Sam's stomach was in knots as he ascended the stairs to the second-floor office of Noah's art gallery and he tried to slow down each step.

When he woke up this morning, Ali was already up and dressed. Despite most likely suffering from a terrible hangover, she took his breath away as the early morning sun was peaking in the hotel window, illuminating her. She was like an angel standing before him and Sam thanked his lucky stars for the privilege of being with her.

He wanted nothing more than to pull her back into bed and adore her. But she was rushing out to make an early morning meeting. Apologizing for running out on him, he hid his disappointment and focused on admiring her professionalism. Ali explained there were things she wanted to say but didn't have time to properly discuss.

Instead, she suggested they meet for lunch as she only had one meeting later in the afternoon.

Since then, Sam had been a bundle of nerves, wishing time away until he could see Ali again. Trying to make it until noon, Sam took Scout for a long run before heading back to his place...no their place for a shower. Neither activities did anything to help to dispel any of the pent-up energy surging through him at the prospect of getting Ali back.

It had been encouraging last night when Ali let him in and then asked to stay with her. Things could not be that bad if Ali didn't throw him out. Even better, she was willing to talk, face to face.

Sam had so much to say, so much to make up for. But he wanted to wait, wanted to hear her side of things first.

He was confident in their love for each other. They would be able to work through this. Sam had been stupid but he would make it up to Ali. He was still learning how to be in a relationship and he would not take her for granted again. Whatever Ali needed; Sam knew he would do. Even if it meant moving back to the west coast. Or wherever Ali wanted to go.

Anxious to explain all of this to Ali, Sam smiled at the thought of the impending date. To sit in a restaurant and look into her sapphire eyes. To make her laugh. To hold her hand. He was so anxious to get started that he left their apartment far too early.

Finding himself on the street of Noah's art gallery he debated whether or not to surprise Ali by showing up before their prearranged time. Deciding not to push his luck, he wasted time by sitting in a café a few doors down and drinking coffee. The hot liquid bursting with flavour and caffeine was not helping his jittery nerves.

But finally, the streets got busier. The hands of the clock on the wall which seemed to be daring to reverse they moved so slowly, made their way to their twice-daily ritual of overlapping each other. It was finally lunchtime.

Sprinting down the street, Sam entered Noah's gallery. As the door softly sealed behind him, the sounds of New York melted away and were replaced by the slight hum of electricity from all the lighting in the open space. The viewing area's high ceilings, walls and even wooden floors were bathed in white, making the few pieces of art on the walls pop with their contrasting colour. And it was empty. Ali must be upstairs in the office.

Making his way to the back of the gallery, Sam dashed by a collection of brightly coloured canvases plastering one wall. He was still a little early so he resisted the urge to call out for Ali, instead silently climbing the stairs to the second floor in case they were all still in a meeting.

As Sam reached the top of the step, he caught sight of Ali's reflection in the mirrored wall opposite the glass partition separating the little office from the gallery's large showroom. She was slightly turned from him, standing at a raised table, intently studying some papers. Sam stopped for a moment and tingled. He loved watching Ali in her element. There was something alluring about her confidence.

His smile wavered as Sam watched Noah slink up behind Ali and put his hands on her waist. Sam took a step forward, preparing to burst into the room and pull Noah away from her. But Sam froze when he saw how Ali responded to Noah's touch. She smiled.

It was a smile Sam recognized because it was usually reserved for him. Sam's heart sank.

What happened next caused his heart to break. Ali turned in Noah's arms and placed both of her hands on his chest as Noah leaned in to kiss her.

Sam didn't stick around to see any more. The knots in his stomach turned to knives and he scrambled down the stairs and out of the gallery.

He ran down the street. Sam didn't stop running until his lungs threatened to burst. Finally, he doubled over and gasped for breath. Sam slammed against a brick wall to his right, turning to press his back against it for support. The rough bricks pricked at his scalp as he slowly slid down towards the sidewalk, his legs giving out on him.

He had been a fool. He had driven Ali into the arms of another man. Ali had moved on.