Unraveled at 'I Do'

The next day, an unknown number popped up on Aurora's phone.

Lately, she'd been dealing with delivery services and moving companies, so she answered—only to hear Marco's voice.

"Come get your stuff from my place. If you don't, I'll toss it. And..."

He hesitated, tempted to ask why she'd blocked him. But no—she was just playing hard to get. If he pushed, she might think she still had a chance and start clinging again.

What he didn't expect? Aurora's completely indifferent response.

"Got it."

Then she hung up. Just like that.

Like he was nothing.

Marco stared at his phone, unreadable.

Sofia, noticing, leaned in. "Marco, the interview's tomorrow. I'm so nervous. What if Ms. Diaz holds a grudge and tries to ruin my chance?"

Marco snapped back. "No one's messing with the interview. Just focus on proving yourself."

Sofia nodded, resting against his chest, but her eyes? Ice cold.

***

Aurora reached Marco's apartment building and stepped into the elevator, glancing at the time. She mentally ticked off what she needed to grab.

Then the lights flickered.

The smooth ascent jolted. The car shuddered.

Her body went rigid. Maybe it was nothing—

But fate had other plans.

Another flicker. Then a sharp pop.

Total darkness.

Aurora's breath hitched. A cold tremor ran through her.

Locked in a kindergarten classroom as a kid, she'd been claustrophobic ever since. Tight spaces with no way out? Her chest would tighten, her pulse would skyrocket, and if she was stuck too long—pure, suffocating panic.

But even with terror clawing at her throat, she forced herself to act. She slammed the emergency button.

"Hello? The elevator's broken! Someone needs to send maintenance—"

The response wasn't a technician.

It was Marco. Cold. Unyielding.

"You're staying put until Sofia's interview is over. Don't bother struggling. I'll let you out when it's done."

Aurora's blood ran cold.

Even an idiot could see what was happening.

Marco had locked her in.

He thought she'd try to compete with Sofia for the spot with Professor Serrano—so he took the easiest way out.

But he knew. He knew what this would do to her.

"I'm not even in the selection! Let me out!" Aurora pounded on the doors, forcing down the panic clawing at her throat.

"Nice try. You've been making too many moves lately. Time you learned a lesson."

He didn't believe her.

And then—he cut the line and walked away.