Elizabeth stared at the empty bottles scattered across the floor. "Are you really going to keep drinking?"

She knew William had an impressive alcohol tolerance, but his current desperate consumption worried her.

Her head throbbed intensely.

She wasn't certain if it was from lack of sleep, but she knew continuing would lead to certain drunkenness.

"I'm waiting..." William murmured.

"For who?" Elizabeth asked, confused.

"The driver."

It took Elizabeth a moment to recall they'd both been drinking and arrived in Elise's car.

Even thoroughly intoxicated, William maintained some rationality. Elizabeth couldn't decide if this was fortunate or unfortunate.

Rational people rarely made mistakes.

But such people also struggled to truly vent and relax.

With nothing else to do, Elizabeth settled beside William as he continued drinking.

He drank steadily.

Without pause.

Suddenly, William asked, "Do you still have feelings for Ethan?"

Elizabeth choked on her wine at the unexpected question.

Seeing William's disgusted expression, she quickly grabbed tissues to clean the spilled wine from the table. After wiping her mouth, she stammered, "What are you talking about?"

She would never admit it, even under threat.

William's intense gaze made Elizabeth fidget uncomfortably. His piercing eyes seemed to see right through her.

She felt like a small rabbit cornered by a predator.

"...I don't like him anymore," Elizabeth denied, though her words implied past affection.

"I suggest you abandon those thoughts completely," William said seriously.

Was he really her cousin? Why did he treat her so differently than she treated him during his heartbreak?

She'd drunk with him, comforted his fears, even advised him on winning back his girlfriend.

Yet when it came to her situation, he showed no consideration, bluntly telling her to give up.

She seemed to be on the losing end of this familial relationship.

Though that was somewhat accurate.

Couldn't William at least offer some comfort?

Eight years of unrequited love! Without strong mental fortitude, how could she have endured it?

"You and Ethan are impossible," William stated, unknowingly twisting the knife in Elizabeth's heart.

"Yes, I understand," Elizabeth replied emotionally. "Just like you and Elise are impossible. Apparently, I don't deserve love!"

William noticed the redness around Elizabeth's eyes and pursed his lips. He knew about her long-standing affection for Ethan but rarely saw her cry, always mistaking her cheerful demeanor for emotional flippancy. He'd assumed she hadn't moved on simply because she hadn't found anyone better.

He suddenly realized he didn't understand Elizabeth as well as he thought.

"You'll find someone better eventually," William said, his voice noticeably softer.

"We'll leave it to fate," Elizabeth responded calmly, blinking away her tears. The alcohol made her emotions more volatile than usual. Mentioning Ethan unleashed a tidal wave of feelings she couldn't control.

William didn't press further. His gaze shifted to something behind her. Elizabeth assumed the driver had arrived and stood to help her cousin. She rose too quickly, dizziness overwhelming her, and she nearly collapsed until a strong arm steadied her.

"Thank—" Elizabeth looked up into Ethan's face.

Hadn't William said he was waiting for the driver?

Why was Ethan here instead?

Elizabeth pulled her arm back gently, and Ethan released her. "Be careful," he said softly.

Elizabeth couldn't help but clench her fist tightly.