The look on Lily's face said everything. She was guilty. Her hand reached out to touch Sheldon and he snatched his arm away. His eyes were locked on the salt-and-pepper haired man sitting at the table, watching them. Slowly, the man stood to face him with his hand out.

"Hello, I'm-"

Not bothering to listen to him, Sheldon grabbed Lily and ran outside. Roughly, he dragged her down the street to his car. She struggled to pull her arm away from his vice grip.

"Sheldon, you're hurting me…"

"How could you?" he growled, refusing to look at her.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going, but I had a good reason. I didn't want to distract you from work…"

"Sure, that's the only reason. How long have you been seeing him Lily?"

"Wait, what?"

"It's obvious you're cheating on me. Or am I the other man?"

"Sheldon-"

"That's it, isn't it? You've been playing a game this whole time. I knew was too good to be true."

Crying out loudly, she punched him. Her fist landed dead against his jaw, catching him off guard. Tears streamed down her face and her chest heaved as she glared at him in pure disgust.

"How dare you! That man is my father!" she screamed.

"Y-your father?"

"Yes. That's why I was so reluctant to answer my phone today. He heard I was dating someone and came to town to meet you."

His heart fell even deeper at this revelation. He had allowed his motions to reign over reason again. And, this time, he made her cry. Lily's father ran up, panting softly, but kept his distance he watched the scene unfold. Sheldon reached out and Lily recoiled.

"I-I'm so sorry, I-"

"How could you ever question my love for you? Do you really think so little of me?"

"Penny-"

"What? Penny, the renowned gossip-monger told you and you believed her?! Wow, and you're supposed to be a genius," She scoffed coldly.

"I am, I just don't have experience."

"And you think that gives you the right to barge in and embarrass me. No. You are just as stupid as the rest of them."

Taking a deep, shaky breath, she turned to walk toward her dad. Not knowing what else to do, he grabbed her sleeve. His eyes filled with tears of anguish.

"Lily, please. I am so sorry."

"I'm sorry too, Sheldon. I'm sorry I can't be with somebody who doesn't trust me."

She pulled from his grasp and went to her father. He held her, glaring at him over her shoulder. Shaking, Sheldon got in his car and drove, not seeing the road. He wasn't sure how or when, but he eventually made it home. Ripley greeted him at the door and he scooped her up, trudging to his room. Penny texted to ask what happened, but it was deleted immediately. All he needed right now was to be alone to reflect upon his mistakes. This was all his fault after all. Not Penny's, definitely not Lily's, but his. His lack of faith is why she left. The memory of her face as she glared at him ripped his heart to shreds, metaphorically of course. If only he was so lucky that it would happen literally. Maybe then he would have the punishment that was deserved. An odd rattling sounded in his ears and he realized it was him. The rattling was coming from his lips as he sobbed, tears streaking down his face. There was the sound of the front door opening and a knock sounded at his door moments later.

"Sheldon, are you home? Penny told me something happened."

"Just leave me alone."

"Okay buddy. I'm just letting you know, I know it hurts, but you'll get over it."

Growling, Sheldon slammed the door open. His roommate stared at him in both fear and confusion.

"H-Have you been crying?"

"Yes, Leonard, I have. That's what happens when you singlehandedly destroy the best relationship you ever had."

"But, Penny said that it was Lily's fault."

"Of course she did. Because she likes to cause trouble. Lily was having lunch with her father, who she wanted to introduce me to but didn't want to pull me away from work."

Leonard's eyes widened more and he chuckled humorlessly.

"Now I will never get that opportunity because I decided to let my emotions get the best of me."

"Why don't you go beg for her forgiveness then?"

"Because she never wants to see me again."

"Then call her. If she doesn't pick up, leave it on her answering machine."

Sheldon nodded in agreement, not seeing any harm in trying. After getting a cup of hot tea, he returned to his room. He gazed at his wallpaper for a few moments. It was a candid of her on the train. She was sleeping peacefully with her head on his chest. Drawing strength from this, he called her number It went straight to voicemail.

"Lily, it's me," He sighed, "Look, I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry. What I did was completely deplorable and I let my emotions get the best of me. I should've trusted you. I know this probably isn't enough, but I'm at my last resort. Please, Lily, don't let us end. I just need another chance."

Sighing, he hung up and crumpled against his bed. Ripley mewed for food, so Sheldon complied to her wishes. When he returned, there was a text on his phone.

I'm sorry you let your emotions take control and ruin what we had, but I think it'd be better if we had some time apart. You need to reflect on everything before we think of another chance.

His heart shattered for a second time that night. She was gone. He lost her. The only girl he wanted had slipped through his fingers. Taking a deep breath, he let all of his feeling out in a single gut-wrenching yell. Leonard rushed to his room, not bothering to knock. Sheldon stared passively at his frantic expression.

"Sheldon?! Are you okay?"

"Yes, never better. Why?"

"You screamed."

"That was just me letting go."

"Letting go? Of Lily?"

"Of everything. Now, please leave my room. You did not have my permission."

Staring at him warily, he closed the door. Still stoic, Sheldon scrolled through his phone and deleted everything that was Lily. Pictures, contact info, and messages were erased. Then he sat down and created his own reality where Lily was just a nuisance that prevented him from working. That he never truly loved her. With that done, he went out to the living room to eat dinner before preparing to go to bed. After all, he need to get up early for work in the morning.

Sorry for such a short chapter. This all flooded out at once.