There was a soft sigh from Vanessa.
“Understood. You’re always so busy,” she remarked, a tinge of resignation in her voice. After the call, Edwin turned his attention back to his paperwork.
A knock came from the door. Tina’s voice followed.
“Mr. Evans, it’s time to head home.”
Without looking up, Edwin answered distractedly, “I just need to finish this up. It’s Christmas, isn’t it? You should head off early.”
Tina’s face brightened with a smile.
“Merry Christmas, Mr. Evans!”
She left, her steps light and cheerful.
Edwin glanced up, catching a glimpse of her in a festive, elegant dress.
His thoughts momentarily drifted.
Christmas— What could Laura be doing?
Was she still overseas?
He scrolled through his phone, hesitating over a number but ultimately refraining from calling.
Rising from his desk, he put on his wool coat and exited the office.
A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y
Outside, snow gently blanketed the streets.
The holiday spirit was alive, with couples sharing affectionate moments, a common sight in the festive season.
Edwin was driving aimlessly, considering stopping for a meal, when his phone rang.
It was his parents.
He listened and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to a scene outside.
There was Laura, in a white down jacket and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the cold and excitement, fully immersed in the moment.
Captivated, Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on the phone.
The sound of a car honking behind him pulled him back to reality.
Beep, beep, beep-
He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for a closer look.