Gabriel arrived at the office early, as usual. The city skyline was bathed in the soft hues of the morning sun, and he had a long day ahead of him with meetings and reports to get through. He grabbed his coffee from the break room and made his way to his desk, but something felt off.
He glanced toward Lorraine's corner, expecting to see her immersed in work, her eyes locked onto her computer screen, a soft frown of concentration on her face. But today, her desk was conspicuously empty. Gabriel frowned. Lorraine was never late—if anything, she was the one who arrived before everyone else, always organized, always punctual.
Maybe she's just running late, Gabriel thought, trying to shake off the unease gnawing at him. But as the morning stretched on and her desk remained vacant, his concern grew. By lunchtime, the absence was impossible to ignore.
Gabriel tried to focus on his tasks, but his mind kept drifting back to Lorraine. He had texted her earlier, but there was no reply. His thumb hovered over his phone, debating whether to send another message or just drop by her apartment after work.
By the time the day wound down and the office buzz began to die, Gabriel couldn't wait any longer. He needed to know if she was okay.
Gabriel pulled up in front of Lorraine's apartment, the familiar building standing tall against the night sky. He parked, grabbed his jacket, and made his way up to her floor. Each step he took up the staircase seemed heavier than the last. Something didn't feel right, and he couldn't shake the nagging worry.
When he finally reached her door, he knocked twice, waiting for the sound of Lorraine's footsteps on the other side. But there was silence. He knocked again, louder this time, and then, to his surprise, the door creaked open.
But it wasn't Lorraine who answered.
Standing before him was a woman who looked strikingly similar to Lorraine but with an unmistakable aura of confidence and authority. She was stunning, with sharp, well-defined features, almond-shaped eyes that held an icy edge, and long dark hair that cascaded down her back in soft waves. She wore a tailored designer coat, her posture exuding the grace and poise of someone used to commanding attention.
Gabriel immediately recognized her from the countless magazine covers and television interviews. This was Krystal Soo-Martino, Lorraine's mother—and not just any mother. Krystal was a famous celebrity, an actress-turned-fashion-icon, adored by millions and feared by those who knew her true, more cutthroat side. Her reputation for perfectionism was well-known, and she had a reputation for being controlling and, above all, fiercely protective of her image.
The air between them felt immediately tense.
Krystal's eyes swept over him in one quick, assessing glance, and her lips curled into the faintest hint of a smirk. "You must be Gabriel," she said, her tone smooth but carrying an undercurrent of disdain. "I've heard about you."
Gabriel blinked, momentarily taken aback by her tone. "Yes, I'm Gabriel," he said carefully. "Is Lorraine here? She didn't come to work today, and I was worried."
Krystal's expression barely shifted. "Lorraine's resting. She's had a lot on her mind lately."
"Resting?" Gabriel repeated, his concern deepening. He tried to peer past Krystal into the apartment, but she blocked his view with a subtle shift of her body. "Is everything okay?"
Krystal raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, her expression cold and unimpressed. "That's not really any of your concern, is it?"
Gabriel bristled at her tone, but he kept his voice steady. "Actually, it is. Lorraine and I—"
"Lorraine and you," Krystal interrupted, her voice cutting through his words like a blade. "What exactly is that? Do you think you're in a position to be involved in her life, Gabriel?"
Gabriel took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I care about her. I'm here because I'm worried."
Krystal's eyes narrowed slightly, and she stepped out into the hallway, pulling the door closed behind her. She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a low, icy whisper. "Listen, Gabriel. Lorraine is my daughter. She has a certain standard to uphold, and I've worked very hard to make sure she doesn't end up entangled with the wrong people. I know about you, about your little… relationship." The word dripped with disdain, as if she could barely bring herself to say it. "And I think it's best if you stay away."
Gabriel's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice measured. "With all due respect, that's not your decision to make. Lorraine's an adult, and she can make her own choices."
Krystal gave a cold, mirthless laugh. "Oh, I'm well aware of how headstrong my daughter is. But you see, Gabriel, Lorraine doesn't belong in a world of mediocrity. She belongs with people who can match her ambition, her potential." She looked him up and down again, her expression making it clear she didn't believe he was part of that world. "People who can elevate her."
