Life doesn't grant second chances.

His moment had vanished, lost to the relentless march of time.

A bitter smile touched Ethan's lips as he turned to leave.

A figure suddenly blocked his path.

Under the harsh streetlight stood Sophia, her face pale and etched with misery.

“What are you doing here?” Ethan's voice was icy, devoid of warmth.

“I needed to explain. I never intended…” Sophia's words trembled, tears welling in her eyes.

He cut her off sharply. “Stop. I have no interest in your excuses.” He attempted to step around her, but she clung to his arm.

“Please, Ethan. Just listen…”

He jerked his arm away violently. Sophia stumbled, falling hard onto the cold pavement.

A sharp cry escaped her. Her hand scraped against the rough ground, blood welling from the cut.

“How could you?” She looked up, tears tracing paths through her makeup, her voice a raw mix of hurt and panic. Ethan stared down, his expression unyielding.

His cold gaze made her shiver. Her face lost all remaining color.

“Ethan, I admit it. I was wrong to treat Isabella that way. My love for you… it made me afraid. I thought I would lose you…” Her voice faded to a whisper.

“Love?” He laughed, a harsh, dismissive sound.

“Ethan…” she tried again, but he interrupted. “Let's be clear, Sophia. The only reason you're still here is because you once saved my life. Without that, you'd have been gone long ago.”

His words felt like a physical blow.

Her lips trembled. No sound came out. She couldn't let this be the end. There had to be a way.

“Ethan… I'm begging you. Please.” Her voice broke. “I'll disappear. You'll never see me again.” A flicker of surprise crossed his features.

“I mean it. I swear I'll go,” she insisted, her tone desperate.

“You must guarantee you will never approach me or Isabella again,” he demanded coldly.

“I give you my word. I swear it,” she vowed, her voice shaking with intensity.

She paused, watching him cautiously. “There's one more thing…” She hesitated. “The International Jewelry Design Competition… Could you… Could you ensure my friend Zoe wins?”

The request surprised him. Unaware of Isabella's participation, he shrugged. “Do what you want. It's a meaningless contest.”

The outcome mattered little compared to ensuring Isabella's peace.

“Thank you, Ethan. Thank you…” Relief washed over her face as she repeated her gratitude.

Without another word, Ethan turned and walked away. He didn't look back. Sophia watched him leave, her expression slowly twisting into a vicious smirk.

“So, Isabella, you think you've won?” she muttered to the empty street. “If I can't have him, neither will you.”