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Dinner's Ruined
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Dared to love Confessions Pt 1
The nightlife in Italy was truly something to behold. The popular restaurants opened up their restaurants till midnight, bringing locals and visitors together, gathering at trendy bars.When Clay drove past one of the restaurants, Lorraine peeped out of the window, watching strangers enjoy cocktails and a buffet of appetizers. Somehow, she found it soothing. It was how she had envisioned her night to go, and she was also so close to having it until, well…she didn't.When they drove past La Madriya, there was a live music event happening there and other than the first time she arrived in Italy and was given a tour by Lorenzo, she had not attended any other social events or immersed herself in the rich cultural exploitation of one of the most romantic cities in the world.Suddenly, she started to reflect on her days as a night owl when she was still in college in the States, and she missed the freedom and virility that she had back then. Looking at her life now, everything was going s
Dared to love Confessions Pt 2
"...You are incredibly talented and I know I've said that a lot, but I don't think you believe it. Probably because I'm not an artist like you" Clay said and joked"That is why I want you to do this, to go to this Art Convention and blow their minds with your piece. Maybe then you'll believe everything I've been telling you about how great an artist you are", he said endearingly and Lorraine felt her stomach fill with butterflies Without thinking much about it, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek"Listen. I know neither of us prepared for this pregnancy, but I want you to know that I'm going to be here, every step of the way. It's okay to feel scared about it, I am too. I'm worried that I might not be a good father, I'm not even sure I am a good husband" he said in a low tone and Lorraine immediately interjected"You're going to be a great dad Clay," she said with a smile"Although you could work on your husband skills", "Really? You gifted Maia a Mercedes but not me?" she joke
Dared to love The Morning After
The sun rays sieved gently through the white curtains the following morning and bounced softly off Lorraine's face giving it a warm hue.The day began slowly with an air of positivity, and the sweet aroma of Clay's cooking filled the room and awoke Lorraine.There was something about confessing all her secrets, fears and inhibitions the previous night that made her feel so lightly when she woke up. Immediately, she checked her phone for any important notification but was satisfied to see there was none. Today was going to be about taking a day off to just mellow and relax without the pressure of having to deal with anything. She sure didn't want any important task to get in the way of that.Sliding her feet into her cotton lounge loafers, Lorraine grabbed her phone and suddenly wondered where Clay had gone by…she quickly glanced at her phone screen, '6:30 in the morning?' She pondered in shock.Was it just her, or did the atmosphere in Italy quiet down from the jubilant bustle of mor
Dared to love Bad News
After Clay left for work, Lorraine felt more anxious about meeting with Caterina. Although she knew it was high time they put their grievances behind them, she was more worried about how their friendship was supposed to progress from here on. Were they supposed to act like nothing ever happened and resume their friendship on the same note?These thoughts occupied her mind for long and soon she contemplated canceling their meeting.This was all new to her. When it came to fight or flight, she always picked flight. It was easier to just move past things than to spend her time trying to fix broken relationships.At this point, she began to wonder when this became her fundamental viewpoint and traced it back to her high school. Back when Lorraine was in high school, she was having a tough time breaking out of her shell and it didn't help that she already felt like a nomad. She would skip school to go paint in the abandoned attic and after several complaints from teachers and detention,
Dared to love An Awkward Meet
Lorraine was sleeping when her phone buzzed and she immediately woke up startled.She searched the bed for her phone and in her sleepy state, found the call and when she picked it up instantly panicked at seeing Caterina's name.Hesitantly, she watched the phone ring for a while and then suddenly picked it up and swiped answerShe put the phone on speakerphone and held it in front of her, nervous to answer"Hello?" Caterina said but met no response. She waited for a few moments and then asked again,"Hello?", Lorraine listened, feeling frozen as she heard Caterina's voice. She could feel her heart-wrenching and beating uncontrollably. But after a few seconds, she finally composed herself, clearing her throat she lifted the phone to her ear and said "Hi""Oh hi. I was beginning to think your pet stepped on your phone or something" Caterina said nervously, "Well, I'm done with lectures for today and I was wondering if you'd still like to meet", she spoke anxiouslyLorraine lingered on
