I paced my office, fury simmering through my veins. The audacity of that petty socialite spewing venom at my Stella out of baseless jealousy and entitlement. This could not stand.
I summoned my head of security, Cyrus. His stoic features were set in a somber expression.
"It's time we investigate further into this Bijou character's ongoing attacks," I said. "Her irrational obsession hints at ulterior motives."
Cyrus nodded. "My team can dig quietly. Wealthy patron circles trade in gossip and rumor."
I waved dismissal, trusting him to uncover truths lurking underneath. I sank into my chair, contemplating how to shield my sensitive partner from further toxicity poisoning her creative spirit. She deserved safe space to nurture her unique gifts without such soul-crushing sabotage.
Around midnight Cyrus reappeared, his normally implacable facad
LawrenceThe annual gallery fundraiser glittered under enormous crystal chandeliers, elegant music and conversation filling the soaring marble hall. "It's an honour to have you here, Lawrence. " One of my elderly partners commented."I'm pleased." I smiled at him.I moved through the well-heeled crowd with singular purpose, guards trailing discreetly against the perimeter. There on the raised dias surrounded by her family's most ostentatious donations and industry elite, preened the petty thief who had stolen so very much. My polished oxfords clicked sharply on imported Italian tile as I ascended the steps neutralising the advantage of height. As one, patrons shuffled sideways allowing a wide berth for unpredictable alpha confrontation. I ignored the blatant eavesdropping in favour of locking eyes with startled prey who had expected easy camouflage among her pampered set tonight."Bijou, a word." I infused iron command into genteel phrasing brooking no defiance before such scrutin
StellaAfter the night of the gala, we had a great night tonight.And the next day Lawrence got the bad news that they were late and Stella set her plans in action."I'll find love," I added for the tenth time."Call me whenever possible." He added.I kissed him on the cheek turning to enter the big Andre's gallery we use as the class."Come here." He pulled me into his arms before I could react."I want more," he nagged. Making me smile and link my lips with his.He deepens the kiss, his hands roaming all over me. "Babe, I'll be late." I smack his hands pulling away."Arrgh" he let out a sexy groan."Well, I promise tonight." And I quickly pecked his cheeks before I went. And he waved at me.I smiled and waved back. "What would I do without your love?" I muttered aside. As I entered the gallery.
Stella The slander spread vicious as wildfire through my thriving creative community, leaving trust charred beyond saving.Friends even averted gazes witnessing my public shaming, whether coerced or doubting sincerity themselves cut deeper than daggers to the heart. Whispers condemned my muse as lies artfully spun to capture attention like a spider trapping flies.The only counterweight clinging against gusting hostility came wrapped in my lover’s steadfast devotion shining bold as a beacon piercing fogbound isolation...I stepped numbly over the penthouse threshold into Lawrence’s ready embrace, his cologne teasing my senses with soothing familiarity. Strong arms banded supportively about my slumped frame while chaotic thoughts besieged any coherent language left. But soulmates need no voiced confirmation of trials endured. Shared breath and trembling skin transmitting pain through unbroken connection proved solace enough surviving the worst storms.At long length I stirred from
StellaOver weeks the abused canvas absorbed simmering shards of pained experience gradually transformed to match renewed hope.Tentative brush strokes from Lawrence’s delicate wrist directed bolder riotous colour until a discernible image surfaced from the turmoil once paralysing hand and eye."I'm finally getting it now."And miraculously the act of creation healed trauma’s lingering bruises somehow. Voice returned to muted wounds so they might strengthen dancing freely under merciful light.The piece we shaped from formless agony portrayed a pale face and straining veins at the crux of choosing bitter untruths for momentary relief, or shouldering short-term darkness to prevent prolonged community corrosion ahead.The lurid almost grotesque contortions depicted the cost of easy betrayal while divine wings hovered
StellaI'm always amazed at how Lawrence handles things. It's been a day after he exposed Bijors blackmail on m"Don't worry I will finish her once and for all. I'll make sure she never leaves her home again." I remember Lawrence's promise to meSurely words travel swiftly in cloistered circlesWithin days exposure of Bijou's treachery had circulated through the entire community--no whisper of breath about business or pleasure failed including extra condemnations toward her disgraced name nowSuch scandals delectated their jaded palates, providing lurid distraction from mundane realities at timesI overheard lewd gossip mongers in shops and galleries speculating what severe repercussions her influential family might suffer socially or financially from the shameful connectionSurely no gracious doors could remain open to that venomous ilk anytime soon
Stella "More guards, Lawrence? I already trip over Cyrus's men constantly," I sighed, watching two more suited figures take positions around the lobby fountain. Their eyes tracked me like wolves sighting easy prey. Lawrence's thumb traced my knuckles distractedly as we crossed the marble floors. "Unfortunate necessity, little moon. Hostile forces regroup faster than expected." I wrinkled my nose, memories of recent public scandals and Family reprisals simmering bitterly. "With Bijou's schemes exposed and the gallery liquidated, surely that nest of vipers poses minimal threat now?" Lawrence hesitated, eyes clouding. "There may be deeper resentments brewing in shadows that require heightened vigilance." He guided me toward the elevators with one proprietal hand lightly pressed against my lower back. I bristled under his hovering closeness. "Resentments from whom? The community laid blame squarely on her toxicity once truth surfaced." I prodded for clearer answers, suspicions risi
Lawrence"He's still family, Lawrence!" Stella protested, emerald eyes flashing. "Prison changes people - James deserves second chances like anyone."I regarded her evenly across the desk where damning photos and contacts lay exposed. Her naive faith grated when ruthless threats encircled us sleeping."My foolish brother twisted opportunities toward selfish vices long before cage trapped him." I tapped the surveillance images grimly. "Now corrupt influences poison chances for redemption."I added." I warning you James is dangerous at times."Stella set her delicate jaw stub
Stella"More bodyguards attending my morning jog now?" I frowned at the suited figures flanking the lobby doors. Their assessing gazes tracked me like wolves sighting prey. Lawrence's thumb traced my knuckles placatingly as we crossed the marble floors. "Merely a precaution, little moon. Threats appear from shadows lately."I wrinkled my nose, anxiety spiking. "Threats from whom? Your brother's not as you think and that fraud Bijou neutralized." I searched Lawrence's face for fuller explanation but his expression remained inscrutably reserved. "There are always parasitic opportunists envying your gifts and alliances with me now." His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "I eliminate risks decisively."I bristled uneasily. Exactly how far did Lawrence's protective claim extend behind the scenes? Relentless security lately verged upon imposing confinement no matter his reassurances. Outside, two more guards fell in step trailing my usual route to the leafy park nearby. Their looming n