering that ending things with her had been his intention from the outset, why hadn't he followed through?

Edwin contemplated speaking up, but before he could utter a word, he observed Laura, holding the bowl of birthday noodles and laughing with genuine delight.

"The meal you prepared is absolutely delicious.

I haven't had noodles in such a long time."

Edwin's heart constricted.