Dared to love The Call
The atmosphere in the room had suddenly become grey and gloomy. Listening to Caterina narrate her ordeals, Lorraine felt her fears coming alive againAt that moment, she realized that she and Caterina were alike in a lot of ways than she had imagined.It was because of this reason that she could not find the right words to console her friend because she too, could not even manage the fear of losing everyone that ever meant anything to her. This was the one thing that made Lorraine always look back on the thought of running away and ending her connection to everyone in her life."I'm sorry I kept it a secret from you, but no one really knows what it's like," Caterina said in a sombre tone"No one knows what it's like to be haunted by your memories, to search for freedom like it was the air you needed to not feel so suffocated all the time", "DeAngelo and his mother are some of the nicest people I've met. But no matter the amount of love they could show me, it could never replace the
Dared to love Gone
"Grandma Edith is dead" Mark said and this continued to replay in Lorraine's head.She remained frozen in place as she heard those words, unable to process them. Her first thought was Clay, what would happen to him? She pondered. Did he already get the news? As her mind delved deeper into these thoughts, Mark's voice calling her name was like a backdrop to a dreadful visionShe immediately began to recollect the stories Clay had told her about his grandmother. Having met Edith herself, she could testify to how pleasurable and nice the woman was.Lorraine was hoping she could see her child when she gave birth and that just like Clay had, her child would get to experience having Edith in its life. As her mind continued to unravel these thoughts, tears slowly cascaded through her eyes. She wondered how Clay was handling this if he already knew. This would be the second time someone important in his life died and he wasn't there to say goodbye.Could she blame herself for this? If she h
Dared to love I Come Here to Clear My Head
"Congratulations," Mark said as he glanced at Lorraine.She seemed slightly confused, wondering what he was congratulating for.She turned her gaze and shot him a quizzical look. Seeing her puzzled gaze, Mark pointed at her stomach and said "The baby", and then shifted his gaze back to the road"Clay told me about it. Congratulations. I'm happy for you two" he said kindly.A brief smile stretched Lorraine's lips as she recalled despite the times, there was still positivity in their world.Soon after that, silence engulfed them again. It was apparent to see that they were both lost in their heads. Lorraine was trying to figure out exactly what she would say to Clay when she found him. She figured a simple hug wouldn't suffice. If Clay was to feel even a fraction of relief she'd need to find a way to curb his sadness.Mark glanced at Lorraine and saw the pensive look on her face and tried to console her, "You're going to be okay", "I know this is his grandmother, but Clay's a strong g
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Dared to love The Memorabilia Gallery
It was a Saturday morning, exactly two weeks after the funeral, the morning air felt blissful as it sieved in through the open windows of their bedroom. Lorraine had moved back in with Clay and finally, they were living together as a couple. Earlier that week, Lorraine and Clay had renewed their vows and had a small ceremony, publicly announcing their marriage to the media. After everything that had happened, they figured that they wouldn't let anything else come in the way of them being together as a family. There was no reason to anymore.Clay had won over his family's affection, and Lorraine had reached the zenith of her career independently without Clay's help. She finally felt fulfilled and no longer felt belittled by being married to a man as famous, wealthy and influential as Clay Winston.Lorraine woke up that morning and found Clay still sleeping peacefully beside her lips parted in a smile.Slowly, she slid out under his arm, stood up and walked towards Edith's crib. Seein
Dared to love Her name will be...
Lorraine was appalled upon hearing her father tell her Jordan's funeral was the next day."Dad what do you mean his funeral is tomorrow?", she asked seeking confirmation "We don't think we should keep it for long, so we're going to do something small and intimate. Only a few friends and family" Elaine interjected sharplyLorraine was not satisfied with the arrangements, but this was her brother's funeral and she did not particularly want to argue. The faster Jordan was buried, the quicker she could mourn him and try to move on.Just then, Clay walked in and when he saw Lorraine, he hurriedly marched towards her and pulled her into a deep hug"How are you? How is she?" He asked with concern, and at this time her parents realized they had not asked about their grandchild"She's fine, she's healthy" Lorraine replied hastily and immediately her mother gasped in shock and covered her mouth, crying softly"Lorraine I'm so sorry I didn't ask. How is my grandchild?" She asked with curiosity.
