He instinctively reached out to wipe away her tears, but then hesitated, pulling his hand back. In a gentle voice, he urged, “Please don't cry, okay?"

Laura turned away from him, her voice barely audible, asking him to leave.

Edwin remained still for a moment before he stooped to collect the scattered drafts, carefully placing them back on the coffee table.

After a pause, he offered, "I'll cancel Vanessa's order for you."

“There's no need," Laura responded, barely lifting her head.

"This is my job. And there won't be a next time."

Edwin, his thoughts briefly turning to Dylan's background, hesitated before asking, "Are you planning to go abroad?"

"That's none of your business!" Laura shot back, her tone firm.

Edwin's expression was unreadable. He couldn't discern how much love Laura still felt for him.

His rejection of her had been clear, yet deep down, he hoped she harbored Lingering feelings.

This realization filled him with a sense of shame.

After what seemed like an eternity, Edwin's voice, hoarse with emotion, broke the silence.

“I'm leaving!"

Laura, standing still with her back to him, offered no response.

The door opened and then closed, leaving her alone in the quiet night, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

She wondered how she found the strength not to go to him. Seeking his warmth would have been easy, but what value was there in fleeting passion?

The next day, Laura carefully packaged the necklace and hailed a taxi to Sterling Law Firm, now under the direction of the renowned Alexis Fowler.

The receptionist at the front desk greeted her warmly, “Are you Miss Laura Thomas?"

Laura, taken aback, wondered how she was recognized.

The receptionist's smile widened.