All Chapters of Claiming Daddy : Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

Stella.I stared at the colourful banner in Lawrence's hands announcing an upcoming juried art competition, the grand prize winner receiving a solo exhibition sponsored by some fancy gallery uptown. Apprehension and excitement warred within me. "A contest? Lawrence, I've only just started painting," I protested. "I'm playing around, not seriously competing with real artists." But he crouched down, green eyes intent. "You underestimate yourself, little moon. I've watched you lose hours in creative flow, seen your pieces move others." He squeezed my shoulder. "You have raw talent worth cultivating."I bit my lip, staring at the application specifics. "Putting my work out there to be judged though...it's intimidating." In truth, the thought of that vulnerability terrified me. I was a novice fumbling through self-expression, not some worldly maestro conversant in theory and technique. Lawrence tipped my chin up gently. "Courage comes in accepting righteous risk. I have faith in your

Stella I grinned down at the contest application in my hands, determination welling inside. The apprehension I’d felt yesterday seemed distant now. If even amateur artists in my class were willing to risk rejection submitting their work, who was I to coward in the shadows? Lawrence’s steadfast confidence in me was not misplaced - I would live up to that radiant potential he somehow glimpsed. “Let’s just give it our best shot,” I declared to my painting mates the next evening. “The judges can make of it what they will. But how often do doors like this gallery showcase open?” My friends smiled indulgently, familiar with my tendency for melodrama. But I sensed they too nursed secret longings to have their visions validated on a real public platform. Together we would leap and trust the net to appear.On the drive home, I squeezed Lawrence’s arm excitedly. “You know, you were right about pushing past fear for growth. What do I gain from wasting energy on anxiety about how some stran

LawrenceWaking with Stella nestled trustingly against my chest each dawn felt akin to emerging from dark dreams back into sunshine's golden grace. After coming so near to losing everything, I vowed never to take small pleasures of sharing pillow talk and sleepy caresses for granted again. Past trauma had granted perspective to properly appreciate just how precariously precious happiness balanced--so easily tipped into fathomless grief by capricious fate.Through lingering breakfasts on the balcony overlooking the awakening city spread below, I memorised each nuance of Stella's beloved face, engraving details no photograph could capture - the way early light brought out honeyed highlights in her mussed waves, how she bit her full lower lip to suppress giggles when reading some sly message from her sister. Even the most mundane habits seemed suddenly profound.My assistant accosted me the moment I stepped off the lift into the chrome and glass executive suite, her usual efficiency sha

Stella Butterflies swirled anxiously in my belly as I wandered the penthouse wrapped in Lawrence's crisp white shirt, hair still damp from the shower. Today was judgment day for the art contest. Had my entries captured the "glimpse of humanity" theme adequately to impress the exclusive panel of critics?I had channeled plenty raw emotion into the paintings - from delight in mother-daughter bonds to empathy for neglected strays like dear Fluffy. But technical mastery still eluded me. What if stark honesty alone proved insufficient next to classically honed pieces?Glancing at the bold canvas of the homeless kitten that felt most vulnerable, I gnawed my lip. Perhaps entering the contest had been foolish ambition. I was no professional after all, just dabbling amateur hastily mentored. Still, Andre and Lawrence both insisted my unique perspective deserved wider audience. With more guidance I might someday forge impactful stories from life's poignancy...Speak of the devil - warm arms

StellaI practically danced through the door of the penthouse, buoyed by the afternoon's incredible events. My little abstract piece had somehow struck a chord with viewers online, opening up intoxicating possibilities I had barely dared dream before.Lawrence swept me up into an exuberant embrace the moment I crossed the threshold, pride shining warmly from his gorgeous green eyes. "Ah, here's the artist taking the world by storm! I can hardly contain my excitement over your meteoric debut, little star."I flushed happily under his effusive delight, letting my bag slide to the polished floor. "I can scarcely believe so many responded to something so personal and unpolished. Andre was positively mischievous going behind my back like that!""On the contrary, he knew precisely what a scintillating talent you are and wanted to give your gifts to a wider audience." Lawrence pressed fervent kisses across my upturned face between remarks. "The adulation is just the first trickle of the tid