The company's annual party had become a much-anticipated event, a night when everyone could step away from their desks, forget about deadlines, and enjoy a few hours of food, drink, and laughter. This year was no different. The ballroom they had rented for the occasion was grand—chandeliers glittering overhead, soft music playing in the background, and a sea of elegantly dressed people mingling across the floor.
Lorraine stood near the entrance, scanning the room. She wore a sleek black dress that hugged her figure perfectly, with a hint of shimmer that caught the light every time she moved. Her hair was pulled back into a loose updo, allowing a few strands to fall around her face, softening her look. She had arrived early to help the organizers finalize a few last-minute details, but now that everything was in order, she felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness settle in her stomach.
This was the first big company event she and Gabriel would be attending as an official couple. Despite having kept their relationship private at first, word had spread like wildfire around the office after a few observant colleagues picked up on their frequent lunches together, shared smiles, and the occasional touch when they thought no one was watching.
It wasn't a secret anymore. And tonight, for the first time, they wouldn't have to hide it.
"Hey, you okay?" a voice broke into her thoughts.
Lorraine turned to see Gabriel approaching, a warm smile on his face. He looked dashing in a tailored navy suit, the crisp white shirt beneath it accentuating his tan skin. His eyes sparkled as he reached her side, leaning down to kiss her cheek softly.
"Just taking it all in," Lorraine replied with a smile, feeling her heart skip a beat as his hand slid to the small of her back.
"You look beautiful," Gabriel whispered, his eyes trailing over her with obvious admiration.
Lorraine blushed, feeling the warmth of his compliment settle over her. "You don't look too bad yourself."
Gabriel chuckled, his hand giving her a gentle squeeze. "Shall we?"
They made their way into the room, Lorraine feeling a slight rush of nerves as people's heads turned in their direction. It was inevitable that their relationship would be a topic of conversation tonight, but Gabriel's reassuring presence beside her made her feel more at ease. He had a way of making everything seem simple, even in a room full of potential scrutiny.
As they moved through the crowd, several colleagues stopped to greet them. Most were friendly, offering congratulations with knowing smiles and raised eyebrows.
"Lorraine! Gabriel! So good to see you two together," one of their co-workers, Amanda, exclaimed as she walked over with a drink in hand. Her eyes sparkled with genuine enthusiasm. "You guys are the office's favorite couple now, you know."
Gabriel chuckled, glancing at Lorraine with a smirk. "We'll try to live up to the hype."
Amanda laughed before giving Lorraine a quick hug. "You look stunning tonight, by the way. Gabriel, you're a lucky man."
"I know," Gabriel replied, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Lorraine.
As Amanda moved on to greet others, Gabriel leaned in close, his breath warm against Lorraine's ear. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing that."
Lorraine smiled, her heart fluttering. Despite the nervous energy in the air, she felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. Being here, with Gabriel by her side, surrounded by people who were supportive, made her realize just how far they had come in such a short time.
They continued mingling, moving from group to group, exchanging pleasantries with colleagues. Gabriel was as charming as ever, effortlessly engaging in conversations while keeping a protective hand on Lorraine's back. Every now and then, he would lean down to whisper something funny in her ear, making her laugh and forget about the attention they were getting.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became more relaxed. The music grew livelier, people began to dance, and the laughter around the room became louder. Lorraine found herself loosening up, the initial tension giving way to enjoyment. She and Gabriel even joined a group of co-workers on the dance floor, swaying to the beat of a popular song. Gabriel was a surprisingly good dancer, guiding her effortlessly across the floor, their bodies moving in sync.
"Where did you learn to dance like this?" Lorraine asked breathlessly as they spun around, her hand resting comfortably in his.
Gabriel grinned. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. You'll have to stick around to see them all."
Lorraine laughed, feeling a rush of affection for him. His playful charm and easy confidence were infectious, and she couldn't help but feel like the luckiest person in the room. She was lost in the rhythm, lost in Gabriel, when a familiar voice called out her name.
"Lorraine! Gabriel!"
They both turned to see their boss, Mr. Jameson, making his way over. He was a tall, imposing man, but there was a warmth in his eyes that put people at ease.
"Good to see you two," Mr. Jameson said, shaking Gabriel's hand before turning to Lorraine with a smile. "I've been hearing great things about both of you. Keep up the good work."
"Thank you, Mr. Jameson," Lorraine replied politely, feeling a swell of pride.
Mr. Jameson nodded, his gaze flicking between them with amusement. "It's nice to see two of my best employees finding time for some fun outside of work. You both deserve it."
