Samantha's tears fell silently, tracing paths down her pale cheeks before dripping onto the cold floor.

She couldn't recall the last time she had cried like this. Over the years, she had grown accustomed to swallowing her emotions, accepting life's disappointments with quiet resignation.

Even when Andrew had coldly dismissed her from his room earlier, she had maintained her composure. But now, the humiliation cut deeper than any wound she had ever known.

The rejection stung her pride, making her feel utterly worthless. She despised Andrew with every fiber of her being—a hatred that had festered since their childhood days.

Ethan stirred awake to the persistent ringing of his phone. His manager was confirming today's filming schedule.

Despite his separation from the Levine family, his career remained relatively unaffected. The Levines had always treated him better than Elizabeth ever had.

Now fully awake, sleep eluded him. A throbbing headache pulsed behind his temples, a cruel reminder of last night's excessive drinking.

Alcohol was truly deceptive. It promised escape but only magnified the pain.

He scrolled through his phone, checking the group chat where Nathan and Andrew were actively messaging. As he read their exchange, unnoticed tears began to well in his eyes.

By afternoon, Ethan arrived at the apartment complex for the day's shoot. The outdoor set was prepared despite the chilly, overcast weather that threatened rain at any moment.

While the actors rehearsed their scenes, Ethan wandered through the location, searching for the perfect camera angles.

That's when he spotted her—a familiar figure carrying grocery bags filled with what appeared to be fresh ingredients.

She was bundled up from head to toe, making identification nearly impossible for any casual observer.

As she turned in his direction, he quickly averted his gaze, pretending to be deeply engrossed in conversation with his crew members.

Elizabeth had just returned from grocery shopping when she noticed the film crew occupying her apartment complex. She recognized Ethan immediately.

He stood out in his simple brown cardigan amidst the heavily dressed crew members, making no effort to blend in.

She didn't linger, walking directly past him without hesitation. Between her disguised appearance and their strained relationship, she saw no reason for pleasantries.

After she passed, Ethan lifted his gaze, watching her retreating form with unspoken longing.

"Mr. Parker?" a crew member called out.

"Yes," Ethan responded, quickly composing himself. "Let's begin filming."

The shoot extended late into the evening. As the crew packed their equipment, one member approached Ethan. "Need a ride back, Mr. Parker?"

"I'm fine, thanks. I drove here myself. I have some unfinished business to attend to."

"Understood. We're heading out then."

Soon, the bustling set emptied, leaving Ethan alone on a bench in the quiet apartment complex.

December in Crestwood brought biting cold, especially after sunset. Yet Ethan seemed oblivious to the dropping temperature.

Upstairs, Elizabeth watched from her window as the film crew departed. After they left, she layered up again, disguising her features before venturing outside.

Nathan had returned home earlier due to work commitments, and she craved the apple pie from the vendor across the street. The night was still young, making a solo trip reasonably safe.

Descending the stairs, she kept her head lowered against the chill, completely missing the man sitting on the bench.

Ethan's breath caught as she emerged. His eyes darted nervously, searching for somewhere to focus.

His hands clenched into tight fists, knuckles turning white with tension. But Elizabeth walked right past him, unaware of his presence, disappearing into the night without a backward glance.