Gabriel could feel the heat rising in his chest, but he bit back the anger that was bubbling up inside him. "I don't need to 'elevate' Lorraine," he said, his voice calm but firm. "She's perfectly capable of standing on her own."
Krystal's eyes flashed, but before she could respond, the door behind her opened again, and Lorraine stepped out.
She looked pale and tired, her hair pulled into a loose bun, and she was dressed in a simple oversized sweater and leggings. The sight of her made Gabriel's heart clench with concern, but there was also a flicker of relief to see her.
"Mom," Lorraine said, her voice heavy with exasperation. "What are you doing?"
Krystal's cool demeanor shifted slightly as she turned to face her daughter. "I'm here because you weren't answering your phone. I was worried."
Lorraine crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the doorframe. "I told you, I've just been taking some time for myself."
Gabriel stepped forward, his eyes softening as he addressed her. "Lorraine, I came to check on you too. I didn't hear from you all day."
Lorraine gave him a tired smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm sorry, Gabriel. It's been… a lot lately."
Krystal glanced between the two of them, her lips thinning in disapproval. "Gabriel, I think it's time for you to leave. Lorraine needs rest, not distractions."
Lorraine's face tightened with irritation. "Mom, stop."
Krystal sighed dramatically, as if the weight of the world was on her shoulders. "Lorraine, I'm only trying to protect you. You've been working too hard, exhausting yourself over… what? Some corporate job? This life you've built here, it's small. It's beneath you. You should be back at the mansion, where you belong. Surrounded by people who understand your worth."
Lorraine's expression darkened. She crossed her arms, her voice low but firm. "I told you before—I'm not moving back. I've made a life here."
Krystal's eyes flickered with frustration. "A life? In this apartment? Lorraine, you're living like a commoner when you could have everything. I've worked too hard for you to throw it all away for this."
Lorraine took a deep breath, visibly trying to keep her emotions in check. "Mom, I don't want everything handed to me. I want to build something for myself, on my own terms. I'm happy here."
"Happy?" Krystal's voice was sharp, almost incredulous. "Living in this shoebox, working a job that's beneath you? Spending time with—" her gaze shifted to Gabriel, her disdain palpable "—people who don't understand the world you come from?"
Gabriel stood silently, not wanting to escalate the tension, but it was clear that Krystal's disapproval was about more than just Lorraine's lifestyle—it was about him too.
Lorraine straightened, her eyes hardening. "I understand the world I come from, Mom. But I also know what kind of life I want. And it's not the one you're trying to push me into."
Krystal's lips pressed into a thin line, her voice softening but still sharp. "You're making a mistake, Lorraine. You're wasting your potential here. You're wasting your time."
Lorraine's voice cracked slightly as she replied, but her resolve didn't waver. "I'm not wasting anything. I'm building something real, something I want. And if you can't accept that, then maybe you don't really know me at all."
Krystal looked at her daughter for a long moment, her face a mask of disappointment. Then, with a sigh, she turned toward the door, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "Very well," she said quietly. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
She paused at the door, casting one last glance at Gabriel, her eyes cold and calculating. "Be careful, Gabriel. This world can be very unforgiving to people who don't belong."
With that, Krystal swept out of the apartment, the door closing behind her with a soft click.
The tension in the room lingered for a moment, and Lorraine slumped against the doorframe, exhaling deeply as she ran a hand through her hair. Gabriel stepped closer, his concern evident in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" Gabriel asked softly, his voice filled with genuine concern.
Lorraine took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... my mom can be overwhelming sometimes. She doesn't really understand why I want to live this way."
Gabriel reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that. I know she's... intense. But you're doing amazing, Lorraine. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."
Lorraine gave him a tired but appreciative smile. "Thanks, Gabriel. It means a lot to hear that."
They stood in silence for a moment, the only sound the quiet hum of the city outside. Gabriel noticed how drained Lorraine looked, her shoulders slumped and her eyes carrying a hint of sadness that hadn't been there before.
