The owner's eyes gleamed upon seeing the money.

He promptly responded, "Sir, you really care for your girlfriend."

Laura was on the verge of speaking.

However, Edwin's laughter interrupted her, and he interjected, "She's not my girlfriend!" A brief pause ensued.

"She's my wife," he declared.

The shop owner, playing along, exclaimed, "You tied the knot at such a tender age, young lady! But you've certainly chosen wisely. Just look at your husband. He's a remarkable individual, a rare find! In all my years of running this place, I've never encountered someone as radiant!"

Laura refrained from contradicting him.

Her expression did tighten slightly.

Delighted, the proprietor busied himself, attending to their needs.

Edwin ushered Laura to a seat, choosing the one facing the wind to shield her, and tenderly clasped her hand.

Laura instinctively withdrew her hand, cautioning, “Don't just touch me like that."

Following that exchange, a palpable silence enveloped them.

Both of them couldn't help but reminisce about the countless times he had touched her during their three-month cohabitation.

Laura had been his first, and, as a man newly acquainted with such pleasures, he had yearned to be intimate with her nearly every day.

Laura, equally inexperienced, had yet to discover the true depths of such pleasure, since he hadn't showed her properly.

In hindsight, Edwin's gaze took on a deeper hue.

His ears even tinged with a shade of crimson.

At that moment, the owner arrived with a brazier, its lively fire radiating warmth, and set up a makeshift screen for privacy, further enhancing their comfort.

The proprietor also presented them with their signature dishes, accompanied by a few other seasonal delights.

"These gingerbread cookies symbolize warmth and joy. Congratulations to both of you, and may the coming year bless you with a beautiful addition to your family!" He then turned his attention to Laura.