Lina, not missing a beat, playfully twisted his ear.
âAnd whoâs to say you havenât been showering affection on some eighteen-year-olds during your outings with Mark all those years back?
You had your fun and kept it a secret, yet here I am, still the dutiful wife at home.
â
Peter quickly sought her forgiveness, his pleas light-hearted.
Even Laura, who had been feeling down, couldnât help but chuckle softly at their exchange.
She glanced up at Edwin and caught him looking at her, his eyes shining with an indescribable warmth and allure.
After Peter and Lina had retired for the night, Edwin took a shower in Lauraâs room, settling into the house as if he were already part of the family.
After shower, he found his energy renewed, and they shared a moment of intimate closeness once again.
Laura lay there for a while, lost in the aftermath of their intimacy.
Edwin, still close to her, ki*sed her nose gently.
âDid you enjoy that?â he asked softly.
She slowly came back to reality, a shy smile on her face.
The worries that had been momentarily forgotten during their passion returned.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, murmuring her assent in a daze.
Edwin continued to ki*s her tenderly, his touches gentle and loving.
They didnât go further, just basked in the closeness and warmth of each otherâs embrace.
Finally, as they lay there exhausted, Edwin ki*sed her hair, his voice low and hoarse.
âStay home these next few days, and donât go out.
â
He was protective, not wanting her to be hurt by the swirling rumors.
Laura was delicate and timid, and he couldnât bear the thought of her facing any harsh words.
Laura gently shook her head, nestling against Edwinâs shoulder.
âEdwin, I canât just stay indoors forever.
If Iâm to be with you, itâs not right for me to comfortably hide behind you while you face the world on my behalf.
That wouldnât be fair to our relationship.
I have my own job, my own life to live.
Rumors and gossipâthey canât hurt me.
I need to face them, just as I stand by you,â she murmured with resolve.
Edwin found it hard to accept, wanting to protect her, but he knew she was right.
She couldnât live her life in hiding.
He reluctantly agreed, holding her close.
In a soft voice, he asked, âLaura, do you regret being with me?â
She shook her head firmly.