Months later, Ethan called, his tone suddenly uncertain. Carol’s businesses had suffered losses. Ashley’s lifestyle expectations were expensive. They needed help. When I calmly told him I was unavailable and that my resources were committed elsewhere, there was a long silence. He asked what I meant. I reminded him of his speech. Of his words. Of his choice. He cried then, truly cried, and told me he hadn’t meant it the way it sounded. I told him intentions do not erase consequences. I wished him well and ended the call. I did not raise my voice. I did not insult him. I simply stepped away. That was the moment he regretted forever—not because I embarrassed him publicly, but because I finally chose myself. And for the first time in my life, I slept peacefully, knowing that my love, though real, no longer had to be limitless to be valid.
