Assistant: You are a summarizer for a FanFiction Reader App (AO3). Your primary task is to generate concise summaries of chapter content, highlighting important ‘characters’, ‘events’, and ‘significant terms’. Ensure the summary is clear, written in understandable language and focused on key elements.
If queried about anything unrelated to the story, or the chapter, politely inform the user that you cannot assist with that. Maintain a friendly tone throughout, don't make things up, stay factual. 
Please provide a summary that is around 3-5 sentences long, if there is something to write about, incorporating essential keywords and highlighting pivotal events.
IMPORTANT: When the USER says bye, you will respond with %CLOSE_REQUESTED%, this will trigger the app to close the chat. This is very important, so don't forget it!
Assistant: Title: Heartbreaks in the Dark
        Author: LillyMouse LillyMouse 
        Chapter: 2/23 
        Summary: Bridgerton Modern AU: Dive into the chaos where Anthony Bridgerton falls hopelessly in love with Penelope Featherington, who's just starting to get over Colin—the king of obliviousness. Meanwhile, Anthony morphs into a possessive, lovesick fool.So in short:Anthony witnesses Penelope's "warrior goddess" moment and it's all downhill from there.Penelope, freshly un-pined from Colin, now has Anthony pining after her. It's a whole mess.Eloise might be developing a bit of a drinking problem (just because I find drunk Eloise so funny).Colin remains blissfully unaware of everything, as usual.Anthony's possessiveness turns him into, well, a bit of a nightmare.Guaranteed HEA because I can't handle anything else. This will end well for Pen and Ant, at least. 
  Warnings:
 PSA: This is a Penthony fic. If that’s not your jam, just scroll on by!
        Contents: Chapter 2
    

    

        
          
          
            In this chapter, Penelope tries her best to turn a new leaf, but old habits die hard.Witness tales of her earnest attempts to move on, some juice carton-induced revelations, and the unavoidable Bridgerton antics courtesy of Gregory.Meanwhile, Anthony's pining reaches new heights as Pen navigates her way through Hy's birthday bash.Expect revelations, a dash of chaos, and plenty of Bridgerton charm!
          
        

      
        
          Thank you all for the lovely comments—I’m thrilled you enjoyed the last chapter!Behind the scenes, this story has already blossomed to around 20,000 words on my drive, and it’s expanding daily. I'm juggling with how to structure the dynamics and craft well-rounded chapters. There’s also that looming fear that the more I post, the less wiggle room I have for tweaks. But fear not, I plan to keep the updates coming at least bi-weekly for now. Your support means the world!
            
            (See the end of the chapter for  more notes.)
            
      
  

  
  
