Lina approached his car and tapped on the window.

Edwin stepped out, his voice rough.

"Mrs. Garcia."

Lina had always harbored a fondness for him, yet she had also slapped him once for Laura. Unlike earlier, she was composed now.

With Laura gone, Lina believed it was time to convey some harsh truths to Edwin. She thought that might help him understand what he needed to do. She said earnestly, “Laura is going abroad to seek medical help. She has been battling mild depression, and recently, it has been worsening, possibly progressing into moderate depression. If you really do care about her, please stop pestering her. She's not like other people."

Edwin was taken aback.

Laura was unwell. How come he had never been aware of it?

Lina offered a faint smile and added, "That's the situation. Even if you two have feelings for each other, what good would it do? Your mother's opposition to your relationship would always come first to you. Besides, Laura herself would maintain her distance due to your family's circumstances. Edwin, Laura doesn't want to be with you. She might be fond of this 'Nelson' guy, but when it comes to Edwin, she can't afford to have those feelings."

Edwin felt someone had gripped his heart and squeezed it.

He gazed at the departing car, mumbling to himself, “I don't know what's come over me. I'm just filled with regret.”

It wasn't that he was desperate to have her no matter what.

He simply couldn't bear to witness her tears. He couldn't bear to see her heart shattered.

Yet, he acknowledged deep within that it was he who had led her into this dark abyss.

Lina observed Edwin with a sense of unease.

Despite her love for this boy, the recent events had left her heart heavy, particularly for Laura, who had been misled and was now seeking treatment abroad.

“How long will she be away?" Edwin asked softly.

Lina wasn't sure, but she offered some advice.

"Edwin, you're always intelligent and perceptive. You need to consider the impact of your actions. Continuing this way will only bring pain to you, Laura, and your parents."

With these words, she headed upstairs.

Upon entering the apartment, she found Peter just waking up.