The First Time He Said “We” Without Fear The storm knocked out the power just after midnight. One second the penthouse glowed warmly beneath soft lights— and the next— darkness. Complete darkness. A quiet curse escaped Adrian Laurent somewhere across the living room while thunder shook faintly outside. From the couch, Elena Laurent laughed softly. “There goes your very important email.” Adrian’s voice answered immediately through the dark. “It deserved it.” God. Even now, hearing him dismiss work so casually still surprised her sometimes. Rain crashed violently against the windows while lightning flashed silver across the apartment for brief seconds. Elena pulled the blanket tighter around herself. “Well,” she murmured, “this suddenly feels dramatic.” A moment later, Adrian appeared carrying candles and a lighter. Of course he already knew where they were. The soft golden glow slowly spread across the room as he lit them one by one. And somehow— the darkness stoppe
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