"My apologies for the intrusion," Ethan said, his voice soft. "Elizabeth fell asleep in the car."

"It's quite alright," Elise began, then hesitated. "Would you mind carrying her inside?"

Ethan didn't question her further. He simply followed Elise through the quiet house, carefully placing Elizabeth in Elise's bed. The sleeping woman didn't stir throughout the entire process.

After settling Elizabeth, Ethan stepped out of the room with Elise close behind.

In the living room, he handed her a small paper bag. "William asked me to give this to you."

Elise's eyes widened slightly in recognition. She remembered the faint bruise forming on her neck from Brandon's rough handling earlier that evening. She hadn't realized William had noticed.

"Thank you," she said, accepting the package.

She took it not because she wanted William's concern, but because she didn't wish to make things awkward for Ethan or create unnecessary drama.

Ethan understood exactly what she was thinking. Her calm acceptance spoke volumes about her emotional distance. He seriously doubted William would ever win her back at this rate.

"There are some hangover pills in there too," Ethan added. "If Elizabeth wakes up with a headache tomorrow, make sure she takes them."

"Of course," Elise promised. Then, after a thoughtful pause, she added, "If you can't commit to a future with her, please keep your distance."

Ethan's breath caught in his throat.

"Hope only leads to disappointment when there's no possibility of fulfillment," Elise stated bluntly.

"You're right," Ethan acknowledged with a nod.

He understood exactly what she meant. "I should be going now."

"Goodnight," Elise replied with a polite smile.

They were practically strangers, having only met a handful of times. Tonight's encounter felt more strained than any previous meeting.

Perhaps because of Elizabeth.

Or perhaps because of William.

Either way, Ethan made a quick exit. Elise returned to her bedroom to find Elizabeth still sleeping soundly.

In fact, her snoring had grown even louder.

Elise felt a pang of envy at Elizabeth's carefree nature. Even with a broken heart, she could sleep so deeply, completely undisturbed by the world's troubles.

The next day, Elizabeth woke with a pounding headache. She knew immediately this would be a difficult day—not enough sleep combined with last night's excessive drinking had taken its toll.

She checked her phone and groaned. It was already three in the afternoon.

She vaguely remembered coming back to talk to Elise, to comfort her friend and maybe put in a good word for William. But she had no memory of how she actually got home.

Elizabeth dragged herself out of bed, her eyes puffy as she stumbled into the living room. Scrolling through her phone messages, she headed to the kitchen for some cold water. As she reached the refrigerator, she spotted a note stuck to it.

The message read: Didn't know when you'd wake up, so I didn't prepare breakfast. Please order food when you're up. If you have a headache, take the hangover pills on the table. Your period is due soon—avoid cold drinks.

Elise always knew how to touch Elizabeth's heart.

Elizabeth thought if Elise were a man, or if she herself were one, she would have married Elise without hesitation.

Turning away from the fridge, she grabbed a glass, filled it with warm water from the tap, and swallowed one of the pills from the table. Then she texted Elise. [What time did you leave this morning?]

[Seven.]

[That means you barely slept!] Elizabeth typed, concerned.

[I got some rest. Make sure you eat something. I have a meeting starting soon.]

[Take care of yourself first.] Elizabeth admonished.

[I will.]