Dared to love Home
Leaving a letter for Mrs Hughes was a lot easier to do, but here Lorraine was standing face to face with DeAngelo and couldn't find the words to say goodbyeDeAngelo sat on the stone bench outside, gazing at her quizzically, wondering why she had showed up unannounced after ignoring his calls and messages.After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, he asked with concern "Lorraine what's going on? Did you have a safe delivery?" "No, I mean yes, I did. The baby is fine, she's with the girls now" she replied sharply and then sucked in a quick breath and said"I came to say goodbye""Goodbye?" DeAngelo asked reflexively, stunned "You're leaving?" He added still in shockLorraine glanced at his face and said meekly "Yes. My family needs me" She said vaguely and paused. Shifting her gaze to DeAngelo's face, she saw that he still needed more context and hesitantly she said "My brother died yesterday. I'm going back home for the funeral and to be with my parents through it""I don't thin
Dared to love First Goodbye
The next day, Lorraine woke up to the sound of her beeping alarm. Opening her eyes, she groaned in exhaustion and the reality that her brother was now dead sank in again and the weight of it kept her under her sheets.Today was going to be her last day in Italy, and she never imagined this was the feeling she'd be leaving with.Having always known it would be tough to leave, she always believed it wouldn't feel that hard when she finally got back home to see the faces of everyone she loved. But now Grandma Edith was gone, and so was her brother.Lorraine tried so hard not to cry, but could no longer hold the tears that stifled in her eyes and at that time, she heard a faint knock on her door.Quickly, she got up, wiped the tears away and said "Come in" The doors swung open and revealed Caterina leaning pensively against the wall with a tired look on her face"Good morning" she uttered softly. The girls had spent all night taking turns to watch over the baby and as a result did not ge
Dared to love Grief
Lydia and the girls were outside the hospital when Dr Ivan approached them. Elena was the first to spot her and immediately hurried towards her "Is she alright doctor?" She asked frantically A small smile plastered on the doctor's face as she replied "Yes, she is. They both are""Why don't you go in? A nurse will come to take the baby away soon" She nudged and walked away. Instantly, the girls rushed inside the delivery room and saw Lorraine with a baby carefully wrapped in her palms. At first sight, they were all in awe by the view, but then when they moved closer, Caterina noticed that she was crying.At first, she assumed that Lorraine was just excited to have her baby. Slowly, with light footsteps, Caterina approached Lorraine and when she saw the baby, she gaped in awe."She's so beautiful," Caterina said softly. Lydia and Elena were on the opposite side of the bed staring at the baby, but suddenly they noticed Lorraine's sullen expression."Lorraine?" Caterina called on seein
Dared to love Giving Birth
"What?!" Caterina exclaimed I'm excitement. Immediately, she stood up and went over to Lorraine, helping her to her feet, and grabbed their papers "Ladies, what is going on here?" Mrs Hughes said authoritatively, seeing the girls disrupt her examination atmosphere."Ma'am Lorraine needs to go to the hospital, she's having a baby" Caterina replied helping Lorraine down the stairs. At that time, Lydia and Elena instantly got up and followed.When they reached the front of the hall, Mrs Hughes walked over to them and got the papers. She then leaned towards Lorraine and said with a gleeful smile "Congratulations. Do not worry about the examination, I'll take care of it" The girls rushed to the SUV and brought it around immediately. Caterina helped Lorraine into the backseat and in a few moments, they were off to the hospital.The engine roared through the highway. Luckily, Lorraine already had the number of the doctor who attended to her when she was pregnant, Lydia quickly retrieved he
Dared to love Final Papers
It was a week after the Art Convention ended. When Lorraine returned to the school, she was graced by a grand welcome, while some people were not happy that her honest speech could ruin the chances of their school winning, they ultimately admired her courage and what she did for them.That morning, Lorraine woke up and for the first time ever, she didn't feel the need to conceal her pregnancy. Pretty much, the entire school knew of it by now and it felt free.Spring was almost over, and it was hard for her to bid it farewell, much harder cause this was her last semester in the Art School before she'd have to return home.Lorraine had fallen in love with the city and its people, the different lovely personalities, their food, boat rides and most especially, the friends she had made.The thought of going back home was not quite as exciting as she thought it'd be. Over here, she felt like she was with people who spoke her language, people who understood the struggles of what it means to
Dared to love Lorraine, You're Art
The judges settled around 9:15 that morning, and shortly after the second round of the competition began. As usual, Davio Art School went first, their representative was a girl who was already shaking in her boots when she was called to the stage.Lorraine sat pensively, observing and studying the reactions, expressions and patterns which the judges used to examine artworks. In her head, she had cooked up a plan, but this would only work if she could find their emotional trigger and find a way to use it against their rules."Next up, Faun's Art School!" The announcer called. Grace was sitting beside Lorraine trying to trash talk and put her out of her game. She smirked as she stood up and walked to the stage. At that point, Lorraine's confidence was too high to be threatened. There was something more important at stake to be disturbed by what some posh art school girl thought of her.Grace took the stage and the timer began, thirty minutes! Thirty minutes to come up with something d
Dared to love A Way Out
The day was bright and sunny. However, Lorraine woke up feeling clouded in her head. She had made a bold decision yesterday night to forfeit the award and the certificates that came with it, but now she wasn't so sure anymore.Her career's future and everything she ever wanted and worked hard for hung on that decision. She sat up and shook her head, dismissing the thoughts then walked into her kitchen and made herself something to eat.She needed a clear headspace to think, but just then she was interrupted by a knock on her door. Groaning in frustration, she marched towards it and opened it aggressively "What?!" And immediately regretted gee outburst"Mrs Hughes..." she blurted in shock"Good morning Lorraine," the lady said and brushed past her, entering her room. Lorraine remained frozen at the door for a few moments, then closed it and turned to Mrs Hughes. "Sorry ma'am, but what are you doing here so early?" She asked Mrs Hughes turned to her with a proud smile and said, "I c
