Elena felt a flutter in her chest—a mix of guilt and a strange, thrilling recognition. In the dim light, Julian wasn't just Mark’s friend anymore. He was someone who saw her, not as a wife or a hostess, but as Elena.
Around 10:00 PM, the power flickered and then died, plunging the house into darkness. Elena gasped, but Julian’s calm voice immediately grounded her. "Stay put. I saw some candles in the hallway earlier." Elena felt a flutter in her chest—a mix
"You know," Julian said softly, his shoulder brushing hers, "Mark always said he was the lucky one. I never really understood the extent of it until tonight." thrilling recognition. In the dim light