In this story, a man takes his girlfriend out for dinner to discuss their future. While the girlfriend expects a romantic proposal, the man shocks her by breaking up instead. He explains that with business school and his family's high expectations, he needs to focus on building a successful career by the age of 30 and doesn't believe he can commit to marriage right now.

The girlfriend is devastated, reminding him of his previous declarations of love and asking if he was just "messing around." The man insists that while he loves her, marriage is a big step he’s not ready for. Despite her pleading and expressing that she is deeply in love with him, he stays firm, telling her that he needs someone as focused on the future as he is.

The story ends with the man trying to get her into the car, but the relationship appears to be over as the emotional weight of his decision sinks in.