Talia describes hosting their first party in nearly a year, noting Noel’s intense workload since taking a pharmaceutical job he believes is meaningful. She drinks heavily, chats with her friend Kinsey about Noel’s long hours and his eagerness to have children, and realizes she has lost track of Noel’s whereabouts during the party.

Talia searches the house and, not finding Noel inside, steps into the cold backyard. In the dim light, she spots Noel standing close to a pretty woman she does not recognize. Feeling a surge of jealousy and disorientation, she approaches them.

The woman introduces herself as Arielle and says she was invited by Noel’s coworker Chet. Arielle jokes that Noel warned police might come to break up the party. Interpreting the interaction as flirtation, Talia orders Arielle to leave immediately, threatening to call the police. Despite Noel’s attempt to smooth things over, Arielle retreats inside to call a ride.

After Arielle leaves, Noel challenges Talia’s outburst, pointing out that Chet is real and that nothing inappropriate was happening. Talia insists Arielle wanted Noel. Noel accepts the compliment that he is attractive but assures Talia he would never cheat on her and declares his love and commitment.

Noel swears he would always be faithful, adding that if he ever cheated, Talia would probably kill him. Talia laughs uneasily at the remark, acknowledging the depth of her possessiveness. Noel then puts his arm around her, suggests they go back inside because she looks cold, and whispers for her to open her eyes.