Assuming Ethan had already departed, Elizabeth retrieved her purse from the sofa and prepared to exit the private room.

"Ugh!"

Just then, retching sounds echoed from the private washroom.

Elizabeth paused mid-step, hesitating briefly before pushing the door open.

She found Ethan hunched over the toilet, violently expelling the contents of his stomach.

Elizabeth pressed her lips together. Ethan had always been a lightweight when it came to alcohol, yet tonight he'd been unusually enthusiastic about drinking.

Didn't he have work tomorrow?

She'd been smart enough to request tomorrow off, knowing full well she'd be drinking heavily tonight.

Meanwhile, Ethan was now vomiting bile, questioning humanity's obsession with alcohol.

He'd never touch the stuff unless absolutely necessary!

As he tried to stand, his legs buckled beneath him - numb from prolonged crouching - causing him to stumble sideways...

Just before he hit the floor, a familiar figure caught him.

The slender frame strained under his weight, using every ounce of strength to support him.

Ethan blinked, suddenly assaulted by the thick scent of perfume...

"Achoo!"

Highly sensitive to such fragrances, he sneezed violently.

Elizabeth knew about his sensitivity perfectly well. She'd worn the perfume intentionally, wanting to maintain distance.

Whenever she approached the men during drinking games, he'd always avoided her.

Now, as he began sneezing repeatedly, she quickly released him and stepped back.

"What are you still doing here?" he asked coolly, splashing cold water on his face.

His posture straightened abruptly, transforming back into the composed man he usually was - a far cry from the one who'd been vomiting moments earlier.

"I was just leaving," Elizabeth said.

Ethan frowned. "Didn't Nathan promise to take you home?"

That was why he'd retreated to the washroom - Nathan had assured him he'd handle Elizabeth's transportation.

"He's completely wasted. I should be grateful I don't have to drag him home myself."

Ethan pulled out tissues, wiping his face and damp fingers before stating, "Come on. I'll take you home."

Elizabeth had been about to leave, seeing that Ethan seemed mostly recovered.

Some people bounced back quickly after vomiting, after all.

"Are you sure you're in any condition?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Positive," Ethan replied.

Elizabeth considered refusing, but something made her agree.

It wasn't like she'd be the one suffering consequences anyway.

During the car ride home, Ethan's sneezing fits returned with vengeance. The driver looked increasingly distressed with each explosive sneeze.

"Should I divert to the hospital, sir?" the chauffeur asked anxiously.

"No need," Ethan responded nasally, pinching his nose shut.

"Just drive faster," Elizabeth instructed the driver.

"Safety comes first," Ethan interjected suddenly.

Elizabeth shot him a sideways glance, exasperated.

"I'm fine," he insisted.

"It's your endless sneezing I can't stand," Elizabeth snapped.

Ethan pressed his lips together, remaining silent while fighting to suppress another sneeze.