Ethan believed his whisper was almost inaudible.

But Elizabeth heard it clearly.

She turned to face him. "Is something wrong?"

"You and Nathan seem to be doing wonderfully together," Ethan said with a faint smile.

"Aren't you happy about that?" Elizabeth met his gaze directly.

"Not exactly..."

"I have you to thank for this," Elizabeth said candidly. "If you hadn't rejected me, I never would have discovered how amazing Nathan truly is. I didn't realize I could feel this deeply for someone."

Ethan swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion.

He fought to conceal his inner turmoil, terrified he might lose control.

"You're probably surprised Nathan and I even got together in the first place, aren't you?" Elizabeth continued, watching him closely. "He's had feelings for me for years, but knowing how I felt about you, he kept them hidden. He was afraid confessing might ruin our friendship. It wasn't until I faced those difficulties and he stood by me without hesitation that he finally told me how he felt."

Ethan listened silently as Elizabeth recounted her love story with Nathan.

"Without Nathan, I wouldn't be the person I am today."

If Nathan hadn't rescued her in that critical moment, she dreaded to imagine where she might be now.

She understood the dark side of human nature, especially in the entertainment industry.

Where one person led, many would follow.

Few could resist temptation and pull back from the edge.

She felt profoundly grateful for Nathan and his timely appearance when she needed help most.

"I'm truly thankful that after everything I've been through, I found the right person," Elizabeth's lips curved into an unconscious smile. "Ethan, I used to hate you intensely. I hated your indifference toward me, your lack of feelings for me. I even hated that you chose to walk away when I faced my darkest moments."

She had to admit she resented Ethan for leaving her at the hospital after her accident when she suggested it.

He hadn't looked back or offered any assistance.

Of course, despite the bitterness in her heart, she had eventually come to terms with it.

When it came to Ethan, she could accept almost anything.

"I'm glad you were cold to me. Otherwise, I might never have been able to let you go and would have missed out on Nathan."

She knew that even if Ethan didn't want to be with her, had he helped her, her heart would have remained fixated on him.

She might have remained single forever.

Her greatest flaw was her inability to let go in relationships. She was far too stubborn and obstinate.

But now, everything had fallen into place.

Someone had appeared during her most difficult and hopeless time.

His presence dissolved all her foolish obstinacy and resentment.

She genuinely didn't hate Ethan anymore—she couldn't bring herself to hate him.

The moment she stopped loving and caring, he no longer held importance in her life.

"Just keep waiting." With those words, Elizabeth turned and left.

Ethan didn't call after her.

For them, this ending was for the best.

No love, no hatred.

Everything would be peaceful between them, almost like strangers.

Ethan watched Elizabeth's retreating figure and smiled faintly.

All that mattered was her happiness.

His own feelings were irrelevant.

After what felt like an eternity, the dryer finally stopped.

Ethan retrieved his clothes as if in a trance. He removed Nathan's pajamas he had been wearing—the pajamas that belonged to Nathan and Elizabeth.

He folded them neatly and placed them in the laundry basket.

After changing into his own clothes, he walked out of the laundry room, through the living room, and headed straight for the front door.

BANG!

A loud crash echoed from the bedroom.

The sound was startling.

Ethan rushed back to the bedroom and threw open the door without hesitation.