Rena gently withdrew her hand and declared, “Robert, I do not desire such a connection. It is better to end it before our love deepens further."

Robert gazed at her with an air of sorrow.

Rena discerned the hardships he had faced recently. Perhaps he was stifled within the confines of the Figueroa family and the more time passed, the less she could progress with him.

She murmured an apologetic “sorry” under her breath and prepared to take her leave.

Within the tranquil ambiance of the coffee shop, Winnie's malevolent voice abruptly pierced the silence.