Her frame was petite, astonishingly soft, akin to cradling a fragile little rabbit.

Tears welled in her reddened eyes.

Edwin had indulged excessively, a recklessness he wouldn't typically entertain, given the complexity of their relationship.

Holding her in his arms, he instinctively nestled by the curve of her ear.

“Just allow me this moment. Laura, grant me the privilege to hold you.

Laura grappled with an overwhelming discomfort, tears streaming down her face as she fought tenaciously, yet found herself unable to break free.

She couldn't summon a scream.

A tinge of anguish flickered across Edwin's handsome visage. His countenance burned with fervor as he whispered incomprehensible words against her skin, words she couldn't fully decipher nor care to. What she did know was that he eventually pushed the door to her bedroom and guided her inside.

She was pressed against the door panel.

The typically reserved man cradled her face, his fervent lips meeting hers.

Laura's eyes widened.

Tears traced their way down her cheeks.

Edwin tenderly licked them away, his voice a gentle whisper.

"Don't cry. Laura, please don't cry."

She forcefully pushed him away.

Her chest heaved with profound emotion, her eyes red and piercing as they locked onto his.

"Edwin, wasn't it you who rejected me? Wasn't it you who sought vengeance, toying with my emotions? Your objective has been achieved. I am in agony. Can't you simply leave me be, grant me some peace?"

Beyond the room, autumn thunder rumbled.

Abruptly, the bedroom light extinguished, shrouding their faces in the faint twilight.

Edwin locked eyes with Laura, their gazes interlocked in an unspoken exchange.