Edwin observed Laura as she gently crouched down, wrapping her arms around the dog's neck, her actions wordless but filled with profound emotion.

Memories resurfaced of when they had shared a life together.

She had expressed a desire to live in a villa like this, yearning for a dog to keep her company during Edwin's absences.

Fearing that he couldn't afford it, she had eagerly offered to contribute or even foot the entire bill.

Now, she had a dog in her arms, a pet they once dreamed of owning together.

Yet, it was a dog she shared with another man.

Edwin's eyes stung, and he couldn't help but wonder if she would be willing to embrace this tranquil existence with anyone who could provide it.

Edwin could offer it, but at the same time, Dylan also could.

Edwin watched Laura in silence.

His heart twinged as he noticed her crouched down, cradling the Labrador in her arms in silence. The urge struck him to leave the car and sweep her up in his arms.

He yearned to whisk her away, to conceal her from the world.

Gripping his chest, Edwin shut his eyes.

Upon opening them, despair washed over him.

What was he doing now?

The outcome was precisely what he'd envisioned. Yet doubt nagged at him. What was churning in his mind?

His chapter with Laura had closed. As expected, his engagement to Vanessa was on the horizon, while Laura would find her own happy ending, maybe with Dylan or some other man.

Without a flicker of emotion, Edwin rolled up the window and drove off.

The ornate glass door of the villa swung open, revealing Dylan.

In spite of the chilly night, barely scraping 10 degrees, he sported just a black tank top and well-worn jeans, his stature tall and imposing.

Under the soft glow of the porch light, he fixed his gaze on Laura.