"Why don't we sit down?" Gabriel suggested gently. "I'd like to make sure you're okay."
Lorraine nodded, leading him to the small living area of her apartment. They settled on the couch, and Gabriel took a seat next to her, giving her space but remaining close enough to offer comfort.
"So," Gabriel began, trying to lighten the mood, "what did your mom think of me? She seemed to have a pretty strong opinion."
Lorraine chuckled, though it was more of a weary sigh. "Oh, she doesn't think much of you, to be honest. She's not exactly a fan of anyone who isn't part of her 'world,' as she calls it."
"Seems like she has a pretty narrow view of things," Gabriel said thoughtfully. "But you know what you want, and that's what matters."
Lorraine nodded, her gaze fixed on the floor. "I just wish she'd understand that I'm not trying to escape or reject her world. I just want to build my own life. It's hard when she's constantly pushing her expectations on me."
Gabriel could see the strain in Lorraine's face, and he wanted to do whatever he could to help ease it. "You're doing something important, Lorraine. You're living on your own terms, and that takes a lot of courage. It's not easy, especially with someone like your mom breathing down your neck."
Lorraine looked up at him, her eyes grateful. "I know. And it's comforting to hear you say that. Sometimes it feels like everyone's expectations are just too much."
Gabriel reached over, gently taking her hand in his. "You don't have to face it alone. I'm here for you, Lorraine. Whenever you need someone to talk to or just someone to be there, I'm here."
The warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his voice made Lorraine's heart flutter, and she squeezed his hand in return. "Thank you, Gabriel. I really appreciate it."
They sat together in the dimly lit room, the outside world momentarily forgotten. The emotional weight of the day seemed to lift slightly in Gabriel's comforting presence, and Lorraine found solace in the quiet companionship.
After a while, Lorraine stirred, her expression shifting to one of contemplation. "You know, despite everything, I think I needed today. It reminded me of why I'm doing this. Why I need to keep pushing forward."
Gabriel gave her an encouraging smile. "And you're doing great. Just keep being true to yourself."
Lorraine nodded, a sense of resolve returning to her. "I will. It's just hard sometimes, balancing everything. But I'll get through it."
Gabriel nodded in agreement. "You will. And you've got me in your corner."
They spent the next hour talking about lighter topics—Gabriel's work, Lorraine's plans for the weekend, and their favorite movies. The conversation flowed more easily now, and the atmosphere in the room lightened considerably. Gabriel noticed Lorraine's laughter coming more freely, her shoulders relaxing as she enjoyed the company.
Eventually, the conversation turned back to the topic of Lorraine's mother, but with a more hopeful note.
"Do you think she'll ever come around?" Gabriel asked. "I mean, will she ever accept that you're happy with your choices?"
Lorraine shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe. She's stubborn, but she loves me in her own way. It might take time, but maybe someday she'll understand."
Gabriel nodded. "It's a step. And even if she doesn't come around right away, you've got your own path to follow. And I'll be here, supporting you."
Lorraine's eyes softened as she looked at him. "Thank you, Gabriel. It means a lot."
As the evening wore on, Gabriel reluctantly stood to leave. Lorraine walked him to the door, a small but genuine smile on her face.
"Thanks for coming by," she said, her voice sincere. "It really helped."
Gabriel smiled back, his eyes warm. "Anytime, Lorraine. Anytime."
He reached out, gently squeezing her hand one last time before stepping out into the hallway. As the door closed behind him, Lorraine felt a renewed sense of determination. The evening had been challenging, but Gabriel's support had made it a little easier to bear.
She leaned against the door for a moment, taking a deep breath. Despite her mother's disapproval and the hurdles she faced, Lorraine felt a glimmer of hope. She had her own path to forge, and with Gabriel's encouragement, she felt more equipped to face whatever came next.
The city lights twinkled outside her window, a reflection of the possibilities that lay ahead. Lorraine turned back to her small but cozy apartment, feeling a newfound strength within her. The journey was far from over, but she was ready to continue it with determination and the knowledge that she wasn't alone.