The old Vanessa would have never considered such a match.

But now, her choices were limited. This man had been a great benefactor to the Smith family.

Edwin, still holding his cigarette, crushed it out, ready to leave.

Vanessa blurted out, "It's unfair. I've done so much for you, yet Laura... I've never seen her lift a finger for you."

She lingered, still hoping Edwin would change his mind.

But Edwin just caressed the steering wheel softly and replied, “Laura has put in her effort to become someone I appreciate. That's all that matters."

Love wasn't about who did more or less.

It was about what the heart yearned.

And Edwin knew both he and Laura yearned for each other.

Closing the car door, Edwin drove off in his black luxury car...

Vanessa watched him go, and then lifted her head slightly and took a deep breath.

It was the end.

Her one-sided love had led to nothing but disappointment.

Edwin pulled up to the office and paused before getting out of his car.

Instead, he sent Laura a message.

It wasn't text, but just a photo.

This was a special photo he'd snapped secretly one night as Laura slept.

The bedroom's yellow light cast a warm glow, highlighting her slightly flushed face. She looked both innocent and adorable in her slumber.

Edwin had watched her for a while before capturing this moment.

As he sent it, he found himself gazing at the photo, lost in thought.