Mark paused briefly before speaking again.

“Edwin, it's not that I don't want to agree. Consider this--if Laura is with you, will she only have to confront your mother? The Evans family and the scrutiny of the entire world are in the mix. Sooner or later, what happen in the past will come to light. You're a man; at most, you'll be teased with light banters. But Cathy's past misdeeds will all be pinned on Laura. Can you protect her then?"

Edwin maintained his silence.

All of this had crossed his mind previously; otherwise, he wouldn't have surrendered so readily upon acknowledging his feelings for Laura.

He ignited a cigarette but abstained from smoking it, allowing it to smolder.