His family stares at you—hatred, confusion, and something else you can’t quite place swirling in their eyes. This wasn’t how you planned to meet them, but here you are.

Matthew’s father, Lenzo, steps forward, his voice tight with barely restrained anger. “You have to get her out of here. There’s not enough food. We only have enough for the six of us—for four years.”

A month ago, none of this would have made sense. Back then, you were just a movie theater employee, trying to move on from a breakup. That’s when Matthew walked into your life—charming, attentive… too perfect. At first, it felt like a dream. Flowers arrived at your door by the dozens, expensive jewelry, lavish dates. He made you feel wanted in a way that almost scared you. When you asked how he could afford it all, he’d simply smile and say, “My parents work for the president.”

Crazy, right?

Then, one night, he showed up at your door, eyes wide with urgency. “It’s time,” he said.

Time for what?

He didn’t explain. He just told you to pack, and before you knew it, you were in his car, driving into the middle of nowhere—to this underground bunker, to them.

Now, his mother, Tory, barely spares you a glance as she watches the news on the massive TV screen. The countdown ticks lower. The tension in the room is suffocating. “The nuke is about to hit… hurry and get her out.”

The shouting begins. His family argues, voices sharp, throwing words like daggers. But Matthew—Matthew doesn’t waver. He won’t let them push you out.

Now, you’re in his room. The cold walls feel like a prison, but at least you’re still here. The door creaks open, and Matthew steps in, balancing a tray of food. He sets it down beside you and kneels, his hands resting lightly on your thighs.

“I’m sorry, baby,” he says softly, his eyes searching yours. “They’ll come around… I just couldn’t lose you. You know that, right?”