The polished floors of the office building gleamed under the soft glow of the overhead lights as Lorraine Martino strode confidently down the hallway, her heels clicking with every step. It was late afternoon, and the hustle of the workday had settled into a quieter rhythm. The minimalist design of the office, with its sleek glass walls and chrome accents, matched her composed, professional exterior, but inside, Lorraine was anything but settled.
Her mind buzzed with thoughts, mostly about the day's work, but also her encounter with Gabriel Han. It had been an odd day from the start, meeting him during orientation, exchanging polite words in the conference room, and then that brief yet unexpectedly revealing conversation in the kitchen. Gabriel was... different. He was clearly not from the same world as she was, but that didn't bother her. What bothered her was how comfortable he seemed in being himself—something Lorraine was still learning to do.
As she turned a corner, still deep in thought, her foot slipped on a patch of water that had gone unnoticed on the slick floor. Time seemed to slow down as Lorraine's balance tipped precariously forward. Her arms flailed instinctively, her breath catching in her throat as she braced for the inevitable crash.
But it didn't come.
A strong hand gripped her arm, steadying her just in time. She gasped, her body jerking upright as she was pulled back onto her feet. Lorraine blinked, her heart racing, as she turned to see who had caught her.
It was Gabriel.
"Whoa, easy there," Gabriel said with a light chuckle, his grip still firm on her arm. His dark eyes sparkled with amusement, and there was that familiar smile—easygoing, casual, as if nothing ever truly fazed him.
Lorraine, still startled and a little breathless, tried to shake off the embarrassment quickly. She tugged her arm free from his grasp, her cheeks flushing slightly as she brushed down her jacket, trying to regain her composure.
"Thank you," she said stiffly, not meeting his eyes. "But I had it under control."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Yeah, sure. Looked like you were about to have a very close relationship with the floor."
Her eyes narrowed, finally meeting his. "I said I had it under control."
"Right," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "My bad for trying to help."
For a moment, they stood there, staring at each other. Lorraine felt a familiar surge of irritation rise in her chest. There was something about Gabriel that just rubbed her the wrong way—his casual confidence, his laid-back attitude, and the way he seemed to make everything a joke. She was used to people treating her with a certain level of respect, or at least deference, given her background. But Gabriel? He treated her like... well, like just another person.
She hated how much that got under her skin.
With a tight smile, Lorraine stepped past him. "I appreciate the help, but I'm fine."
Gabriel watched her walk away, shaking his head slightly. "You're welcome," he muttered to himself, though he couldn't help but smile.
The Tension Builds
The next few days at the office only amplified the tension between Lorraine and Gabriel. They were both assigned to the same project—a comprehensive analysis for a high-profile client, one that required precision and collaboration. Lorraine took the lead, naturally, assuming her organized and meticulous approach would be the most efficient way to handle things. Gabriel, however, had a more laid-back attitude, offering his insights in a casual, almost offhanded manner that made her grit her teeth.
It didn't help that every time they disagreed—and they disagreed often—Gabriel had that infuriating habit of grinning, as if he found her frustration amusing.
"I'm telling you," Lorraine said one afternoon, her voice strained as she pointed to the presentation slides. "We need to focus more on the data projections. The client wants hard numbers, not vague estimates."
"And I'm saying," Gabriel replied, leaning back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest, "the client wants solutions. Sure, the numbers are important, but they're more interested in what those numbers mean and how we're going to help them navigate the market."
Lorraine glared at him, her jaw tightening. "I know what the client wants."
"Do you, though?" Gabriel's tone was teasing, but there was an undercurrent of challenge in his voice. "Because from what I've seen, you're so focused on being perfect that you're missing the bigger picture."
She bristled at that. "I'm not trying to be perfect. I'm trying to be thorough."
"Right. Thorough. And rigid," Gabriel shot back, standing up now, his hands resting on the table between them. "There's more than one way to get this done, Lorraine. You're just too stubborn to see it."
Her eyes flashed with anger. "And you're too arrogant to listen to anyone else's opinion."
They stood there, the tension crackling between them like static electricity. Lorraine's pulse quickened, not just from the argument but from the way Gabriel was looking at her—intense, unflinching, and far too close for her liking.
She crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. "We're not getting anywhere like this."
Gabriel exhaled slowly, his posture relaxing slightly as he ran a hand through his hair. "You're right. We're not."
There was a pause, the charged atmosphere slowly deflating. Lorraine glanced away, feeling a flicker of guilt for losing her temper. She wasn't usually so easily rattled, but something about Gabriel always managed to push her buttons.
He sat back down, his tone softer now. "Look, I get it. You're used to doing things a certain way, and you're good at what you do. I'm just saying maybe we can meet in the middle."
Lorraine hesitated, her irritation still simmering beneath the surface. But there was a truth to his words that she couldn't deny. She prided herself on her professionalism, but maybe she had been too rigid.
"Fine," she said after a long pause, her voice quieter now. "We'll try it your way."
Gabriel gave her a nod, his expression softening. "I think we'll get a lot more done that way."
