When Anatoly backed off, Lex immediately went back to what he was doing. The more he spent in the Russian's company, the less likely he was to go through with this. He knew this was hurting Anatoly...but he'd get over it and it was for the best. For them both. Because Lex was going to be damned if he took Anatoly down with him.

So shutting Anatoly out, Lex resumed collecting his things until the bag was by the door and he had his brief case in hand as he moved to The Drawer that was Never Opened. He opened it quickly and looked at the contents inside. Clark's shirt was stuffed into the case and then Lex's hand clasped around two wedding rings rather then one. He needed something of Anatoly's...something to remind him. And the ring was probably one of the few things Anatoly wouldn't notice was missing. Both went into his pocket as he shut the drawer and turned around.

Aeneas was waking up by now in his small bed, but Lex paid him no mind. The puppy was another thing that could break his resolve and he was almost through this.

Once he was at the door, he said over his shoulder, "This is for the best. One day you will understand that." Then he picked up both bags and walked out.

He managed to get half way to the Compound, before he fell to his knees and threw up in a bush.