"Mr. Evans is here!

Laura looked up and saw Edwin, his black wool coat dusted with snowflakes.

She frowned slightly, wondering why he was there.

Edwin knelt down beside her, gently smoothing her damp hair.

"Dry your hair and come with me for dinner at my parents’ place."

Laura's heart fluttered.

She remained still, looking at him, until he repeated, "Come on."

He asked a servant to bring a hairdryer, taking on a role that seemed almost host-like.

The servants, thinking they made a good pair, went upstairs cheerfully.

Laura bit her lip.

"I don't want to go. What would it look like?"

She then thought of Vanessa, who had been in Czanch and even visited Evans Gardon.

Laura's insecurities were heightened by Vanessa's bold pursuit of Edwin, making her hesitant to join his family for dinner.

As the servant brought down the hairdryer, Edwin began to dry Laura's hair while sitting on the sofa.

Laura attempted to move away, but he gently held her in place, speaking softly.

"I've just come back from Duefron. It's been over 20 hours since I slept. Please, no more arguing for now, okay?"

Laura looked down, beginning to speak, but Edwin interrupted.

"I don't accept it," he murmured.

"We like each other. Why can't we be together?"

In Edwin's mind, if love could be easily replaced, it wouldn't be true love. He had always been certain about his desires and never regretted his choices.