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Invitation to The Fundraiser
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Dared to love The Fundraiser
About a week later after Lorraine was invited to the Annual Fundraiser event, she laid in bed that morning with no desire to get out. When her alarm rang by 7 a.m., she squinted against the cruel glare of the sunlight that sieved in through her windows, rolled onto her back and turned off the alarm clock by her bedside. Shaking her tousled hair off her face, she sat on her bed and yawned. At first, she felt a little excited to be at a formal event at the school, even when she knew it was going to be as boring as advertised, she still felt honored.But in the last week, all that excitement had seeped out, particularly with her missing DeAngelo's basketball game, causing him not to talk or give her any attention. It was the break and what she wanted from him, but not by keeping malice, she had enough of disappointing people and the feeling weighed on her. Lorraine picked up her phone scanning through her call logs and recent messages, none from Clay. Was he still mad at her? She pond
Dared to love Chaos Into Beauty
As Lorraine stared at Caterina and Francesca more and more, she felt confused. "How was Caterina her daughter? She had never mentioned anything about it" she thought, and wondered if that was why Caterina always acted weird whenever DeAngelo was around, and also if their roommates knew.Mrs Giula motioned for her to come over, but Lorraine remained unmoved, glued to the ground in shock. This felt like a betrayal, she had opened up about most parts of her life to Caterina, and in return Caterina had kept this huge secret from her."Lorraine," Mrs Giula called again, but Lorraine peered past and saw the look on Caterina's face, who couldn't look her in the eye. Immediately, she turned and accidentally knocked off a tray of wine glasses from a waiter, causing the glasses to shatter on the ground, drawing more attention to her. She paused and gasped, covering her mouth with her palms "I'm sorry," she said, turning slowly to Mrs Giula before leaving the room.Instantly, Caterina hurried
Dared to love Truth
Lorraine was still reflecting on everything Lorenzo had told her; some things made sense to her. Still, she couldn't get over the feeling that Caterina could not confide in her in anything that really mattered in the end. When she reached the warehouse, she searched her purse and brought out the key. She had hoped that, by chance, DeAngelo would be at the Fundraiser so she could return it, offer her apology and confess she was married. Looking at the key in her hand, she heaved a sigh, realizing she couldn't blame Caterina for the secrets she harbored when she, too, had grave secrets of her own.She pressed the key into the lock, opened it, walked inside and locked the door. She leaned slightly against it and heaved an exhaustive sigh. The day had not gone how she anticipated. Granted, she didn't think she'd have a good time or even pretend to enjoy herself, but a lazy evening with business people and the elite group did not seem as bad as what had unfolded at the party. As she wal
Dared to love I Came For Her
DeAngelo heard a Ioud thud, turned around and saw Lorraine's body on the ground. Immediately, he ran towards her and held her. He panicked but managed to maintain his composure, lowered his head and listened for her heartbeat. He could still hear it faintly and instantly brought out his phone and dialed Lorenzo. The phone rang for a few moments before he finally picked"Get to the warehouse now!" DeAngelo spoke hurriedly"DeAngelo? I thought you were at the fundraiser. What's going on?" Lorenzo's voice sounded over the speakers"There's no time to explain; just bring the car around immediately. I'm at the old abandoned warehouse at the school," DeAngelo replied and ended the callWith shaking hands, he scrolled through his contacts and called Caterina, his gaze focused on the screen intently cursing every second the call rang, and she did not pick up"Fuck fuck fuck! Pick up your funking phone, Caterina!" He said, panicking and soon after, Caterina answered the call"When someone cal
Dared to love Are You Really Pregnant?
A dead silence hung in the air when Clay mentioned that he was Lorraine's husband. It was hard to believe, considering nobody even knew she had a boyfriend, not less being married. Clay shifted his gaze across many puzzled faces, wondering what was so intriguing. However, he waved it aside and paid no meaning to it"Who are you guys?" He asked, breaking the silence. Caterina stared at him, captivated by his gorgeous looks. He was nothing like Lorraine had described, standing in front of him wearing a custom sweatshirt, his toned muscles hung firmly to them, slightly revealing his chest hair, and his neatly trimmed beard stealing some focus from his emerald eyes, he was by far the hottest person in the room.Caterina walked towards him nervously, trying to compose herself and shake away the thoughts that were forming in her head"Okay, he is Lorraine's husband. That's not strange at all," she muttered to herself and extended her hand for a shake"I'm Caterina. I'm the one that called
Dared to love Sorry I couldn't Tell
Immediately, Lorraine mentioned she was pregnant; Clay pulled her closely and embraced her. Lorraine slowly wrapped her arms around his back, taking in his aura. Despite the circumstances of his arrival, this was the closest she had felt to home since she arrived in Italy. She felt solace in his embrace and drew a deep breath, wishing in his arms was where she could belong every day. However, after a while, reality suddenly settled in, and she pulled away from the hug. No matter how good his embrace felt or how his hair smelled like a bed of meadows, she couldn't watch by as she lost herself to his charm and will. It was this same feeling that made her leave home.Clay slowly lifted his gaze at her, and a sudden puzzled look appeared on his face. He furrowed his brows ever so gently as he realized that Lorraine had been pregnant for a month and never mentioned it at any point. As his gaze focused on her face, he couldn’t ignore the questions that were burgeoning in his mind and asked
Dared to love In The Shadows
"What?" Clay asked, slightly taken aback. "I don't want you to stay in Italy just for me," Lorraine repeated. Clay stood up from the chair and paced about uncomfortably for a while, trying to discern her reasons and then swiftly, he turned to her and tried to speak, but the words escaped him. Staring at her face blankly for a few moments, he finally asked"I'm sorry. Do you not want me here?" Clay asked keenly"Cause I came all the way down here to apologize and make up for it, but then I found out that you've been pregnant this whole time, and now it seems that you don't even want me here", he riposted"Are we really going to do this here?" Lorraine said exhaustively"Yes! I mean, I'm trying my best here to overlook the fact that you've been pregnant for four weeks, and I'm only now hearing about it, just so I can be here for you, and you are indirectly sending me away?", "What is this really about Lorraine?","Oh my God, can you let this go!" Lorraine blurted"Then tell me why you
Dared to love Are We Ready For This?
Lorraine watched in shock as Clay burst out of the ward, surprising the doctor as well. She wondered what that was all about. One moment, he was arguing with her about being involved in the baby's life, and when it was time to find out their baby's health, he seemed panicky.However, she waved off the thought as the probe moved around her stomach, listening for a heartbeat. Suddenly, she felt a sudden rush of emotions. Despite knowing she was pregnant, she never had the pregnancy tested. Hearing the little thumping of her baby's heartbeat confirmed what she already knew was true. She was indeed pregnant.Instantly, Lorraine felt gripped by fear as the realization struck her - she would be a mother.Immediately, she started breathing heavily, and her nerves became greatly unsettled. How could she do any of these? She was barely taking good care of herself; how could she raise another human by herself? Suddenly, she was beginning to rethink Clay's offer as she realized if she were 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
