"Dad, do you have any objections?" Edwin inquired.

Mark cast a glance at his son, offering a reassuring pat on his shoulder.

"You're doing the things I couldn't do years ago, and that's commendable. But, Edwin, now that you have a wife, while your career matters, don't overlook your family. I was too consumed by my professional pursuits back then and ended up separated from your Mom for those years."

Regret was a deceitful companion.

Every morning, as he noticed the emergence of silver strands in his hair, he couldn't help but ponder.

If only those years hadn't been squandered.

With a touch of melancholy, Mark headed inside.

Edwin, moved by his father's words, lingered at the entrance, quietly finishing a cigarette before stepping inside to help prepare dinner.

Upstairs, Laura entered the master bedroom.

Cecilia, engrossed in a task, greeted her without turning around, “Hi, Laura."

Laura responded with a gentle hum.

Kneeling beside Cecilia, she uttered, “There's something I want to share with you."

Cecilia paused briefly, and then turned around, wearing a warm smile.

“Did you and Edwin make it official?"

Laura hummed again, and Cecilia, without delving further into the topic, asked for assistance in moving sets of jewelry to the sofa.

She lamented, "These were all gifts from Zoey, Edwin's grandmother, and Rena gave quite a few too! There's no way I can wear them all at once."

Laura, dutifully, moved one box after another under Cecilia's watchful eye.

As she worked, Cecilia couldn't help but feel a quiet sense of triumph.

It seemed she had gained another loyal companion.

After the moving was complete, Cecilia meticulously showcased each piece to Laura, quietly contemplating which ones suited her, which ones were more fitting for Laura, and which would be just right for Olivia.