By evening's descent, Peter had succumbed to the influence of alcohol.

Beyond the window, the autumn rain cascaded, drenching the yellowed, withered leaves that lay scattered across the somber gray pavement, their plight accentuated by the downpour.

Absorbed in contemplation, Edwin lingered by the window.

A commotion from the bedroom drew his focus.

Laura emerged, encountering both her parents in inebriated states.

Her mother was sleeping on her bed, while her father sprawled on the sofa, mouth agape, producing a symphony of snores.

Laura wasn't naive enough to overlook Edwin's underlying intentions.

He simply yearned for a moment alone with her.

How contemptible!

Their gazes intersected, and as he pivoted to meet her eyes. His voice carried a hoarse timbre.

"It's raining. Uncle Peter mentioned I could stay."

Now that they were in private, Laura no longer felt the need to maintain courtesy.

Suppressing her emotions, she uttered brusquely, “Leave!”

Edwin remained motionless, his dark eyes locked onto hers. His intentions remained a puzzle, even to himself; all he knew was that he yearned to be near her.

Laura endeavored to retreat to her bedroom.

Yet, after merely a couple of strides, she found herself ensnared from behind.

Gently, she was pressed against the door, her back against the sturdy frame of a young man. Many times within that apartment, after his return from a business trip, he had longed for her ardently. However, at that moment, Laura experienced only discomfort.

She struggled vehemently, but his grasp remained firm.

"Release me!" she implored, "Mr. Evans, I want no part in this. Are you attempting to coerce me now?"

Edwin persisted in holding her from behind.