Edwin's response was terse.

"Understood, Dad. Send me her flight details, and I'll meet her at the airport."

Desperate to leave, Edwin made one final call to Tina, instructing her not to proceed with the apartment's disposal.

Just as he was about to exit, his gaze fell upon the bedside table, where a small velvet box sat.

His hands trembling, he retrieved and opened it, revealing a resplendent pink diamond necklace.

It was his birthday gift for Laura, and she didn't take it with her.

A sudden resolve overcame him. He dialed Tina once more, his tone resolute.

"Hold off on selling the apartment."

Then, Edwin put down the velvet box, and left the apartment.

As Edwin settled into the car, the first light of dawn pierced his tired eyes, causing them to sting.

He pondered whether his discomfort stemmed from the sudden absence of someone he had grown accustomed to. He reasoned that with time, this peculiar ache would inevitably subside.

Clutching the steering wheel with both hands, he pressed the accelerator.

At two in the afternoon, he arrived at the airport to pick up his mother, Cecilia.

Tina accompanied him, their lively conversation a welcome distraction.

Cecilia held a special fondness for Tina, who possessed an easy charm.

Cecilia assessed her son with a critical eye.

“You look thinner. Have you been busy lately?

Your father mentioned that you've been excelling at work."

Edwin forced a smile and replied, “Perhaps I've been a bit occupied."

After a brief pause, Cecilia broached the subject of Edwin's impending marriage to Vanessa. She harbored reservations about it, primarily due to her past involvement with Thomas, Vanessa's father.