Lorraine sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her black heels, a deep sigh escaping her lips. The invitation had come unexpectedly—Krystal had called her earlier that day with a sweet, almost too-gentle voice, asking her and Gabriel to join her for dinner at the mansion. Lorraine had been taken aback by the sudden shift in her mother's tone. After all, their last interaction had ended in a storm of hurtful words and a slap that still echoed in Lorraine's mind.
Now, as she prepared for the evening, anxiety gnawed at her. She glanced at herself in the mirror, her reflection looking far more composed than she felt. She had chosen a modest black dress that fell just below her knees, paired with simple accessories. Her makeup was minimal—just enough to cover the traces of sleepless nights.
Gabriel appeared in the doorway, his eyes soft with concern as he observed her. "You okay?" he asked gently, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.
Lorraine gave him a tight smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I don't know," she admitted. "This feels... strange. Why would my mother invite us after everything that happened?"
Gabriel walked over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Maybe she wants to make amends," he suggested, though his voice carried a note of skepticism.
Lorraine laughed, a short, bitter sound. "That would be a first."
Gabriel's gaze softened. He brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "Whatever happens tonight, I've got your back. You don't have to go through this alone."
She looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning into his touch. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Let's hope tonight isn't as bad as you're expecting," Gabriel replied with a small smile. "But if it is, we can always leave."
Lorraine nodded, though the tension in her chest didn't ease. Her mother had a way of twisting every situation into something uncomfortable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this dinner was going to be no different.
The mansion loomed ahead, its grand entrance flanked by tall pillars that seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkening sky. As Gabriel parked the car, Lorraine stared out the window, the sight of her childhood home stirring a mix of nostalgia and dread. The mansion, once a place of opulence and comfort, now felt like a gilded cage—its walls filled with memories of control and manipulation.
Gabriel glanced at her from the driver's seat, sensing her hesitation. "We can still turn back, you know."
Lorraine shook her head, her resolve hardening. "No, I need to face her. Whatever this is about, I can't keep running from it."
They exited the car and made their way to the entrance, Gabriel's hand resting lightly on Lorraine's lower back as a silent gesture of support. The door swung open before they could knock, and Krystal stood there, a radiant smile plastered on her face, though her eyes remained cold and calculating.
"Lorraine, darling," Krystal greeted, her voice syrupy. "I'm so glad you could make it."
Lorraine forced a polite smile, her nerves buzzing under her skin. "Thank you for inviting us, Mother."
Krystal's gaze flicked briefly to Gabriel, her smile tightening. "And Gabriel. How lovely to see you again."
Gabriel nodded, his expression neutral but respectful. "Thank you for having us, Mrs. Martino."
Krystal waved a hand dismissively, stepping aside to allow them entry. "Oh, please, call me Krystal. We're all friends here, aren't we?"
The mansion's interior was as extravagant as ever, the marble floors gleaming under the chandelier lights, and the walls adorned with expensive art. Yet despite its grandeur, the air felt suffocating, thick with unspoken tension.
As they walked through the halls toward the dining room, Krystal's voice floated back to them, light and conversational. "I've had the chef prepare something special tonight. I thought it would be nice to catch up, Lorraine, after our... disagreement."
Lorraine's jaw tightened at the word "disagreement," but she remained silent. She knew better than to provoke her mother before the night had even begun.
The dining room was set meticulously, with crystal glasses and fine china arranged perfectly. A large centerpiece of roses dominated the table, their crimson petals almost too bright, too vivid—a stark contrast to the dark undercurrents of the evening.
Krystal gestured for them to sit, taking her place at the head of the table. Lorraine and Gabriel exchanged a brief glance before sitting side by side. Lorraine's heart thudded in her chest as she braced herself for whatever was coming.
The first few minutes passed in uncomfortable silence, save for the clinking of silverware as the meal was served. The food was exquisite, no doubt, but Lorraine barely tasted it. Her focus remained on her mother, who sat across from them with a serene smile that never quite reached her eyes.
Finally, Krystal broke the silence. "So, Lorraine," she began, her tone deceptively casual, "how have you been? It's been a while since we've had a proper conversation."
Lorraine swallowed the lump in her throat, keeping her voice steady. "I've been fine, Mother. Busy with work."
Krystal hummed, taking a delicate sip of wine. "Yes, work. I've heard you've been spending quite a bit of time at that company. I suppose it's... fulfilling for you?"
Lorraine narrowed her eyes slightly, recognizing the undertone of condescension in her mother's words. "It is," she replied evenly. "I enjoy what I do."
Krystal's smile widened, though it was anything but kind. "That's good to hear. Of course, I've always thought you were capable of so much more. It's a shame you've settled for something so... ordinary."
Gabriel stiffened beside Lorraine, sensing the insult, but he kept his composure. Lorraine, however, felt a flicker of anger rise in her chest.
"Ordinary?" she repeated, her voice calm but sharp. "I don't think my work is ordinary, Mother. I'm proud of what I do."
