You can not take back love!

Fran makes a decision!

When Fran arrives at the hotel, she realizes with relief, Nigel hasn't returned yet. She takes a long shower. For a long time, she stands under the hot stream, as if she could wash away all the memories even if she knows she won't succeed. As she gets ready, she wonders how she shall ever face Nigel again. Her entire life, she has always despised anyone who cheated on their partner. And now she is no better herself. As she walks back into the bedroom, she sees that the answering machine  is blinking. Nigel left her a message. He would be back in about an hour. Fran looks at the clock. Nigel would be here in 45 minutes. Fran gets stressed out. She's not ready to meet him yet. She is still far too confused and agitated. She deletes the message. Fran hurries to get dressed and makes her hair. Then she grabs her bag and coat and runs off. She really needs to talk to someone and there she can only think of one person.

Maxwell groans and rubs his eyes. He is still on the first page of the manuscript. He just can't concentrate. The letters are dancing wildly. Maybe he should eat a snack first. On his way to the kitchen, he finds something lying on the floor in the entryway. Fran lost her scarf. He buries his face in the fabric. It smells like her. He can't get her out of his mind, especially not in this house. Every room is filled with memories. He sees her everywhere. He grabs his coat. He needs to get some fresh air.

Fran rings the doorbell and prays Val would be at home. When her best friend opens the door, she falls around her neck.
"Thank God you're here! I really need to talk to you. I have a mega huge problem!"
Val understands immediately. Fran is obviously in distress. The friends go to a nearby sandwich bar.

As they sit at the table with their trays, Fran spills out the beans.
"I don't know what to do. I'm so ashamed. I messed up big time. But I love him. I think about him all the time, and that night was so unique. I've never been so happy. But none of that works. I mean..."
"Stop, Fran! I can't understand a word you're saying! What's wrong?" Fran takes a few breaths for a moment, then she blurts it out.
"I slept with Maxwell. In fact, we spent the whole night together making love. He loves me and I love him too."

Val stares at her friend.
"You made love with Mr. Sheffield??? (Fran nods) But aren't you engaged to his brother Nigel???? (Fran nods again) Oyyyyyyy!"
Val is speechless. This is indeed a problem.
"I'm totally screwed up. Nigel loves me. And actually we are happy. He is a great man, well he might have some quirks but actually we are perfect for each other. We are so similar and we like the same things, but..." "You love Mr. Sheffield! I mean, you've been in love with him for years and now you know he loves you too. That's a whole new situation."
"Yeah, it is. But it would never work with us. I'm sure he will take back his vow out of fear or loyalty to his brother. Besides, we're far too different, and he'd never take his brother the wife away and I don't want to be the cause of the two of them falling out forever."
"Hey Fran! All that is not the issue right now. This isn't about Mr. Sheffield! It's about you. You have to make a decision. Who do you love? Who do you want to spend the rest of your life with? Who do you want to give your heart unconditionally and forever?"
Fran hesitates.

"I think I'll give Nigel and me another chance. He deserves that. I mean, what truly happened?! Nothing! Maxwell and I spent one night together. That's all, one lousy night. I just need to forget him and all my feelings for him and focus all my attention on Nigel. That's the best thing for everyone!"
Decisively, Fran slips in her coat, presses a kiss on Val's cheek, and is gone. Val watches her running off, shaking her head. She knows Fran is on the wrong track, but she needs to figure that out by herself