Ethan's throat was bone dry. His fists clenched, trembling uncontrollably.

He saw the utter despair in Elizabeth's eyes. It was a hopelessness directed entirely at him.

In that moment, he felt as if a thousand blades were shredding his heart. It left him speechless, utterly paralyzed.

"If there was anyone else I could turn to, I wouldn't be here asking you," Elizabeth whispered, her voice fragile. "But right now, you're the only person Nathan will believe. The only one who can convince him I don't love him. It's pathetic, really. In twenty-five years, I've only loved two men. How I wish I had another choice."

Ethan fought to steady himself. His entire body shuddered with the effort.

Through tightly gritted teeth, he forced the words out. "I'll help you."

Elizabeth looked at him, her expression unmoved.

What reason did she have to be moved?

He had no other choice after hearing her plea.

"Thank you," she breathed, her voice cracking with the weight of her gratitude.

She still had to thank him.

Thank him for agreeing, even when it placed him in an impossible position.

That evening, just before eight, the doorbell chimed.

Nathan had the passcode to her apartment. But he always knocked out of respect, a habit he insisted upon.

He said he loved the feeling of her opening the door for him.

He claimed the sight of her smile was enough to fuel his happiness for days.

He never imagined that the one time he used the code would lead to a scene that shattered his world.

He punched the numbers in, one by one.

Inside, Elizabeth looked at Ethan.

Since his agreement, they had been waiting on the sofa for Nathan's arrival.

Elizabeth had said she would initiate the physical intimacy.

She asked him to endure it.

No matter how repulsed he might feel, she begged him to bear it.

Now, Elizabeth leaned close to Ethan. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him nearer, creating an image of deep intimacy.

Ethan's body went rigid against her. He probably detested her proximity, remaining stiff as a statue, but she pressed on without retreating.

She couldn't afford to care about his disgust. She was that selfish.

In front of the man she loved, her only concern was making Nathan lose all hope in her.

The lock clicked open. Elizabeth pressed her lips to Ethan's.

Ethan's heart hammered violently against his ribs.

His arms hung limply at his sides, fists clenching instinctively. His mind went completely blank.

He forgot entirely that she was doing this for another man. All his senses zeroed in on the softness of her lips.

Sparks seemed to fly where their lips met, sending his entire system into overdrive.

He had dreamed of this moment countless times. Yet every time he opened his eyes, he only found the cold reality and his own tears.

He didn't dare move a single muscle.

He didn't know what Elizabeth ultimately intended.

He was terrified that if he showed any response, she would pull away.

He could only fight his instincts, letting Elizabeth take full control.

The door swung open.

Nathan stood in the doorway, a broad smile on his face. It froze the instant his eyes landed on the scene inside.

His smile solidified into a grotesque mask.

Was...

Was something wrong with his vision?