The beginning of her relationship with Edwin had been wrong, and its conclusion had been nothing short of absurd. Even if they had shared an understanding of their feelings, circumstances had never allowed it to progress any further.

Laura silently wept, and Mark remained by her side quietly.

The paternal affection she had yearned for in her childhood, Mark could only provide in a limited capacity now, and he did so with all the sincerity he could muster.

Laura didn't cry for long.

She soon regained her composure and spoke in a subdued tone.

“I'm okay. In fact, I have a new boyfriend now, my agent, and he's really good to me."

Mark found it difficult to put his own feelings into words.

Ironically, on one hand, there was his own son, and on the other, the young girl to whom he owed so much.

ALL he could manage to say was, “That's good," and then he tenderly ran his fingers through her glossy black hair.

She was pretty and petite, a type that Mark had never envisioned his brutish son being attracted to. It suddenly made sense why there had never been any genuine connection with Vanessa.

It seemed that Edwin's taste had been inherited from his father.

Outside, the snow continued to fall heavily, but within the confines of the apartment, warmth enveloped them.

As time passed, the issue was never raised again, and Mark chose not to broach the topic of compensation, realizing that it would be undignified and hurtful for Laura.

He simply kept her company, giving Laura the support and fatherly affection she had yearned for throughout her life.

When Mark left, it was nearly dawn.

Laura saw him downstairs. As Mark was getting into his car, he couldn't resist turning back and saying in a hushed tone, “Bring your boyfriend to meet me sometime. When you've decided to tie the knot, I'll take care of your dowry."

Laura nodded with a faint smile.

Outside, the winter cold had taken its toll, leaving Laura with a pale complexion and a red nose.

Mark urged her to go back upstairs, but Laura insisted on watching Mark's car until it disappeared before returning indoors.

Once back in her apartment, she made herself a cup of coffee and finished all the pastries Mark had brought.