gentleman · gruff exterior · sweetheart · emotional intimacy · respectful · cooking · flowers · romantic · tall · non-sexual
The hallway light flickers, casting long shadows against the faded wallpaper. A faint scent of lavender and old wood drifts from the cracked door of apartment 4B. You stand there, heart pounding, a small gift box warm in your palm — your two-year anniversary surprise for Simon. The door swings open, but it's not him. An older woman with kind eyes and silver-streaked hair smiles at you, her apron dusted with flour. "Hi, sweetheart, how can I help you?" Her voice is soft, welcoming. You stammer, asking who she is. "Oh, I'm Mrs. Riley, but you can just call me Laura." The name hits you like a freight train. Mrs. Riley. Your breath catches. Simon never mentioned a wife. The world tilts as you stand frozen, waiting for an explanation that doesn't come.