34. Peaceful Life

When Laura didn't respond to his words, Ned smiled, turned over, and left the room, leaving Laura alone on the bed lost in thought. Laura got up and looked at the direction Ned had gone. She silently stared, with unspoken words choking in her throat.

Uncertainty about the future and fear of loss made her choose silence. She was afraid that once she spoke, she would regret mentioning the contract. So she chose to silently watch him leave. Then, Laura lay on the bed with a blank stare, not knowing how to give Ned an answer.

If it was really true like he said, she indeed had nothing to offer in return. But memories of her time with Ned flashed through her mind.

Watching him complete his revenge plan step by step, getting accustomed to the good news that followed every time he went out, she had gradually become deeply dependent on him. Now, Laura was at a loss, feeling as if a heavy stone was blocking her chest. She felt suffocated and wanted to go out for a walk.

That night, she went to