Mark continued, saying, “Hah, you're jealous of her new boyfriend, huh? How immature!"

Edwin, skilled at reading people, noticed his father's annoyance but also a softening in his stance.

He relaxed slightly.

"A man doesn't live on his physique alone. So what he has some muscles? That doesn't make him a great man," he remarked.

Mark eyed his son.

“Maybe Laura just likes that type," he said.

Then, stubbing out his cigarette, he added, "You're not young anymore.

Clean up your mess. Don't expect me to fix your problems all the time."

After he finished speaking, Mark felt a twinge of pain.

He realized his compromise was not just for Edwin.

But also for Laura.

The last time he saw her, he knew she had been wronged and his son was to blame. When Laura said she was seeing someone else, he made himself believe her words.

Edwin had been with her for over a year, cohabiting for three months.

Sharing a bed, feelings must have developed.

Mark, not wanting to look at his son or hear more from him, felt a mix of disappointment and unexplainable relief.

"Dad," Edwin softly called out from behind.

Mark didn't utter a word.

He simply waved his hand and walked on, seeming to have aged a few years in that moment.

His thoughts drifted to his younger days.

He recalled his days with Cecilia, filled with the same forbidden excitement. Cecilia was about the same age as Laura back then, and they were sneaking around just like this.