Elizabeth's tears fell freely, staining her cheeks as she stared at the credit card on her coffee table.

She remembered Nathan's hopeful expression this morning when he kissed her goodbye.

Who could have predicted that their rushed farewell would become permanent?

Her phone screen suddenly illuminated the dim room.

Elizabeth glanced down and saw Nathan's message. [I'll be there by 8 PM at the latest. I'm going to scrub myself clean and make sure I smell amazing for you tonight.]

Her vision blurred with fresh tears, making the words swim before her eyes.

She could almost feel Nathan's excitement as he typed those words... and the crushing disappointment he would feel when he discovered her betrayal!

Wiping her tears with the back of her hand, Elizabeth picked up her phone and deliberately ignored all of Nathan's unread messages.

Her trembling fingers moved across the screen.

She found the contact she needed and began typing with unsteady hands.

The message grew longer and longer.

Minutes passed, yet she couldn't bring herself to press send.

She knew this single action would sever everything between her and Nathan forever.

He would despise her for the rest of his life.

Finally, she tapped the button.

She squeezed her eyes shut as hot tears streamed down her face.

In that moment, she understood that misfortune never comes alone.

The happiness she had briefly known was merely an illusion.

She would probably never experience true joy again...

No one would ever love her the way Nathan did.

Thirty minutes later, her doorbell chimed.

By then, Elizabeth had composed herself somewhat.

She had forced herself to regain control.

She dried her tears, washed her face, changed into fresh clothes, and even applied makeup and perfume out of habit.

She opened the door to find Ethan standing there.

He was slightly breathless.

Her message hadn't been particularly dramatic.

Just one simple line. [I need to talk to you. Come to my apartment immediately and confirm when you get this.]

Ethan had replied instantly. [On my way.]

And here he was.

Somehow, Elizabeth had known Ethan would come without hesitation, perhaps driven by his lingering guilt toward her.

She didn't want to explore that thought further.

"Come in," Elizabeth said to Ethan.

Ethan studied her face with concern. "What's wrong? Have you been crying?"

She thought she had concealed the evidence well enough.

"Did you and Nathan have a fight?" Ethan asked worriedly. "Should I call him? He can be impulsive sometimes, but he doesn't mean any harm. Don't take it personally..."

"We didn't fight." Elizabeth watched as Ethan pulled out his phone, ready to dial Nathan.

She continued softly. "But I'm ending things with Nathan."