Krystal's eyes glinted with amusement. "Oh, of course you are, darling. But let's not pretend it's on the same level as, say, a career in the public eye. You could've followed in my footsteps—there's so much potential in you, Lorraine. But you've always been so stubborn."
Lorraine clenched her fists under the table, fighting to keep her composure. "I've made my own choices, Mother. I'm happy with where I am."
Krystal tilted her head, her expression one of false sympathy. "Are you really happy, though? Or are you just convincing yourself that you are because it's easier than admitting you've wasted your potential?"
Gabriel's jaw tightened at Krystal's words, but before he could interject, Lorraine spoke, her voice low and controlled. "I don't need your approval to validate my choices. I'm doing what's right for me."
Krystal's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, turning her attention to Gabriel. "And you, Gabriel," she said, her tone light but with a clear edge. "What do you think of all this? You must have some thoughts about Lorraine's... decisions."
Gabriel met her gaze evenly, refusing to be intimidated. "I think Lorraine knows what's best for her. She's more than capable of making her own decisions, and I respect that."
Krystal's eyes flickered with mild irritation at his response, though she masked it well. "How noble of you," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I wonder, Gabriel, do you truly understand what it means to be part of a family like ours? The expectations, the responsibilities... I'm not sure someone from your background can fully grasp it."
Lorraine's eyes widened slightly at the blatant insult, but Gabriel remained calm, his voice steady as he replied. "I understand that every family has its own dynamics, Mrs. Martino. But I also believe that love and respect should be at the center of any relationship, regardless of background."
Krystal raised an eyebrow, her smile turning icy. "How quaint," she murmured. "But love and respect don't always get you far in this world, Gabriel. Sometimes, power and influence are what truly matter."
Lorraine's chest tightened as she watched the exchange. Her mother was deliberately goading Gabriel, testing him, and she hated it. "Mother," she interjected, her voice firm, "this isn't about power or influence. It's about living a life that makes me happy."
Krystal sighed dramatically, setting down her wineglass with a soft clink. "Oh, Lorraine, you're so naive sometimes. You've always been too idealistic for your own good. The world doesn't work the way you want it to. People like us—people in our position—we have responsibilities, expectations. You can't just run off and do whatever you please without considering the consequences."
Lorraine felt a surge of anger rise in her chest. "I'm not running off, Mother. I'm making choices that are right for me. I'm not a puppet for you to control."
Krystal's eyes darkened, her smile fading. "And where have your choices gotten you, Lorraine? You're still struggling to find your place, clinging to some man who barely understands what it means to be part of a family like ours. You're throwing away everything you could've been—everything I worked so hard to build for you."
Lorraine's hands trembled slightly under the table, her anger and frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "I don't want to be what you want me to be," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm not you, and I never will be."
Krystal's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. "And that's exactly why you'll never succeed, Lorraine. You don't have the strength to do what's necessary."
The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Lorraine stared at her mother, her heart pounding in her chest. She had always known that Krystal disapproved of her choices, but hearing it laid out so plainly, so coldly, was more painful than she had anticipated.
Gabriel placed a hand on Lorraine's, squeezing it gently. She glanced at him, grateful for his silent support, and then turned back to her mother, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her. "I don't need your approval to succeed, Mother. I don't need your validation. I'm going to live my life on my own terms, whether you like it or not."
Krystal's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes flashing with anger. "Don't be foolish, Lorraine. You're still young. You don't understand what it means to survive in this world. You'll regret this one day."
Lorraine stood, the legs of her chair scraping against the floor as she rose. "Maybe I will. But at least I'll know I made my own choices."
Gabriel stood as well, his hand still resting on Lorraine's back as a steadying presence. "Thank you for the dinner, Mrs. Martino," he said, his tone polite but firm. "But I think it's time we leave."
Krystal said nothing as they turned to go, her expression cold and unreadable. Lorraine felt a lump forming in her throat, but she kept her head held high, refusing to let her mother see the pain she was feeling.
As they walked out of the mansion, the cold night air hit Lorraine's face, and she exhaled, feeling a weight lift off her chest. Gabriel was beside her, silent but present, and she was grateful for that—for him.
When they reached the car, Gabriel turned to her, his eyes soft with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low.
Lorraine nodded, though her throat was tight. "I'll be fine," she said quietly. Then, after a moment, she looked up at him, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Gabriel. For being there for me. For everything."
Gabriel smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'll always be here for you, Lorraine. You're not alone in this."
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Lorraine believed it.
----
As they drove away from the mansion, the tense atmosphere began to melt away, replaced by a lingering quiet. Lorraine stared out the window, watching the lights of the city blur by, her mind swirling with the intensity of the dinner. Her mother's words still echoed in her ears—cutting, degrading, and filled with the coldness that had always marked their relationship.
But Gabriel's presence beside her grounded her, keeping the storm of emotions at bay. He drove in silence, his hand resting lightly on the steering wheel, occasionally glancing at her as if waiting for her to speak. The warmth of his silent support was more than enough for her right now.
They had been driving for a while when Gabriel finally spoke, his voice soft but steady. "Lorraine… you did really well back there."