    
    November 2023, Perfect on Paper Penelope Penelope meets Mark in the most ordinary way. A mutual friend’s dinner party, where the conversation flows with ease, and the wine makes everyone a little looser, a little lighter. Mark is charming in a way that doesn’t set off any alarms. He’s kind, attentive, the type of man who remembers small details about your favourite book or how you take your tea. By the end of the evening, he asks for her number, and she hesitates only for a split second before giving it to him.He texts her the next day. A simple message: 
   It was great meeting you. Let’s grab coffee sometime? 
Penelope stares at the message longer than she should, biting her lip. She knows what she’s doing—she’s trying to move on. Trying to let go of the grip Colin still has on her heart. And Mark... Well, Mark is nice. Not unpleasant to look at either. He makes her smile. So she texts back, 
   Coffee sounds great. 
Their relationship unfolds easily, almost too easily. Mark is the kind of man who sends good morning texts and flowers "just because." He plans dinners, takes her to cosy little restaurants, holds the door for her. He treats her the way she always imagined she wanted to be treated—with thoughtfulness, with kindness, with genuine affection. On paper, Mark is perfect.But something is missing. Something she can’t quite put into words.They’ve been dating for a few weeks now, and tonight, they sit across from each other in a quiet bistro. Candles flicker between them, casting soft light across the table. Mark smiles at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling, and it’s the kind of smile that should make her heart skip. She smiles back, but the effort feels heavier than it should.“How was your day?” Mark asks, his voice gentle, warm. He’s always so considerate, always asking about her day, her life, her thoughts.“It was good,” she replies automatically, sipping her wine. “Work’s been busy, but nothing too crazy.”Mark reaches across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. It’s a simple gesture, affectionate. But her skin doesn’t tingle with electricity. There’s no surge of warmth, no butterflies in her stomach. Just... stillness. She wraps her fingers around his anyway, because this is what she’s supposed to want. This is what she’s been craving for so long—someone who sees her, who treats her well. Isn’t it?“You seem quiet tonight,” Mark says, his brow furrowing slightly. “Everything okay?”Penelope hesitates. She wants to tell him that she’s fine. That everything is perfect. That she’s lucky to have him. But the words catch in her throat, tangled up in a knot of confusion. She forces a smile instead, squeezing his hand. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”Mark watches her for a moment, his gaze searching her face, and she wonders if he can sense it—the distance she’s trying so hard to hide. But he doesn’t press her. He simply nods, lifting their joined hands to his lips and kissing her knuckles. The gesture is sweet, romantic. The kind of thing that should make her melt.But it doesn’t.Later that night, after he’s walked her home and kissed her goodbye at the doorstep, Penelope closes the door behind her and leans against it, letting out a long breath. She should feel something more, shouldn’t she? She should be giddy, heart fluttering with excitement after a night like this. But all she feels is... numb.She slips off her shoes and walks to her bedroom, glancing at her phone. There’s a new text from Mark:  I had a great time tonight. Sleep well, beautiful Penelope stares at the message, her heart heavy with guilt. Mark is good to her—better than she deserves. She replies,  I had a great time too but the words feel hollow, forced.She crawls into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. Her mind drifts to Colin, unbidden. She tries to push the thoughts away, but they always find their way back to her in the quiet moments. The way he used to make her laugh, the easy banter between them, the hope she’d held onto for so long that he might one day see her the way she’d seen him.But he never did.And now she’s with Mark—kind, sweet Mark—who treats her like she’s the most precious thing in the world. But the spark isn’t there. The passion she thought she wanted is missing. She’s faking it, pretending that this is enough. That this is what she wants. But deep down, she knows she’s still haunted by Colin. Still trapped in the shadow of what could have been.It’s frustrating. Maddening. She’s angry at herself for still caring, for still letting Colin linger in her thoughts when he’s the one who broke her heart. She wants to move on. She wants to fall in love with Mark, to let him be the one to heal her. But it’s not that simple. She can’t force it, no matter how hard she tries.
Is she really that damaged that the only way for her to want someone is if they do not want her back.Penelope closes her eyes, willing herself to sleep. She tells herself that it will get better, that in time, she’ll let go of Colin and be able to fully embrace this new relationship with Mark. But even as she tells herself this, a part of her knows the truth.She’s still trying to outrun a ghost.

December 2023, Hyacinth’s birthday party AnthonyThe Bridgerton house is alive with energy—laughter, music, and the soft clinking of glasses. Friends and family are gathered for Hyacinth’s birthday, the celebration spilling into every room. But Anthony isn’t relaxed. He stands near the edge of the party, arms crossed, his eyes scanning the crowd.Hyacinth is dancing in the centre of the room, her birthday dress swirling as she laughs and moves from one partner to another. Boys, young and eager, swarm around her, each one too eager, too bold. His protective instincts flare when he notices one particular boy's hand creeping a little too low on her waist.

“Why the hell is that guy holding her b@m?” Anthony growls under his breath, voice barely controlled. “Who the f@ck is he?”Benedict, who has been observing his older brother’s mounting irritation, moves beside him with a barely concealed grin. "Easy there, brother," he teases, patting Anthony on the shoulder. "You look like you're ready to drag that poor kid outside by his collar.""I might," Anthony mutters, his glare fixed on the boy. His jaw is set tight, muscles clenched. "Look at her. That dress… and his hand…" His voice is edged with restrained fury.Benedict shakes his head, laughing softly. “Hyacinth’s not a child anymore. She can handle herself, you know.”Anthony grunts, eyes still locked on his sister. “That boy’s about to learn his place,” he mutters under his breath, barely audible.Sensing his brother’s tension, Benedict tries to shift the focus. “Relax, Anthony. It’s her birthday. Let her have some fun.”Before Anthony can respond, a movement by the entrance pulls his attention away from Hyacinth. His breath catches for a split second.Penelope.She’s just walked in, her presence commanding his attention. For a brief moment, the world around him fades. But then he sees the man standing next to her.A man he doesn’t recognize. A man whose arm is comfortably wrapped around Penelope’s waist.Anthony’s heart drops, his gut twisting with an unfamiliar tightness. He watches them move deeper into the room, greeting people, Penelope’s smile warm and easy. The man leans in too close, his hand too casual on her waist. Anthony’s fists clench involuntarily, tension tightening his chest.Benedict notices Anthony’s stiffened posture and smirks. "Ah, Mark," he says lightly. "Penelope’s new boyfriend. Didn’t you know?"Anthony barely suppresses the sharp intake of breath. Boyfriend? The word punches through his gut. Why didn’t Eloise mention this? His voice feels heavy in his throat when he repeats,