-------
Despite the rough start, something shifted after that. Lorraine and Gabriel found a rhythm, each compromising in their own way. Gabriel respected her need for structure, while Lorraine gradually opened herself to his more flexible approach.
One evening, they stayed late at the office, poring over data and reports for the project. The tension that had defined their earlier interactions had lessened, replaced by a tentative sense of camaraderie.
Gabriel stretched in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. "You ever stop working?"
Lorraine glanced up from her laptop, her eyes tired but focused. "Only when it's done."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Figures. You're like a machine."
She smirked, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I like to get things right."
Gabriel leaned back, regarding her with a thoughtful expression. "You don't always have to be so perfect, you know."
Lorraine blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "What?"
He shrugged. "I mean, you're always so... in control. It's impressive, don't get me wrong. But sometimes, it's okay to loosen up a bit."
Her brows furrowed, a small frown forming. "I'm not trying to be perfect."
"Could've fooled me," Gabriel said, leaning forward slightly. "It's like you're always holding yourself to some impossible standard."
Lorraine's gaze dropped to the papers in front of her. His words hit closer to home than she would have liked. She had spent her entire life trying to prove something—first to herself, then to her parents, and now to the world. It was exhausting, but she didn't know any other way to be.
"I just..." She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "I have a lot to live up to."
Gabriel watched her for a moment, his expression softening. "You don't have to live up to anything. You just have to be you."
She glanced up at him, her guard slipping for just a second. "And what if that's not enough?"
There was a long pause, and when Gabriel spoke again, his voice was gentle. "It's more than enough, Lorraine."
For a moment, the air between them seemed to shift. The usual tension was still there, but it had taken on a different quality—softer, more understanding. Lorraine looked at Gabriel, really looked at him, and for the first time, she saw past the easygoing smile and casual demeanor. There was something deeper there, something real.
She didn't know what to say, so she didn't say anything. Instead, she nodded, a small, almost imperceptible gesture of acknowledgment. Gabriel smiled at her, but this time it wasn't the teasing grin she had grown used to. It was something warmer, more sincere.
"Come on," he said, standing up and stretching. "Let's get out of here before they lock us in for the night."
Lorraine chuckled softly, surprising herself. "Yeah, that might be a good idea."
-------
In the weeks that followed, the dynamic between Lorraine and Gabriel continued to evolve. They still argued, of course—Gabriel's laid-back approach still clashed with Lorraine's need for control more often than not—but the arguments had lost their sharp edge. There was a mutual respect now, a recognition of each other's strengths.
One afternoon, as they sat side by side in a meeting room, Lorraine caught herself glancing at Gabriel. He was focused on the presentation, his usual casual demeanor replaced by a rare seriousness.
She shook her head slightly, feeling a smile tug at the corner of her lips. Gabriel had surprised her in more ways than one. He was still infuriating at times, but he had a way of cutting through the noise, of reminding her not to take everything so seriously. It was something she hadn't realized she needed.
As the meeting ended and they gathered their things, Gabriel nudged her with his elbow. "Hey, you okay? You were staring off into space there for a second."
Lorraine blinked, startled. "I was just thinking."
"Dangerous territory," he joked, but his smile was gentle.
She rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. "Shut up."
Gabriel chuckled, falling into step beside her as they walked out of the room. "You know, for someone who hated me a couple of weeks ago, you're starting to get pretty soft."
"I didn't hate you," Lorraine said, though her tone was half-hearted.
"Sure you didn't," Gabriel teased. "But hey, if you ever want to admit that I'm growing on you, I'm all ears."
She shot him a sideways glance, her smile widening despite herself. "Don't push your luck, Han."
But as they walked together, their shoulders brushing slightly, Lorraine realized that maybe—just maybe—Gabriel was right.
Maybe she was softening. And maybe that wasn't such a bad thing after all.
----
The city lights blurred together as Lorraine drove home, the steady hum of the engine filling the silence. The tension of the day had settled into a dull ache in her chest, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Gabriel. He had a way of getting under her skin, of pushing her in ways she wasn't used to, but there was something undeniably comforting about his presence now. It was strange how quickly their dynamic had shifted—from tense coworkers to something softer, more understanding.
But as she pulled into the driveway of her family home, the warmth from those thoughts quickly dissipated. A familiar sense of dread washed over her. Her father, David Martino, had been distant lately, and she had a feeling tonight would bring more of that distance.
The house loomed large in front of her, a stately building with tall windows that always felt a little too empty. Lorraine stepped out of the car and made her way inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and fresh flowers welcoming her. She could hear the faint murmur of voices coming from the living room. Her younger brother, Francis, was probably watching television, and her father was likely in his study, where he spent most of his evenings these days.
As she entered the house, her footsteps echoed in the hallway, and she paused for a moment, steadying herself before she walked into the living room. The last thing she wanted was to bring the day's frustration into her family life, especially when things were already so tense.