Gabriel chuckled. "We try our best, sir."
With a final nod, Mr. Jameson excused himself, leaving Lorraine and Gabriel alone once more. Lorraine couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The evening had been going better than she'd expected, and the approval from their boss only added to her confidence.
"You okay?" Gabriel asked, his hand gently squeezing hers.
Lorraine smiled up at him, her heart full. "I'm more than okay."
As the night wore on, Lorraine found herself lost in the moment, enjoying every second of the party. She and Gabriel shared drinks, danced some more, and even took part in a few rounds of karaoke. Gabriel's surprisingly good voice drew cheers and applause from their colleagues, and Lorraine couldn't help but beam with pride as she watched him take the stage.
At one point, as they sat at a small table near the back of the room, Gabriel reached for her hand again, his fingers intertwining with hers. Lorraine looked at him, her heart swelling with affection.
"You know," Gabriel said softly, his eyes locked on hers, "I've been thinking about something."
Lorraine raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"
Gabriel smiled, leaning in closer. "How lucky I am. I mean, look at us. We're here, together, surrounded by all these people who support us… but honestly, all I can think about is you."
Lorraine felt her cheeks flush, warmth spreading through her chest. "Gabriel…"
"I mean it," Gabriel said, his voice low and serious. "You make everything better. And I don't just mean tonight. Since we've been together, I feel like everything's fallen into place. Like I've found something I didn't even know I was looking for."
Lorraine's heart skipped a beat. His words were so heartfelt, so genuine, that she felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. She squeezed his hand, her voice barely above a whisper when she replied. "I feel the same way."
They sat there for a moment, the noise of the party fading into the background as they looked at each other. In that quiet, intimate space, everything else seemed to disappear. It was just the two of them, connected in a way that went beyond words.
Gabriel smiled, his hand coming up to gently cup her cheek. "I don't know what the future holds, Lorraine, but I do know one thing—I want you to be a part of it. Whatever happens, I want us to face it together."
Lorraine felt a tear escape, rolling down her cheek. But it wasn't sadness that overwhelmed her—it was love. Pure, unfiltered love. She nodded, her voice choked with emotion. "I want that too."
They kissed then, a soft, lingering kiss that spoke of promises, of a future full of hope and possibility. When they pulled apart, Lorraine rested her forehead against Gabriel's, their hands still clasped tightly together.
"I love you," Gabriel whispered, his voice full of emotion.
"I love you too," Lorraine replied, her heart soaring.
The rest of the party seemed to fly by in a blur. They spent the remainder of the evening surrounded by friends and colleagues, laughing and dancing, but always with a shared connection that only deepened with every passing moment.
By the time they finally left the party, hand in hand, Lorraine felt like she was walking on air. The city lights flickered above them as they walked down the street, but Lorraine couldn't take her eyes off Gabriel. He was her anchor, her light, the person she knew she could always count on.
As they reached her apartment building, Gabriel turned to her with a soft smile. "Tonight was perfect."
Lorraine nodded, her heart full. "It really was."
They stood there for a moment, the world around them quiet and still. Then, with a tender kiss, they said their goodnights, both of them knowing that this was just the beginning of something even more beautiful.
As Lorraine watched Gabriel walk away, she felt a sense of peace settle over her. The future was uncertain, yes—but with Gabriel by her side, she knew they could face anything together. And that was all that mattered.
-----
The night after the party felt like a dream, and the glow of the evening lingered in Lorraine's mind for days. Every moment she spent with Gabriel seemed to solidify the bond they had, and it was no longer just the subtle spark of attraction—it was a deeply felt connection, one that felt unshakeable.
Lorraine couldn't help but smile as she replayed the events in her head: Gabriel's sweet words, the warmth of his hand in hers, the way they'd danced like no one else existed. For the first time in a long time, Lorraine felt like she was where she was supposed to be—like she was truly happy.
The following Monday morning, however, brought a jarring return to reality. Lorraine arrived at the office feeling both excited to see Gabriel again and a little anxious, knowing that the party had been a focal point for a lot of office gossip. Walking through the entrance, she spotted some of her co-workers chatting around the coffee machine, their heads turning in her direction.
"Morning, Lorraine!" one of them, Amanda, called out cheerfully, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Lorraine smiled and waved back. "Morning!"
As she passed by, she could hear the soft whispers of conversation behind her, catching only snippets like, "So cute together," and "I didn't see that coming."
She felt a mix of amusement and nerves. The office had always been a place of professionalism for her, but now, it was as if her personal life was spilling over into her workspace.