“Boyfriend?”Benedict nods, oblivious to the storm brewing inside his brother. "Yeah, Eloise didn’t tell you? Been a couple of months now. He’s nice enough. Bit bland, but... harmless."Anthony forces down the bitter taste rising in his throat. His gaze remains fixed on Penelope and Mark, their closeness gnawing at him with each passing second. Mark leans in, whispers something in Penelope’s ear, and she smiles. A small smile, but it’s enough to set Anthony’s jaw even tighter.“Eloise didn’t mention it,” Anthony mutters, his voice strained. "Or maybe I wasn’t paying attention."Benedict shrugs casually, continuing without noticing the tension gripping Anthony. "Eloise thinks they’re moving too fast—too serious, too soon. But after everything with Colin, Penelope deserves a little happiness, doesn’t she?"The mention of Colin tightens the knot in Anthony’s chest. He’s known about Penelope’s feelings for Colin for years, but seeing her with someone else—someone who isn’t his brother—stirs something dark and uncomfortable in him. The idea of her falling for this man, of her heart belonging to someone else, makes his hands clench even tighter behind his back.Across the room, Mark pulls Penelope closer, whispers something else that makes her smile again. Anthony’s jaw grinds as he watches them, his gaze locked on the way the man’s arm rests too easily around her."Just keep an eye on Hyacinth," Anthony mutters sharply, using his sister as an excuse to deflect. His voice is harsher than intended, but he doesn’t care. "Before I really do throw someone out."Benedict laughs, patting him lightly on the back. "Sure, big brother. Keep the peace. But don’t worry about Mark. No need to go all overprotective big brother on Penelope too."Anthony forces a thin smile, one that doesn’t reach his eyes. His gaze, however, betrays him as it drifts back to Penelope. Her laughter reaches his ears, soft and familiar, but there is nothing brotherly in his look. Not anymore.She moves gracefully, her smile warm as she talks with Eloise, her hand resting briefly on Mark’s arm. The sight of it sets something off inside Anthony, something primal. He knows he has no right to interfere. No claim on her. And yet, every time Mark touches her, every time Penelope smiles in response, it feels like a punch to the gut.Anthony’s gaze hardens. His mind swirls with thoughts of how he can protect her—protect her from this man, from Colin’s carelessness, from a future that doesn’t include him. He isn’t even aware of how tight his fists have become until Benedict nudges him.“Anthony,” Benedict says with a raised eyebrow, his tone playful but observant. "You’re staring."Anthony blinks, forcing his hands to unclench. He meets Benedict’s gaze for a brief second before looking away, a simmering frustration boiling beneath the surface. “Just keeping an eye on things,” he says curtly, his voice flat.But his gaze shifts back to Penelope, and for a moment, he imagines pulling her away from the crowd, away from Mark. Away from everything that isn’t him. Gregory's Drunken AnticsAnthony The party is winding down, but the laughter and music still buzz throughout the house. Gregory, however, is in a world of his own—buoyed by far too much champagne and beer, his steps are unsteady, his eyes glazed over with the telltale haze of drunkenness.Anthony watches his younger brother from across the room, amusement dancing at the edges of his irritation. Gregory is currently in the midst of some exaggerated story, flailing his arms about in a way that threatens to knock over several glasses."Look at him," Benedict says, sidling up next to Anthony, drink in hand and a wide grin on his face. "He’s about to make a complete @rs@ of himself. Again."Anthony sighs, shaking his head as Gregory attempts to balance himself against the wall. "We should probably step in before he does something he regrets. Or something that makes  us  regret it."Benedict takes a sip of his drink, smirking. "Oh, come on, let him make a fool of himself. It’s a rite of passage. Besides, it’s entertaining." He gestures towards Gregory, who is now trying to chat up a girl who looks half-amused, half-horrified as Gregory stumbles over his words and his feet.Anthony groans. Gregory, meanwhile, is leaning dangerously close to spilling his drink all over the girl. His words are slurred, and she’s starting to look like she’s planning her escape.“Alright, enough,” Anthony mutters, shaking his head. “I can’t watch this any longer.”Anthony strides over to Gregory, slipping between him and the unfortunate girl with the ease of someone who’s done it a thousand times before.“Gregory,” Anthony says firmly, clapping a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. “I think it’s time we called it a night.”Gregory looks up at Anthony, blinking in confusion. “Wh... What? I’m—fine, I was just—just telling a story.”The girl gives Anthony a grateful look and quickly excuses herself.Benedict appears at Gregory’s other side, a wide grin plastered across his face. “Ah, Gregory, you were doing so well,” he teases, patting his younger brother on the back. “I was just about to bet on how long it would take for her to bolt.”Gregory groans, slumping against Anthony. “I wasn’t  that  bad, was I?”Anthony sighs, gently steadying Gregory as he teeters on his feet. “Let’s just say your storytelling skills are less... refined when you’re three sheets to the wind.”“Let’s get you  some water before you make even more of a spectacle.”Benedict trails behind them, chuckling. “You know, Anthony, you’re getting really good at playing chaperone. You should consider doing this full-time.”Gregory groans. “I don’t need a chaperone. I’m  fine .”Anthony huffs a laugh. “Right. Fine enough to almost faceplant into a plant, but sure. Fine.”Gregory throws an arm over Anthony’s shoulder, laughing in that loud, carefree way only the very drunk manage to do. “You’re the best, Anthony. Seriously.”Anthony’s expression softens a bit despite himself, and he can’t help but smile, even as he shakes his head. “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I’m always around to save you from yourself.”Benedict, ever the joker, raises his glass. “To Anthony, the saviour of Gregory’s dignity.”Anthony smirks. “You say that like he’s got any left.”Gregory laughs, though his balance falters as Anthony steers him to a nearby chair. “I do! I’ve got plenty of dignity left!”Benedict claps Gregory on the back, nearly knocking him over in the process. “Of course you do, little brother. Let’s just keep it that way, shall we?”Gregory slumps back into the chair, a goofy smile still plastered on his face. “Best. Party. Ever.”Anthony rolls his eyes. “You say that every time you get drunk.”Gregory waves a hand dismissively. “Still true, though.” 
For a second he turns his head to the door and sees her leaving with “the boyfriend”. 

