Heart Entwined

PROLOGUE: Ann sat alone in their living room, the wall clock ticking away the minutes that stretched into forever. She had spent hours waiting for Theo, and as time went on, her worry grew. There was an almost tangible tension in the home due to the silence, which seemed to intensify her concern. Ann's patience ran out as the sun dropped below the horizon, throwing long shadows across the room. Whenever she had phoned Theo's phone number, voicemail would always answer. She thought through all the worst-case scenarios, and a knot of fear tightened in her chest. The sound of the front door creaking open broke the silence like a dagger, just as she was about to give in to panic and contact the police. Ann shot to her feet, her gaze fixed on Theo's standing at the doorway, and her heart shot into her throat. Theo walks through the door with a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagged and his face worn with defeat. Ann looks up with concern as she sees him enter. “Babe you are home late I have been worried sick, is everything okay? “ Theo stumbles onto the couch after dropping his suitcase on the floor and runs his fingers through his hair. "No, I just lost my job, so everything is not okay. Ann's shocked eyes widened, "What happened? "They claimed to be cutting staff, so they had to lay me off. Am sorry I disappointed us all. “But you don't deserve this, you have been working for this company for years now, you deserve more, why would they lay you off? That's odd. “Are you questioning me, Ann? He asked angrily. Ann gives a shake of her head and reaches out to bring Theo's chin up to meet her eyes. Theo, am sorry for asking such a question I didn't mean to offend you and you didn't disappoint anyone. Your value is not defined by your job loss. We'll work together to overcome this. Theo leans into Ann's arms, comforted by her words, and his eyes sparkle with unshed tears. Ann, I don't know what I would do without you. Ann puts more pressure on him and kisses him on the forehead. Theo, you'll never have to ask. Remember we're a team. Theo nods, his face buried in Ann's shoulder as he expresses gratitude for her steadfast support during his difficult period. A tiny smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.