"I can't deceive myself or you any longer," Elizabeth stated with unwavering resolve.

"Deceive..." Nathan let out a bitter laugh.

The sound was laced with painful self-mockery.

"So all this time, every moment with me has been a lie? Every smile you gave me was fabricated? Each time you whispered 'I love you' - were those words empty?" Nathan's voice cracked.

Tears streamed down his face with every question.

His heart felt like it was being torn apart.

This agony surpassed even the pain he'd felt witnessing Elizabeth lean close to Ethan.

He realized now that losing something you once possessed was far more devastating than never having it at all.

"I'm sorry." Elizabeth avoided answering directly.

Nathan's laughter intensified.

He laughed until his shoulders shook, unable to stop the flood of tears.

He had believed fate had finally smiled upon him.

He'd even felt grateful for the circumstances that brought them together.

Now he understood his own wickedness must have been why the universe refused to let them be.

"Has Ethan agreed to be with you?" Nathan's voice was raw.

Elizabeth pressed her lips together, uncertain how to respond.

She wouldn't be with Ethan.

Ethan wouldn't want her either.

If she claimed otherwise, Nathan would quickly uncover the deception.

She doubted Ethan would maintain this charade much longer - his involvement today had already stretched his limits.

"Yes, we're together now," Ethan interjected.

He stepped forward as Elizabeth hesitated.

Nathan turned his gaze toward Ethan.

"Ethan Parker, I considered you my closest friend. I always believed nothing could break the bond between us four - you, me, William, and Andrew. No matter how serious the conflict." Nathan's voice broke. "I never imagined I could feel such hatred toward you."

"I'm sorry." The apology was all Ethan could offer.

He had no other words that could mend what was broken.

"From this moment forward, we're no longer friends. I'll pretend I never knew you."

As Nathan spoke these words, his fist connected with Ethan's face.

The impact was powerful, sending Ethan stumbling backward.

Ethan made no move to defend himself.

Elizabeth watched helplessly, her arms lifting slightly before falling back to her sides.

"Twenty years of friendship - gone!" Nathan declared with finality.

Ethan remained silent, accepting Nathan's decision.

Nathan turned and walked away from them both.

Though tall and strong, he moved as if carrying an unbearable weight.

He reached the doorway, his hand gripping the frame for support.

"Ethan Parker," he said without turning. "Don't ever make Elizabeth sad. If you truly love her, take care of her."

Even in his pain, he still wished for her happiness.

Elizabeth's vision blurred until Nathan's features became indistinct.

If only she were still a Scott heiress... but that life was gone forever.

A happy ending with Nathan was impossible now.

The door slammed shut with finality.

Elizabeth felt her heart close along with it.

She loved him, truly and deeply.

If she didn't, the pain wouldn't be this overwhelming.

Silence enveloped the apartment.

Neither Ethan nor Elizabeth spoke.

Even her tears fell soundlessly.

They continued to fall for what felt like an eternity.