Chapter 47 Darkness Falls
**Mia’s POV**
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My laptop screen glowed softly in the fading afternoon light as I opened the group chat. Three faces appeared in their respective windows – Scarlett’s fiery red hair unmistakable even in the small frame, Jeo’s familiar warm smile, and my own tired reflection staring back at me.
“There she is!” Scarlett’s voice crackled through my speakers. “Out brilliant architect finally graces us with her presence.”
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, adjusting my screen. “I was reviewing the latest site surveys.”
“Speaking of which,” Jeo held up a stack of papers, “I have some thoughts about the therapeutic garden layouts. The integration with existing vegetation is inspired, Mia, but have you considered adding a butterfly garden? The kids would love it.”
“That’s… actually brilliant.” I reached for my sketchpad, already visualizing the possibilities. “We could create a dedicated space near the sensory garden, using native plants to attract local species.”
“And,” Scarlett chimed in, “I’ve been talking to some artist friends about installations for the corridors. Nothing overwhelming – just subtle pieces that could help with wayfinding while adding visual interest.”
My throat tightened unexpectedly. “You guys didn’t have to do all this.”
“Of course we did,” Scarlett’s voice softened. “That’s what friends are for.”
“Besides,” Jeo added, “this project is important. These kids deserve something special.”
“Now,” Scarlett’s tone turned businesslike, though her eyes remained gentle, “let’s talk about the color schemes for the therapy rooms. I’m thinking soothing blues and greens, but with enough variation to keep things interesting…”
We worked for hours, bouncing ideas back and forth. Jeo’s practical experience with healthcare facilities complemented Scarlett’s artistic vision perfectly. Their suggestions transformed my initial concepts into something richer, more nuanced. A true healing space.
“Mia?” Scarlett’s voice cut through my concentration. “You’re squinting again. How long have you been staring at that screen?”
I rubbed my eyes, suddenly aware of how tight they felt. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”
“Take a break,” Jeo insisted. “The project won’t fall apart if you rest for a few hours.”
“But-
“No buts,” Scarlett interrupted. “We can pick this up tomorrow. Get some sleep.”
After saying goodbye, I sat in the growing darkness of my study. The house felt too quiet, too empty. Kyle hadn’t been home since he agreed to the divorce – probably staying at his penthouse. Or with Taylor. The thought still hurt, but the pain felt distant now, like pressing on an old bruise.
I should start looking for my own place. The thought had been circling my mind for days. This house, beautiful as it was, had never really been mine. Just another part of Kyle’s carefully constructed image – the perfect wife in the perfect mansion, everything controlled and contained.
My eyes burned as I tried to focus on the floor plans spread across my desk. The lines blurred, then doubled. Maybe Scarlett was right. I needed rest.
I made my way to bed, not bothering to change out of my comfortable work clothes. Sleep came quickly, dragging me under like
a strong current.
When I woke, something felt wrong.
The darkness was… different. Heavier somehow. More complete.
I reached for the bedside lamp, my fingers finding the familiar switch. Nothing happened. I tried again, then again, my
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Chapter 47 Darkness Falis
movements becoming more frantic
“No,” I whispered, my heart beginning to race. “No, no, no…”
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I blinked hard, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. They didn’t. The blackness remained absolute, impenetrable. Panic clawed at my throat as I tried to get out of bed. My hip caught the edge of the nightstand, sending something crashing to the floor. The sound of shattering glass seemed impossibly loud in the darkness.
Sharp pain shot through my foot I must have stepped on the broken pieces. I could feel warm wetness that had to be blood, but I couldn’t see it. Couldn’t see anything.
“Help!” The word tore from my throat, raw with fear.
“Somebody Help!”
Footsteps thundered down the hallway – rapid, purposeful steps would know anywhere. The door burst open, and though I couldn’t see him, I felt Kyle’s presence fill the room like a physical force.
“Mia?” His voice came from somewhere to my left. “W”
“I can’t-“My voice broke. “I can’t see. Kyle, I can’t
happened?”
see anything!
Strong arms wrapped around me, lifting me away from the broken glass. Kyle’s familiar cologne surrounded me–sandalwood and something uniquely him as he cradled me against his chest.
–
“You’re bleeding,” he said, his voice tight with concern. “Where else are you hurt?”
“Just my foot, I think.” I clutched at his shirt, hating my weakness but needing the anchor of his solid presence. “The vase broke, and I couldn’t see where the pieces…‘
“Shh.” His arms tightened around me. “I’ve got you.”
He carried me somewhere
the bathroom, I guessed from the change in flooring under his feet. I heard water running, felt him settling me on what must be the counter.
“This might sting,” he warned, then something cool and wet touched my foot. I hissed at the contact.
“Sorry,” he murmured, his movements gentle as he cleaned the cut. “I don’t think you’ll need stitches, but we should have it looked at. More importantly, we need to get you to a hospital. Now.
“Kyle-” My voice caught as fear threatened to overwhelm me again.
“Hey.” His hand found mine in the darkness, squeezing gently. “We’ll figure this out. I promise.”
I nodded, then realized he might not be able to see it in the dark. “Okay.”
He lifted me again, and I pressed my face into his neck, breathing in his familiar scent. “The car’s waiting,” he said, his voice rumbling against my cheek. “John’s meeting us at the hospital.”
The drive passed in a blur of sensation – the purr of the engine, the soft leather seats, Kyle’s hand still holding mine. He hadn’t let go since helping me into the car, his thumb stroking small circles on my palm.
“Almost there,” he murmured. “Just hold on.”
I wanted to ask why he’d been at the house so late. Wanted to know if he’d been checking on me, or if it was just coincidence. Wanted to understand why he still cared when we’d agreed to end everything.
But the darkness pressed in, stealing my words, my courage, my certainty about everything – including my decision to let him
- go.
“Kyle?” I whispered.
“I’m here.” His grip tightened slightly. “I’m not going anywhere.
Chapter 47 Darkness Falls
In the absolute darkness that had swallowed my world, his hand
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Chapter
Darkness Falls-
In
the
absolute
darkness had swallowed
that
my
world,
his hand
in nine felt
like
the
only real
thing
left.
Today’s Bonus Offer
+25
BONUS
