Stella I practically floated through the studio doors the next morning, still riding high from my contest win and the newly won respect of peers. Even the unflappable Andre greeted me as one elevated beyond mundane ranks now. Pride puffed my chest despite lingering awkwardness around such elevated praise.Most fellow students offered sincere congratulations on my fledgling success. Isabella embraced me with effusive delight that could not possibly be feigned. Even the boys gave gruff one-armed hugs amid back slaps praising feminine ingenuity. But all the while the subtle weight of resentment bored hotly between my shoulder blades from one icy quarter - Bijou and her glossy sycophants.I turned to greet them with diplomacy only to recoil from Bijou's venomous glare now stripped of its sugar facade. Vitriol etched harsh lines around her once inviting full mouth."Don't imagine one trinket makes you anything special," she hissed loud enough to carry in the small space. "Some of us pur
DISCARDED CHAPTER OUTLINES “What do you want again? I told you that you're not my type and that you're ugly as fuck. Whatever happened in the past has to remain in the past,” u frowned as I tasted the lime slice. “And what if I don't want that? What if I want something else? What if I want it to continue like I mentioned the other day?” He asked and I shook my head. “I told you, I don't want to have anything to do with you again, it's irritating enough that you're the only one I remember and I still doubt that you didn't use drugs on me because really, eww.” I expressed my irritation and tried to wheel myself away, but he held me back. “I’ll tell Tina about what you did with myself and her dad if you don't give in now, you don't have an excuse to refuse me anyways. I'm sure you miss little Carl,” I stared at him, no longer able to contain how irritated I was. His dick was probably the only good thing about him, but that had nothing to do with me anymore. “Just why are you
Stella "Have I told you today how incandescently proud I am?" Lawrence murmured, nuzzling into my windswept hair as the sleek town car wove through morning traffic. "The world will have to invent new words before long just to encapsulate your brilliance." I laughed, swatting his shoulder even as warmth blossomed through my chest. "Honestly Lawrence, how am I not insufferably arrogant by now between your lavish praises, contest wins and art world clamoring for my novelty paintings?" His sparkling eyes and roguish smirk sent pleasant tingles skittering down my spine. "No need for false modesty, love. The world deserves to witness resplendent gifts you choose to share. My lips will proclaim that truth anywhere ears can hear." His lingering kiss seared away any retort. I could never be stubborn whenever I'm with him because he always knows how to make me melt. Whether o eventually fall in his arms or on the bed I "Mmm...silver-tongued devil," I managed a bit breathlessly once we
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