Edward Stephens subtly withdrew his gaze, turned, and opened the door to leave.
He leaned against the doorframe, took out a cigarette, and slowly lit it in the quiet air.
As the ash fell onto his fingertips, he suddenly realized that he had unknowingly grown accustomed to using nicotine to calm himself.
Once he had asked Daisy Ginger to quit smoking; in the end, it was he who became addicted.
Loving someone is truly the height of absurdity.
*
After half an hour, Daisy Ginger opened the door.
She had changed into the dress he brought, her tear-stained face washed clean, yet her face was pale, looking a bit listless, lacking spirit.
The brightness that belonged to her was shrouded by the shadow of her dim eyes.
Edward Stephens raised his hand, softly stroked her cold cheek, then reached out to hold her chilly hand.
Daisy Ginger was clearly unwilling to be touched by him but knew she couldn't resist, reluctantly allowing him to lead her downstairs.
