Ethan watched Elizabeth walk away into the night, a bittersweet smile touching his lips.

It appeared he was the only one still anchored to the past.

As he stood, a deep chill had settled into his bones.

He intended to leave, yet his feet moved of their own accord, trailing after her at a careful distance.

The late hour and biting cold had left the streets nearly empty.

Elizabeth walked alone…a dangerous situation for a woman by herself.

Lost in thoughts of apple pie and returning home, she remained unaware of his presence.

Soon, she reached the familiar food stall and placed her order. The vendor smiled. "No boyfriend tonight?"

"He's busy," she murmured, keeping her gaze lowered.

Even with her career stalled, she was still a recognizable face. Recognition was the last thing she wanted.

"Your boyfriend is a good man," the vendor remarked warmly. "One time, he was so worried the pie would get cold, he tucked it inside his jacket to keep it warm. You know how scalding hot a fresh apple pie can be."

A wave of tenderness washed over Elizabeth.

There had been nights she hadn't wanted to venture out, and Nathan had braved the cold just to bring her this simple joy…

If only she had recognized his quality sooner! She would have been with him years ago.

What foolishness had possessed her, chasing after hollow affections?

"Be careful, it's hot," the vendor cautioned, handing her the warm pastry.

"Thank you," she said, immediately calling Nathan as she began to eat.

Unseen, Ethan had crept close enough to overhear everything—Elizabeth's affectionate banter with Nathan, and the vendor's story about him.

She never glanced his way, not even as she adjusted her disguise and started walking back, still chatting happily on the phone.

Suddenly, snow began to fall—the first snowfall of the year in Crestwood.

Elizabeth was delighted; tilting her head back to watch the flakes, she stepped into the crosswalk, sharing her excitement with Nathan…

SCREECH!

The violent sound of tires skidding erupted just as Elizabeth was shoved hard from behind. She tumbled to the pavement, her phone skittering toward the gutter.

Dazed, she heard a car door slam and a frantic voice. "Sir! Are you okay?!"

It was clear—someone had pushed her to safety, taking the impact himself.

The victim lay still in front of the car's bumper.

From her position on the ground, she couldn't make out his features, only his clothing.

"Elizabeth? Elizabeth?! What's going on?! Elizabeth!"

Nathan's panicked voice cried from her phone nearby.

She scrambled for it. "I'm okay. Someone… someone just got hit by a car."

"Are you hurt?!"

"No, I'm fine. Don't panic. I need to check on him."

"I'm coming right now—"

She ended the call and hurried toward the motionless figure. Cuts marred his face, bleeding freely. More blood stained his white cardigan a shocking crimson.

His eyes were squeezed shut, a silent testament to the pain he endured.

"Just hang on, sir! The ambulance is on its way!" the driver exclaimed, his face pale with shock.

A crowd had begun to gather, their murmurs and pointing fingers creating a chaotic scene.

When the ambulance finally arrived, Elizabeth hesitated only a moment before climbing in beside the injured man.