In the night sky, bursts of color soared and exploded at their zenith, casting a bright light upon the darkness. Amidst the enthusiastic chatter of onlookers reveling in the fireworks display, Olivia's voice faintly punctuated the background.

"Wow!" she exclaimed.

Edwin held Laura close, their youthful countenances beautifully illuminated by the fireworks’ radiance.

Gradually, Laura ceased her futile resistance.

Her gaze fixed upon the window, her thoughts adrift.

Refusing to surrender, Edwin breathed softly into her ear.

“Isn't Olivia absolutely charming? Can you picture her as your sister?"

Laura's mind snapped back to reality.

She found herself enveloped in his embrace, her face pressed against his pristine white shirt, inhaling the fresh scent of recently laundered fabric.

Raising her head, she saw Edwin's striking profile.

In her attempt to push him away, Laura grappled with the undeniable difference in physical strength between the genders.

Yet, Edwin remained steadfast, unyielding.

He leaned in closer, his eyes brimming with an overwhelming sense of possession as he inquired softly, "Shall we go out to see the lantern show or linger here for another kiss?"

Blushing, Laura averted her gaze.

"I choose neither," she retorted, her embarrassment palpable.

Edwin's unwavering scrutiny continued.

It was the look of a man captivated by a woman. Despite their time together, even cohabitation, he had never regarded her with such profound intensity.

Beneath that gaze, Laura's feminine instincts stirred softly, awakening within her.

Suddenly, she felt uneasy.

And irritation bubbled up within her, even more pronounced than before.