The Ex Next Door

Graphic designer Lily Chen just broke up with her cheating ex-boyfriend Mark. Moving into a new apartment in Manhattan for a "fresh start," she opens the elevator doors and freezes—her new neighbor is Ethan Park, the first love she broke up with five years ago over a misunderstanding. From that moment, she cannot escape him. He shows up in the elevator, the hallway, the supermarket, the coffee shop. He reaches for the same milk. Her orange cat Muffin escapes straight into his apartment. Late at night, she hears her favorite piano piece drifting through the wall. Then Lily discovers a woman's name "Emily" on Ethan's phone and sees him playing with a little girl in the park. Convinced he has a wife and child, her heart shatters and she prepares to move out. Ethan blocks her door: "Who told you I'm married? Emily is my sister." The truth unfolds: five years ago, Ethan's mother fell critically ill and he had to leave without explaining. The "other woman" in the photo was his mother's caregiver. He has rejected every setup and pursuer since. On his wrist, the watch Lily gave him five years ago—never taken off. When her toxic ex Mark returns to harass her, Ethan throws him out. On the rain-soaked rooftop, Ethan kneels: "I lost you five years ago. I don't want to lose you again. Marry me." One year later, in their new home, Lily discovers she is pregnant. The final title card reads: He waited 5 years. She came back. Love wins.