 Disillusioned Penelope The Bridgerton home pulses with energy—laughter, music, the clinking of glasses. The party engulfs Penelope, but she feels detached, like she’s observing it all from afar. People drift by with polite smiles, yet her mind is anchored elsewhere. Colin had been travelling, missing these gatherings until now, but he is here somewhere, she knows that. It makes her nervous.Mark stands beside her, holding two drinks, handing her one with a warm smile. This is his first real introduction to the broader Bridgerton circle, though Benedict and Eloise have already given their approval. Why she needs theirs or anyone's approval to date someone is a whole other pile of tangled emotions that she isn’t keen to unravel just yet. Tonight is about simple pleasures, about being with Mark and trying to move forwardShe scans the room, trying not to be obvious, though part of her knows she shouldn’t even be looking for him. Not anymore. She’s with Mark now—kind, attentive, everything she's supposed to want Mark. But Colin… Colin lingers like a ghost she can’t exorcize.Her gaze finally catches him near the drink table, his laughter booming over the hum of the party. For a moment, a small flicker of that old familiar warmth rises in her chest—the hope, the yearning, the desire to be acknowledged by him. But then, he does something so mundane yet so jarringly thoughtless that it stops her heart for a beat. Colin, in a moment of careless abandon, grabs a carton of orange juice from the table and tips it to his lips, drinking directly from it. Around him, the party continues, but for Penelope, the world narrows to this single act of disregard. No glass, no consideration for decorum or for anyone else who might want some juice, just Colin being utterly Colin—self-assured, oblivious, and maddeningly inconsiderate.The simplicity of the act, so common yet so telling, becomes a stark revelation. Here he is, the centre of his own universe, unaware or unconcerned with how his actions affect others. It’s not the grand gestures or profound moments but this—a small act of selfishness—that crystallises her understanding of who Colin really is.

Something snaps inside Penelope. It’s not about his social faux pas. It’s about everything. Years of unrequited affection, of waiting for him to notice her, to see her the way she saw him. As she watches him return to his conversation with a self-satisfied grin, the pedestal she’s placed him on starts to crumble.Penelope turns away, heart racing. For the first time in forever, she doesn’t feel a pang of longing when she looks at Colin. She feels… relieved. Like she’s finally seeing him clearly for the first time. Colin Bridgerton, her childhood crush, the boy who never noticed her, the man who couldn’t bother with social grace at a party. He’s not the dream she once thought he was. He’s just… a guy.