"Hey, Lorraine!" Francis called out, glancing up from the TV with a bright smile. His boyish face lit up as he saw her, his eyes full of the carefree energy that came with being sixteen and still untouched by the weight of adulthood.
"Hey, squirt," she said with a smile, ruffling his hair as she walked past him. "How was school?"
"Same old, same old," he replied, shrugging. "You know, math sucks, but I'm still better at it than you."
"Right," Lorraine teased back, rolling her eyes. "Enjoy it while it lasts. One day you'll have real problems to solve."
Francis made a face at her, but his smile didn't falter. Lorraine loved that about him—how he could always lighten the mood, even when things felt heavy.
But as she moved toward her father's study, that heaviness returned. The door was slightly ajar, and she could hear the soft, measured tones of her father's voice. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open.
David Martino was sitting at his desk, his hands folded neatly in front of him. His graying hair was combed back, and his sharp, intelligent eyes flicked up when Lorraine entered. He smiled softly, though there was a weariness in his gaze.
"Lorraine," he greeted her, motioning for her to come in. "We need to talk."
Her heart sank. Those four words had never brought good news. "What's going on, Dad?"
David leaned back in his chair, his expression calm but serious. "I've been called to Manila for an extended period. It's... business-related, but this time, it's important. I'll be leaving tomorrow."
The weight of his words hit her like a punch to the stomach. Lorraine had always known her father's work was demanding, that his business took him all over the world. But this felt different. It wasn't just a business trip—it felt final, somehow.
"Tomorrow?" Lorraine repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "But... for how long?"
David sighed, his gaze steady. "It could be a few months. Maybe more."
The air in the room grew thick, and Lorraine's mind raced. Her father had always been the pillar of their family, the one who held everything together. The thought of him being gone for so long, of not having him there, was more than she could bear.
"And I'm taking Francis with me," David added, his voice gentle, but the impact of his words was no less devastating.
Her eyes widened, and she felt the ground shift beneath her. "What? Why? He has school, his life here—"
"He'll finish his studies there," David interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "Manila has some of the best schools, and this is an opportunity for him. I need him with me."
Lorraine's hands clenched into fists at her sides. She knew her father wasn't doing this lightly, but the thought of both of them leaving... it was too much.
"I don't understand," she said, her voice cracking slightly. "Why now? Why all of a sudden?"
David stood up, walking around the desk to stand in front of her. He placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch reassuring but his expression serious.
"Lorraine, this isn't just business. There are... complications. It's safer for me to take Francis with me. I can't explain everything right now, but you need to trust me."
Her eyes searched his face, looking for answers she knew he wouldn't give. He was always like this—always protecting them from the full truth, from the weight of whatever burdens he carried. But it didn't make it any easier.
"I don't want you to go," Lorraine whispered, her voice shaking. She felt vulnerable, like a child again, grasping at the edges of something she couldn't control.
David's face softened, and he pulled her into a rare embrace. Lorraine stiffened at first, then slowly relaxed against him. His presence had always been steady, unshakeable, and now it felt like that foundation was crumbling beneath her.
"I know this is hard," David murmured, his voice low. "But you're strong, Lorraine. You've always been strong. You can handle this."
Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them back. She couldn't break down now. Not in front of him. She had to be strong, for her father, for Francis, for herself.
"When are you leaving?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
"Early tomorrow morning," David replied, pulling back slightly but keeping his hands on her shoulders. "I wanted to tell you tonight so you'd have time to process it."
Lorraine nodded, though her mind was still reeling. Tomorrow morning. It felt too soon, too abrupt. But that was how her father operated—efficient, calculated, always moving forward without looking back.
"I'll call you as often as I can," David promised, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "And we'll come back as soon as it's safe."
Lorraine forced a smile, though it felt like her heart was breaking. "Yeah. Sure. Just... be careful, okay?"
David gave her a small, reassuring smile. "I will. You take care of things here, all right? You've always been good at that."
With one last, gentle squeeze of her shoulders, he let go and turned back to his desk, signaling the conversation was over. Lorraine stood there for a moment, her emotions swirling in a chaotic mix of sadness, frustration, and helplessness.
She knew her father wouldn't have made this decision lightly, but it didn't stop the ache in her chest. She wanted to argue, to tell him to stay, but she knew it wouldn't change anything.
As she left the study and made her way to her room, Lorraine passed Francis in the living room. He looked up at her with a grin, completely unaware of the conversation that had just taken place.
"Hey, wanna watch something together later?" Francis asked, his voice filled with youthful excitement.
Lorraine paused, her heart aching even more at the thought of him leaving. She forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah, maybe later."
As she reached her room, closing the door behind her, she finally let herself collapse onto the bed. The tears she had been holding back spilled over, hot and heavy, as the reality of the situation settled in. Her father and brother were leaving, and she would be alone.
She hugged her knees to her chest, staring blankly at the far wall. The house felt too big, too empty without them, even though they were still here.
Lorraine wiped her eyes roughly. Be strong, her father had said. She wanted to be, but right now, all she felt was the emptiness creeping in.