Normal People : Season 1 Episode 3 -

As the Debs approach, the social pressure on Connell intensifies. Fearing his friends have guessed his secret, he makes the "cowardly" decision to ask his ex-girlfriend, Rachel, to the dance instead of Marianne. When he tells Marianne, she is devastated and ends their arrangement.

The episode begins with a fundraising event for the "Debs" (graduation dance). Marianne attends, looking noticeably different and more polished, which draws immediate attention from Connell and his peers. However, the night turns sour when an older friend of the boys gropes Marianne. Deeply upset, she leaves the club, and Connell offers to drive her home. Normal People : Season 1 Episode 3

: Realizing what he has lost, Connell leaves an agonized, sobbing voicemail for Marianne, confessing his love while she is elsewhere, fast asleep. Marianne subsequently withdraws from school, leaving Connell consumed by guilt. As the Debs approach, the social pressure on

Watch the moment Connell reveals his choice to Marianne, leading to their painful rift: The episode begins with a fundraising event for