At that moment, Colin spots her and strides over with that easy charm. He wraps her in a hug that lingers too long, his familiarity unbounded. “Pen, I’ve missed these parties!” he exclaims, releasing her only to notice Mark. “And who's this?”“This is Mark,” Penelope introduces, her voice steady despite the churn of emotions. Mark extends a hand, which Colin shakes warmly, his other hand still lingering on Penelope’s shoulder, his fingers tracing a too-familiar path. Penelope tenses, subtly shifting to edge away from his touch.“Great to meet you, mate,” Colin says, friendly but oblivious to the tension his touch creates.Mark's smile is polite if slightly confused, but as Colin walks away, he leans in, his voice low. “Does he always…?”Penelope nods, a faint trace of disbelief colouring her tone. “Colin's always been tactile, touchy. He doesn’t mean anything by it,” she says, almost defensively. Why exactly is she defending him? But for the first time ever since she laid her eyes on that boy years ago there is no sorrow in her voice, as she adds, “To him, I'm just like another sister.”Mark’s frown deepens, but he doesn’t push further, squeezing her hand instead.Penelope leans in, pressing a quick kiss to Mark's lips, an attempt to reassure both him and herself. As she pulls back, she catches a glimpse of understanding in his eyes. Smoothing over the moment, she begins to guide him through the crowd, pointing out various guests. "That's Hyacinth over there," Penelope gestures with a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "She's the resident firecracker—never a dull moment when she's around." Her laughter softens the edges of her earlier discomfort as she comfortably slips into the familiar dynamics of the party.

"And that's Gregory," Penelope points towards a young man energetically bounding through the crowd, his laughter carrying over the music. "He and Hyacinth together are a recipe for mischief—you won't find a more chaotic duo at these gatherings." Her smile widens, reflecting a mix of fondness and resignation as she watches Gregory's antics unfold.

Mark smiles warmly at her, his gaze filled with affection. He reaches out, tucking a stray curl behind her ear, his touch gentle yet intimate, a silent reassurance of his presence and care. Penelope feels a tingle, an unmistakable sensation that someone’s watching her. She glances across the room and her eyes lock with Anthony’s. The knowledge of her past with Colin, a secret she's shared with few, hangs heavily between them. She feels a rush of mortification, knowing he's aware of her deepest embarrassments. She can handle Benedict knowing—it’s almost comforting, but Anthony’s awareness opens a whole different level of embarrassment, stirring a discomfort she wishes she could ignore.Across the room, Anthony's gaze shifts from her to Mark, his expression one of subtle inquiry.Penelope meets his questioning look with a defiant shrug, as if to challenge him, conveying a clear 'I have every right to move on,' despite the inner turmoil that roils beneath her composed surface.The rest of the evening unfolds with an odd sense of liberation. Penelope engages in conversations, laughs more freely, enjoying this new reality—one where Colin is just another face in the crowd and where she might finally be ready to step forward, away from the shadows of unrequited dreams. 
  
  

    
      
        
        
          Hope you enjoyed the chapter!Don't fret over Mark; he's a necessary step in Penelope's journey—a classic rebound to help her move on. I've always believed in the saying, 'to get over one, get under another,' so it felt right to give Pen a little nudge in the form of a new suitor.Just a heads-up—I know there hasn't been much direct interaction between Pen and Ant besides that fleeting glance across the party. But hold tight, because their paths are definitely set to cross in more exciting ways in the upcoming chapters! 😉 Stay tuned!A little personal anecdote about the juice carton revelation—it's actually drawn from a real-life moment of mine. It's fascinating how vividly I remember the exact instance of falling out of love, while the details of falling in love are fuzzier. He was my first big love, and boy, did I put him on a pedestal he never deserved. After two years of pining and being there only when he noticed I might leave, that moment of realization felt like breaking free. Today years latter, it’s still a happy memory. Can anyone else relate to such a moment of clarity?As always, your comments are my love language!'
User: Summarize the chapter based on the content provided, ensuring to follow the set format and emphasize key aspects within the specified length.
User: Summarize the chapter based on the content provided, ensuring to follow the set format and emphasize key aspects within the specified length.
Assistant: