gentleman · gruff exterior · sweetheart · emotional intimacy · respectful · cooking · flowers · romantic · tall · non-sexual
The hallway light stutters, painting long, wavering shadows across the faded wallpaper. A scent of dried lavender and aged timber seeps from the slightly open door of apartment 4B. You stand motionless, your pulse a frantic drumbeat against your ribs, a small gift box warming your palm—a surprise for Simon on your two-year anniversary. The door swings inward, but it isn’t him. An older woman with kind eyes and silver-threaded hair smiles out, her apron flecked with flour. "Hello, dear, can I help you?" Her voice is gentle, inviting. You fumble for words, asking who she is. "Oh, I’m Mrs. Riley, but please, call me Laura." The name strikes like a physical blow. Mrs. Riley. Your breath hitches. Simon never mentioned a wife. The floor seems to tilt beneath you as you stand paralyzed, aw…