Ethan had never waited outside someone's office before.
Yet here he was.
Leaning against the wall like a man who had nothing better to do—when in reality, his schedule was packed.
But none of it mattered.
Because Nora was inside.
And for some reason, that bothered him more than missing an important meeting.
The door opened.
She stepped out.
Confident. Composed. Unbothered.
And when her eyes landed on him—
There was no reaction.
Not even surprise.
"…You're waiting for me?" Nora asked.
Ethan straightened.
"I needed to talk to you."
She checked her wristwatch.
"You have exactly two minutes."
Ethan frowned.
"Two minutes?"
"Yes," she said calmly. "After that, I have more important things to do."
That irritated him.
"…You've changed."
Nora tilted her head slightly.
"And you've stayed the same."
That hit harder than expected.
Ethan stepped closer.
"Cancel your engagement."
Silence.
Then—
Nora blinked.
Once.
Twice.
And then she laughed.
Actually laughed.
"…You can't be serious."
"I am," he said firmly.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because you don't love him."
Nora's smile faded slightly.
"And what makes you think you know what I feel?"
Ethan hesitated.
Just for a second.
And that was enough.
Nora stepped back.
"That's what I thought."
She walked past him—
Then paused.
"Oh, and Ethan?" she added casually.
He turned.
"You had your chance."
And just like that—
She left him standing there.
Alone.
Again.