e her securing a spot in the finals of a prestigious national piano competition. An achievement Ethan had worked t

lt good to wear something other than his work uniform. He looked at

d outside the private room. The door was slig

uy, Ethan," a woman's voice said. "He's so

better for her. They have history. They have passion. L

amiliar wave of humiliation wash over him, but

enter of the room, holding a velvet box open. Inside was a glittering diamond ring. He wa

"We've been through so much. I was a fool to ever let you go. C

with "Awws" and call

s. "Oh, Mark..." she whispered, her voice filled with an emotion he hadn't heard from her in years, an emotio

ma, on the romantic tableau. No one ha

than's voice cut through

shed, replaced by a tense, awkward silence. Lily's face went p

oice a nervous flutter. "

itation on his phone. He looked from her to

tively. "This is a private party. For Lily's friends."

ed, his gaze fixed on Lily. "Or

"Boyfriend? You're her caretaker. The guy w

between the two men. She opened her

ce suddenly soft and concerned. "Tell him

ack off, Lily turned to him, her expression pleading. "E

cly siding with her ex-boyfriend over him. The humiliation

d, his eyes watering. "The flowers... I think there's lily dust in the air." He looked poin

ne get him some water!" She fussed over him, dabbing his forehead with a napkin, completel

ing man, stepped up to Ethan. "You heard him,

ture of pity and contempt for him. He was the pathetic, clingy

ard in her eyes, and felt something inside him finally snap. The

aving the bouquet of lilies on a nearby table. He didn't need