Samuel looked at her, his eyes heavy with pain, and replied, "Eli, I love you too." Hearing those words, Eliana felt a sense of wholeness wash over her. Without hesitation, she quickly turned and left, her steps determined and final.

When the door clicked shut, Samuel's already fragile heart was struck with waves of sharp pain. He felt short of breath and terribly uncomfortable, his chest tight with distress. Still, he forced himself to pull out his phone and call Ethan.

He said, ...