MOONLIGHT MELANCHOLY | GXG

Leaning back in her swivel chair, Tonnie absentmindedly rocked from side to side, her eyes locked on the data streaming from the robotic probe on Titan. The numbers and graphs flickered on the screen, but her mind was elsewhere.

            Anne hadn't come home last night.

            Tonnie tried to push down the unease curling in her gut, reminding herself of the message she'd received late last night—Anne had said there was an emergency at the mansion.

            "But something feels off... It doesn't sound like her."

            A deep sigh escaped her lips just as a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

            "If you're not showing up to work with a hickey, you're talking to yourself."

            Tonnie blinked, startled. She turned to see Lucas leaning against the desk, an amused smirk on his face. Clearing her throat, she straightened in her chair.

            "Lucas," she greeted, offering a faint smile. "What brings you here?"

            Lucas shrugged before pulling up a chair beside her. He handed her an iced coffee and a sandwich, his expression easygoing. "Just checking in on the resident genius," he said with a chuckle. "You've been zoning out. Something on your mind?"

            Tonnie exhaled, lifting the coffee in thanks. "It's Anne," she admitted.

            Lucas arched a brow. "Did you two fight? But that doesn't even sound like a real question—you two are practically glued together. You barely argue."

            Tonnie let out a soft laugh before shaking her head. "No, it's not that. I'm just worried. She's not responding to my messages, and her phone's off." Her grip on the coffee tightened. "She said there was an emergency at their mansion, so she couldn't make it to our anniversary dinner last night."

            Lucas nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Why not go see her tomorrow? You know where the mansion is, right?"

            Tonnie sighed, rubbing her temple. "I thought about it, but... I can't shake this feeling. Something's wrong."

            Lucas chuckled. "Well, that's normal. She's your girlfriend, of course you're worried."

            Taking a sip of her drink, Tonnie glanced at him. "Enough about me. I heard your wife just gave birth—how's she doing?"

            Lucas grinned, the exhaustion in his eyes overshadowed by pride. "She's doing great, though we had to get extra help since I'll be stuck here in the UK for a while. The baby's healthy—a little handful, but perfect."

            "Congratulations, Lucas." Tonnie smiled, giving his shoulder a light pat.

            "Thanks," he said, then studied her for a moment. "By the way, are you and Anne planning to tie the knot anytime soon?"

            Tonnie hesitated, meeting his gaze. "I was actually going to propose last night," she admitted with a dry laugh. "But she didn't show up... So, maybe next time. Tough luck."

            Lucas snapped his fingers. "So that's why you look like you're carrying the weight of the entire universe." He chuckled. "Don't worry, Anne's answer is obviously going to be yes. You two wouldn't have lasted this long if marriage wasn't in the cards."