**Chapter 13: A Sudden Collapse**

The music and laughter filled the air as Dorothy and Lucas danced their way through the night, surrounded by their loved ones. The reception had been a whirlwind of joy and celebration, with every guest beaming with happiness. As the night wore on, the party only grew more lively, with the DJ spinning song after song that kept the crowd on their feet. Dorothy and Lucas were having the time of their lives, lost in their own little world of love and happiness. They twirled and spun to the music, their eyes locked on each other, their faces radiant with joy. The room was filled with the sweet scent of cheesecake and the sound of clinking glasses, as the guests toasted the happy couple. As the song came to an end, Dorothy and Lucas made their way back to the head table, where their friends and family were waiting to congratulate them. Rose, Blanche, and Sophia were beaming with pride, their eyes shining with happiness. They hugged Dorothy tightly, tears of joy streaming down their faces. But just as they were about to take a seat, Dorothy suddenly stumbled. Lucas caught her by the elbow, steadying her, but before he could react further, Dorothy's legs gave out from under her. She collapsed into Lucas's arms, her body limp and lifeless. The room fell silent, the music stopping abruptly as the guests gasped in shock. Lucas's face went white with panic as he cradled Dorothy in his arms. "Dorothy! Oh my god, Dorothy!" he cried, his voice trembling with fear. The guests parted, creating a path for Lucas to make his way to the edge of the room. Rose, Blanche, and Sophia rushed to his side, their faces etched with worry and concern. "Dorothy! What's happening?" Rose cried, her voice shrill with panic. Lucas gently laid Dorothy on the floor, his hands shaking as he tried to keep her safe. The room was chaotic, with guests shouting for someone to call 911. Sophia quickly took charge, barking orders at the guests as she rushed to Dorothy's side. Blanche stood frozen, her eyes wide with fear. "This can't be happening," she whispered, her voice trembling. Rose knelt beside Lucas, her hands fluttering over Dorothy's face. "Dorothy, honey, please wake up," she whispered, her voice filled with tears. The paramedics burst into the room, their equipment at the ready. They quickly assessed the situation, their faces grim with concern. "We need to get her to the hospital, now," one of them said, their voice firm and authoritative. As they worked to stabilize Dorothy, Lucas stayed by her side, his face etched with worry and fear. He held her hand, his eyes locked on hers, willing her to wake up. The guests parted, watching in stunned silence as the paramedics worked to save Dorothy's life. The music was still, the laughter silenced, as the guests waited with bated breath for news of Dorothy's fate. The only sound was the beeping of the paramedics' equipment and the soft murmur of the guests, praying for Dorothy's safety. In the chaos, Lucas's eyes never left Dorothy's face. He was her rock, her shelter, and he would do everything in his power to keep her safe. As the paramedics lifted Dorothy onto the stretcher, Lucas stood up, his face set in determination. "I'm going with her," he said, his voice firm. The paramedics nodded, and Lucas climbed into the ambulance, his heart pounding with fear. He held Dorothy's hand, his eyes locked on hers, as they rushed her to the hospital. The fate of their love, and Dorothy's life, hung in the balance.