Lorraine let out a small, humorless laugh. "Did I? I feel like I barely held it together."
Gabriel shook his head. "You were strong. You stood up to her. That's not easy, especially with someone like your mom."
She glanced at him, her heart swelling with appreciation. "You were strong too. The way you handled everything… I don't know how you stayed so calm."
Gabriel smiled, his eyes flicking to her before returning to the road. "I was just thinking about you. Making sure you were okay. That kept me calm."
His words made Lorraine's heart skip a beat. The sincerity in his voice, the care in his gestures—it was all so different from the world she had grown up in, where everything felt like a game of power and manipulation. With Gabriel, it was simple. Real.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that," she said after a pause, her voice tinged with guilt. "My mom… she's impossible."
"Don't apologize for her," Gabriel replied gently. "It's not your fault. And besides, I'm here because I want to be. I care about you, Lorraine. I'll always have your back."
Lorraine felt a rush of warmth flood her chest. His words were like a balm to the wounds her mother had reopened that night. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she wasn't alone—like someone was truly there for her, not because of what she could offer, but because of who she was.
Gabriel continued to drive for a few more minutes before he turned into a quiet park, the soft glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the ground. He pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine, the silence enveloping them like a blanket.
Lorraine looked around, surprised. "Why did we stop here?"
Gabriel shifted in his seat to face her, his expression serious but warm. "I wanted to talk to you. Away from everything else."
Her heart began to race, the soft intensity in his eyes making her suddenly aware of the closeness between them. She had known Gabriel for a while now, had grown closer to him with each passing day. But there was something different in his gaze tonight—something that made her pulse quicken.
"What is it?" she asked softly, her eyes searching his.
Gabriel hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. Then, with a deep breath, he reached out and gently took her hand in his, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Lorraine, I've been thinking about this for a while now. And after everything we've been through… tonight especially… I realized that I don't want to waste any more time."
Lorraine's breath hitched as she listened, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the weight of his words, the seriousness in his tone.
"I care about you," Gabriel continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "More than I can put into words. You're… incredible. Strong, smart, beautiful. And I feel like we're always there for each other, no matter what. I guess what I'm trying to say is… Lorraine, will you be my girlfriend?"
The question hung in the air between them, and for a moment, Lorraine was too stunned to speak. She had imagined this moment in her head, wondered if Gabriel felt the same way she did. But hearing him actually say the words made it all feel so real—so immediate.
Gabriel's eyes never left hers, his hand still holding hers gently but firmly, as if grounding her in the moment. He waited, patient and hopeful, as Lorraine processed what he had just asked.
A slow, warm smile spread across her face, her heart swelling with happiness. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "Yes, Gabriel, I'll be your girlfriend."
The relief and joy that washed over Gabriel's face were immediate. His smile lit up the darkness around them, his eyes shining with the same emotions Lorraine felt in her chest.
Without thinking, Lorraine leaned forward, closing the distance between them as she pressed her lips softly against his. Gabriel responded instantly, his hand moving to cradle her cheek as he deepened the kiss, his touch gentle but full of meaning.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other as they shared a quiet, intimate moment.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time," Gabriel murmured, his breath warm against her skin.
Lorraine laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "Me too."
For the first time that night, the heaviness that had been weighing on her since the dinner lifted, replaced by a lightness that filled every corner of her heart. Being with Gabriel felt right—like something she had been searching for without even realizing it.
They sat in the car for a while longer, talking quietly, their hands intertwined. Lorraine told him about her fears, her frustrations with her mother, and how she had always felt like she was never enough. Gabriel listened, never interrupting, his eyes full of understanding and love.
"I don't care what your mother thinks," Gabriel said at one point, his voice firm. "You're more than enough, Lorraine. You're everything."
Tears prickled at the corners of Lorraine's eyes, but they were tears of gratitude, of relief. She had spent so much of her life trying to live up to someone else's expectations—her mother's, her father's, society's. But here, with Gabriel, she could just be herself. And that was enough.
As the night grew colder, they finally decided to leave the park. Gabriel drove her back to her apartment, the quiet between them now comfortable and filled with the warmth of their new connection.
When they arrived at her building, Gabriel walked her to the door, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back. "Are you sure you'll be okay tonight?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
Lorraine smiled up at him, her heart full. "I'll be okay," she assured him. "Especially now."
Gabriel cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs brushing gently over her cheeks. "I'm really glad you said yes," he whispered, his eyes soft and full of affection.
"So am I," Lorraine replied, her voice just as quiet.
They kissed again, this time slower, more tender, as if savoring the sweetness of the moment. When they finally pulled apart, Lorraine felt a warmth spread through her that no amount of cold could chase away.
"Goodnight, Gabriel," she said softly, her hand lingering on his arm.
"Goodnight, Lorraine," he replied, his voice full of promise. "I'll see you tomorrow."
As Lorraine watched him walk back to his car, she felt a sense of peace settle over her. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was exactly where she was meant to be—standing at the threshold of something beautiful, something real.
And for once, she wasn't afraid of what the future might hold.