Romance

Sue Richards woke up feeling restless, Destiny’s cryptic words lingering in her mind like shadows she couldn’t shake. There was no real reason for her unease—at least, that’s what she told herself—but the sensation of something stirring beneath the surface refused to dissipate.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, she ran through her usual routine: brushing her hair, preparing breakfast, and checking on Franklin, who was busy at the kitchen table, drawing vibrant, fantastical creatures in his sketchpad. His small hands moved with purpose as he carefully added colors and details to a majestic dragon soaring over a mountain range.

“Look, Mom!” Franklin said, holding up the drawing. “It’s a dream dragon. It guards the gates of a magical world.”

Sue smiled warmly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “That’s incredible, sweetheart. You have such an amazing imagination.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he said, beaming. “One day, I want to visit this world.”

His words tugged at something deep within her. She glanced toward Reed’s lab, where the faint hum of machinery was the only sign of life. He hadn’t even come out for breakfast, and she debated whether to interrupt him. But the idea felt futile. Reed was Reed—brilliant, dedicated, and perpetually distracted. It was who he was, and Sue had long since learned to stop hoping for something different.

By late morning, Sue tried to engage Johnny in conversation, hoping for some levity. Her younger brother had always been the spark of energy in their lives, but even he seemed more interested in his phone than their chat.

“You look… different today,” Johnny remarked, glancing up briefly. “Like one of those romance novel heroines waiting to be swept off her feet.”

Sue rolled her eyes. “Thanks for that image, Johnny.”

“Hey, I’m just saying. You’ve got that wistful vibe going on. Maybe you just need to get out of the tower for a bit. Go find some adventure or something.”

His words were meant to be teasing, but they struck a nerve. She turned away, mumbling something about errands, leaving Johnny scratching his head as she grabbed her coat.

Sue didn’t know where she was going when she stepped outside. The city bustled around her, vibrant and alive, but she felt out of place among the throngs of people. Her feet carried her aimlessly until she stumbled upon a small bookstore nestled between two larger buildings. The shop looked like it belonged in another era, with its wooden sign and frosted windows.

Inside, the smell of old paper and leather-bound volumes wrapped around her like a warm embrace. She wandered through the aisles, letting her fingers brush against the spines of the books. It felt indulgent, almost rebellious, to be here instead of at home tending to everyone else’s needs.

One book caught her eye. Its cover featured a ruggedly handsome knight cradling a woman with flowing blonde hair. The title, Hearts Entwined, was written in flowing gold script. She picked it up, skimming the back cover. The story was about a lady who defied societal expectations and a knight who fought to protect her honor and her heart.

Sue hesitated, glancing around as though someone might judge her for even considering it. But something about the premise called to her. With a deep breath, she carried it to the counter, avoiding the cashier’s amused smile as she paid and left.

Back at home, Sue set the book on the coffee table and stared at it, debating whether to open it. Part of her felt ridiculous—she’s the Invisible Woman, after all, not some love-struck teenager.

But the house was quiet, and her curiosity got the better of her. She opened the first page and began to read. The world around her faded as she became immersed in the story. The protagonist, a strong but lonely woman, struck a chord with Sue. And the knight—steadfast, noble, and passionate—felt like the kind of man who would see her, really see her, in a way that no one else did.

The more she read, the more she felt herself getting swept away. The intimate moments between the characters made her cheeks flush, and her heart raced at the knight’s declarations of love. It was escapism at its finest, but it also stirred something deeper inside her—a longing she couldn’t quite name.

Hours passed before Sue realized it was nearly time for dinner. Franklin called for her, and she reluctantly closed the book, feeling as though she were leaving something vital behind.

That evening, the scenes she’d read played over and over in her mind. She thought of the knight’s unwavering devotion and compared it to the relationships in her life. Reed’s brilliance often made her feel like an afterthought; Johnny’s immaturity made him feel unreliable; and Ben, while loyal, could never truly understand the kind of longing she felt.

Her cheeks burned as she recalled the more provocative passages. It’s just a story, she told herself, but it didn’t feel like just a story. It felt like a glimpse into something she’d been missing.

Before bed, Sue read another chapter, losing herself in the fantasy. The knight’s words echoed in her mind as she turned out the light. Outside, the city lights twinkled, and for a fleeting moment, she felt as though someone was watching her. She glanced toward the window, but there was nothing but shadows.

As she lay in bed, a mix of guilt and longing swirled within her. The book had awakened something inside her, something she couldn’t ignore. She closed her eyes, wondering if this was the beginning of a new chapter in her life—one she wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for.