As they reached the towering massive gates of Clay's mansion, Ben's breath caught in his throat, overwhelmed by the grandeur before him. His patience wore thin, and as hard as he tried to, he could not contain his excitement."Lorraine, whose house are we at exactly?" Her father eagerly asked. Lorraine glanced at him, with a teasing smile on her lips, she replied, "Just wait and see."With a sudden halt, Mark parked the car in front of the entrance steps, opened the trunk and grabbed their luggage. Dressed in a stylish golf polo shirt, corduroy pants, and sleek suede shoes, Clay descended the stairs exuding an air of professionalism that took Lorraine at surprise. She was accustomed to his regular tailored suits but she found him even more dashing and was stunned as he descended the stairs, captivated by his toned muscles that the shirt had now revealed. Everyone looked handsome in a suit, but how could she resist those blue eyes and his sexy jawline? He was undeniably handsome, not i
That morning, after Lorraine's father left for the airport, she felt relieved and went back to her husband's room. As she walked around the unfamiliar walls, she could sense his presence everywhere. The room smelled like Clay's perfume, and even though he wasn't there, she could still smell it in the air. The scent was intense, strong, and sweet, just like his bedspreads. She wondered if she would ever be able to enter his room again now that her dad was gone and they didn't have to pretend to be married anymore.On the other hand, Clay remembered what Lorraine had told him before her father's visit. He stared at her, his curiosity growing, which made his face twist."You quit your job?" he asked. Lorraine realized they were back to their usual superficial relationship. She looked at the clock, feeling frustrated. Out of all the things he could have said to make this seemingly perfect moment even better, or to grab her hand and pull her onto the huge bed, he chose to talk about work.
"Thank you?" "What was he thanking me for?" Lorraine wondered as she returned to her room, taking one last glance at Clay's bedroom. As she dropped her clothes on the bed and started to hang them in the wardrobe. All night, she had tossed and turned uncomfortably in Clay's bed, wondering if her father would spot something off about their marriage. Still, the pressure was now gone, and he wondered if she could maintain the same composure Clay had done with her father when she eventually met The Wilsons or if they would like her. She understood they were cut from different worlds - she came from one that relied on minimum wages and a 401k plan, while Clay came from a world where her 401k plan was the price of one of their cars.She sighed anxiously because she never got along well with her in-laws, especially Shawn's parents. Unlike her parents, who loved and admired Shawn, his parents didn't like Lorraine and didn't hide it. One time, Shawn's dad even said, "My son deserves someone b
Maia brought out her phone and ordered an Uber, rushed to her room, and shortly after, she emerged wearing a boyfriend's jeans and some lose blouse"Let's go", she said, smearing the powder on her cheeks, and they were off to the most expensive clothing mall in Manhattan, Dechanelle.Maia and Lorraine walked into the high-end fashion store and browsed the racks of clothes, admiring the different styles and colours.The store was also filled with beautiful and seductive lingeries, from lacy bras and panties to sheer babydoll nighties.Maia was thrilled as she glanced around. She preferred fashion-forward clothes like those from Fashionova. On the other hand, Lorraine would probably have chosen a dress from a thrift store for dinner. Fancy dinners, parties, and balls were not her style. It was a stark contrast to Clay's world of wealth and status. She was more of a romance book by the reedy rivers type of girl, but somehow Lorraine managed to adapt and fit in. The upcoming family dinner
The sound of heels gently tapping against the marble steps grew louder, capturing Clay's attention. He stood nervously at the bottom of the stairs, adjusting his tie as he stared at the staircase in anticipation. The soft rays of the sun filtered through the window casting a warm glow over the room, but the most alluring sight was of Lorraine. She gracefully descended the stairs, her flowing dress revealing a slit by the thigh, accentuating her every movement, and Clay was captivated. Time seemed to stand still as he watched her slowly approach him. She gazed at him, locking eyes with him and a magnetic connection formed between them.His heart skipped a beat when he stared into her sparkling brown eyes, enchanting him into them the closer she moved towards him. Clay had never noticed her figure before; slender and curvy, her beauty seemed ethereal, and he lost all will to deny his feelings anymore. "Wow" he exclaimed breathlessly "You look…" "Dashing?" Lorraine interrupted with a
Lorraine stared at the mysterious lady as she approached the table. Her auburn wavy hair swung graciously as she stepped closer, adding a gentle elegance to her rhythmic steps, accentuating her natural curves. She looked almost like a model, and Lorraine was confused about what side of the family she belonged to. She had not heard any mentions of another sister whilst she was at the table, but she noticed that when the beautiful lady took a seat, the atmosphere of the table changed into apprehensive looks and quiet murmuring "Hi honey", she called, leaned in and kissed Clay on the cheek. Lorraine looked puzzled; this was an unusual display of affection between family members. Why would she call him honey? Her mind wondered, but she decided to ignore those thoughts. Still, the silence that hung in the air made it clear that something was amissClay did not respond to her greeting; he only looked uncomfortably bothered; they all did, except for Clay's mother.Celeste glanced around the
Celeste's threats were chilling, having never encountered any life threats before. In less than a week, Lorraine's life had been threatened twice, but each time she managed to remain calm and collected. But this time, this was her breaking point. She was questioning whether a relationship with Clay was worth it all. He had lied to her from the start and once again betrayed her trust, but she couldn't have anyone but herself to blame. She was the one that left down her guard and allowed his sweet sentiments to fool her, but something still made her believe there was more to this than Clay was letting on. They had to be. The innocent sparkle in his eyes had held her captive, the tingles she felt whenever they touched, sending goosebumps up her spine and butterflies in her stomach. He couldn't have faked all that, she tried to reassure herself. Her marriage wasn't a sham, and neither were her feelings or Clay's; she needed to find out the truth, and only one person held the answers she n
The locks to the door clicked open, and Maia pushed the door to see her best friend standing across the door with her suitcases packed and her eyes welled up in tears. Instantly, she opened her arms and pulled her into an embrace. "There there, honey", she patted Lorraine's back, who now let her stifle cries out. Maia collected the suitcase and rolled them inside.She headed over to her kitchen, reached into the refrigerator and brought out a bowl of ice cream she had been saving for moments just like this. She hadn't just expected that Lorraine would be the one needing it. When she called and told her she was leaving Clay's for a while, she was baffled. They seemed perfect for each other, and the more they fought their desires and wants, their insatiable longing became more passionate and fueled. Although she had anticipated that Clay's family might not be too welcoming of their son's bride under the circumstances of their marriage, she had faith in her friend that Lorraine could w
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
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.
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
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
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
"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
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
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
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