Laura carried the bowl to the kitchen, and the rhythmic clatter of dishwashing ensued.

Edwin figured he could speak with her once she had finished the dishes.

Suddenly, a sharp crack pierced the air, accompanied by the faint sound of sobbing.

He promptly extinguished his cigarette and rushed into the kitchen, finding her standing amidst a sea of shattered porcelain. Fresh red blood seeped from her delicate shins.

Edwin muttered a soft curse, “You silly girl! Couldn't you have avoided that?"

Despite his reprimand, he gently scooped up Laura and settled her on the living room sofa.

As he tended to her wound, she nestled into his embrace, tears of pain escaping her.

Edwin peered down at her.

She seemed so petite and frail. It was difficult to believe she was a year older than him.

She even displayed a notable dependence on him.

Edwin hadn't been sure about his preferences before, but in his time with Laura, he found himself drawn to sweet and docile ones like Laura.

Upon finishing the bandaging, he gazed at her and suppressed the words he had been wanting to tell her.

No, it wasn't the right time. She was injured.

He decided he would end things with her the next morning.

While Edwin busied himself in the kitchen, Laura hurried to her studio, where she still had unfinished design projects.

Once the kitchen was in order, Edwin returned to the bedroom, but Laura was nowhere to be found.

He made his way to the studio door.

There, he found Laura completely engrossed in her artwork. The soft illumination of the table lamp accentuated the perfection of her profile, particularly her straight nose, which made her dainty face seem intricately sculpted.

Edwin observed her in silence.

In truth, setting aside her struggles with daily life, she was an exceptional young woman. Her talent in design was undeniable, exemplified by the award-winning work that had seemingly emerged out of nowhere.