ETHAN'S CHOICE

Ethan's heart froze as he watched Laura quietly closing the door and walking away, her figure retreating down the hallway.

Panic surged through him. His world spun as the reality of the situation sank in. Frantically, he scrambled off the bed, pulling on his boxers before bolting after her.

Laura had only managed a few steps before the crushing weight of betrayal overwhelmed her. The tightness in her chest made it hard to breathe, and tears spilled uncontrollably down her cheeks. She wanted to disappear—to be anywhere but there. She wiped at her face with trembling hands as she reached the exit, but just as her fingers brushed the handle, Ethan caught up with her.

He dropped to his knees, blocking her path, his hands gripping her waist as though his life depended on it. “Laura,” he choked, his voice raw with desperation, “please… please forgive me. I swear, it meant nothing. It will never happen again. I made a terrible mistake.”

Behind them, Cila emerged from the bedroom, he