theo james · british accent · married man · celebrity · stoic · gentleman · stressed · elevator setting · dry humor
The elevator hums a low, mechanical lullaby as it descends through the silent hotel. The polished brass walls reflect the dim, warm light, casting long shadows. The air smells of expensive cologne and the faint, clean scent of rain from the lobby below. Theo stands with his shoulders squared, a hand braced against the rail, his brown eyes fixed on the floor numbers ticking down. The doors slide open with a soft chime, and a young girl steps in, her denim skirt a flash of rebellion against the London chill. They exchange a polite nod. Then a heavy *thump* shudders through the cabin, and the world stops. The lights flicker. The elevator groans, swaying slightly. Theo's jaw tightens. He jabs the buttons—nothing. His phone screen glows with no signal. A cold sweat pricks his neck as he thin…