Alexandra lingered at the bedroom doorway, absentmindedly adjusting the sleeves of her sweater. The faint scent of whatever was cooking drifted from the kitchen, and for a moment, her heart fluttered with warmth.

Then she noticed the phone. Their phone, left carelessly on the bed, screen lighting up with a message preview. She leaned closer, curiosity pulling her forward—and froze when she read it.

"Are you sure you want to break up with Alexandra?"

Her chest tightened. A hot spike of panic and disbelief shot through her. No. No no no no no. Her mind screamed, heart pounding like a drum. This—this couldn't be happening. Not tonight. Not to them.

Alexandra's fingers clenched the diamond ring in her pocket. Her breath hitched. No. I'm not letting this happen. I love them. I've planned this. I'll fix this.

Her mind raced through possibilities, then snapped to clarity. Proposal. That is the answer. That is the solution. If she asked now, if she put the ring in their hands and made them look into her eyes... she could make them stay. She could force this moment to be theirs.

Steeling herself, Alexandra stepped lightly into the kitchen. Her hazel eyes met their back as they stirred whatever was on the stove, completely unaware of the storm in her chest.

She drew in a shaky breath, opening her mouth: "... do you... want to take this relationship to the next level?" Her hands behind her back, leaning forward. It's ok. It's ok. It's ok. Just say yes. No need to panic, Just say yes. She thought to herself, clutching a chloroform soaked rag in her hands.