In the darkness, I slid to the floor, my body trembling. My lifelong fear of darkness was something Luke remembered, at least. "Yvonne? Yvonne, are you alright?"

I barely managed to whisper, "Fine."

"Mandy, come down, Yvonne has a real phobia of darkness..."

"Luke, I'm terrified too," Mandy whimpered, "please don't let me go..."

Just like that, I ceased to exist. His attention completely absorbed by Mandy. My extremities grew cold and clammy.

The memory was still fresh - another elevator, another blackout. Trapped between floors, I'd frozen in terror, shaking uncontrollably. Luke, despite his germaphobia, had held me close, gentle and protective. No revulsion. No complaints. Just like he was holding Mandy now.

"Luke..."

The darkness amplified my vulnerability as tears traced down my cheeks.

I still yearned for his embrace.

But Luke shattered that hope himself. "Mandy's injured..."

I fell silent, burying my face in my arms.

Time lost meaning until the lights finally flickered back on.

The elevator resumed its descent.

At ground level, I practically stumbled out, fleeing the scene.

Back

even for still shaken, I couldn't

Os on the wedding dress et

my mother had texted

Swnovelet

I watched the clock tick away until Luke finally returned.

He brought lavender sprigs and takeout.

Inside the container was shrimp noodle soup, of all things.

Luke had, predictably, forgotten my shrimp allergy. "You must be hungry,

eat

shile it's hot," he said, e danger. Content b

I ate every bite, consequences be damned.

As my skin began to flush and itch, I remained indifferent.

"Come to my place for dinner tomorrow.

him

It's your birthday," I toket

looked surprised but

agreed readily.

Then I rose to search for antihistamines.

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