Just as she reached her desk, she saw Gabriel enter the office. He caught her eye from across the room, flashing her a quick grin. Lorraine's heart fluttered. He was wearing that same tailored navy suit that he had worn to the party, but this time with a more casual air. As he walked toward her, she could feel eyes following him, everyone well aware now of their relationship.
"Morning, gorgeous," Gabriel greeted her, leaning in just close enough that his voice was low and meant only for her. There was a twinkle of mischief in his eyes as he straightened up, keeping things professional but unmistakably affectionate.
"Morning, Mr. Charming," Lorraine teased back, her smile lighting up her face. "Ready for the post-party gossip?"
Gabriel chuckled, glancing around the office. "Oh, I'm sure it's already in full swing. But let them talk. We have nothing to hide anymore, right?"
"Right," Lorraine agreed, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. She wasn't used to being the center of attention, but Gabriel's easygoing nature helped her feel more at ease.
As the day progressed, Lorraine and Gabriel managed to settle into their usual work routine, though every now and then, they would steal a glance at each other across the room. It was like they were sharing a secret, a small bubble of happiness that only the two of them were part of.
By lunch, the whispers had mostly died down, replaced by the normal hum of office life. Lorraine decided to take a break and get some fresh air. Just as she was about to head to the elevator, Gabriel appeared at her side, as if he'd sensed her need for a moment alone.
"Walk with me?" he asked, his tone soft and understanding.
Lorraine smiled and nodded, grateful for the quiet escape. They walked out of the building and into the bustling city streets, where the sounds of traffic and distant chatter provided a comforting backdrop to their silence.
"I'm glad we came to that party together," Gabriel said after a few moments. "It felt good to just… be open about us."
Lorraine glanced up at him, her expression thoughtful. "I am too. I didn't realize how much I was holding back. I guess I was afraid of what people would think."
Gabriel nodded. "I get it. But you shouldn't worry. You're incredible, and anyone who can't see that doesn't matter."
Lorraine blushed slightly, his words hitting her in that deep, tender way they always did. She took a breath, trying to let go of the remaining bits of anxiety that clung to her. Being with Gabriel felt natural—like they were a team now, facing whatever came their way.
"You always know how to make me feel better," she said, her voice soft with affection.
Gabriel smiled down at her, his hand brushing against hers as they walked. "That's because I mean every word."
They wandered through the city, their conversation easy and light. Gabriel told her stories about his time working in other companies, the challenges he'd faced, and the things he'd learned. Lorraine listened with interest, always amazed at how driven and focused he was. It was one of the things she admired most about him—his determination, his sense of purpose.
After a while, they found themselves at a small park, where they sat on a bench, watching people pass by. The sun was warm on their faces, and Lorraine felt a sense of peace settle over her. She leaned against Gabriel's shoulder, feeling content in a way she hadn't in a long time.
"I don't know what the future holds for us," Lorraine began, her voice thoughtful, "but I know I want to be with you, Gabriel."
Gabriel's hand tightened around hers, and he turned to look at her, his expression serious yet tender. "Lorraine, I don't need to know what the future holds. I just need to know that I'm with you. That's all that matters to me."
Her heart swelled at his words, and for a moment, she couldn't find the right thing to say. Instead, she leaned in and kissed him softly, letting the warmth of the moment speak for itself.
As they pulled away, Gabriel chuckled softly. "You know, if we keep doing this, we might end up being the office gossip for a while."
Lorraine laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Let them talk."
Gabriel grinned, pulling her close. "I like that attitude."
They spent the rest of their lunch break in comfortable silence, just enjoying each other's company. When they finally made their way back to the office, Lorraine felt lighter, as though some invisible weight had been lifted from her shoulders. With Gabriel by her side, she knew she could handle whatever came her way.
***
Back at the office, the mood had shifted. Everyone had moved on from the party gossip, and the normal hustle of work had resumed. Lorraine and Gabriel returned to their respective desks, diving back into their tasks.
As the day drew to a close, Lorraine found herself reflecting on everything that had happened since the party. She and Gabriel had crossed a new threshold in their relationship, and it felt like there was no turning back. They were in this together, whatever "this" turned out to be.
But as the thought crossed her mind, Lorraine felt a small pang of worry. Krystal, her mother, was still out there, waiting. The conversation they'd had not too long ago echoed in her mind, Krystal's disapproving words hanging over her like a dark cloud. Lorraine knew her mother wouldn't let things go easily—Krystal never did.
And now that her relationship with Gabriel was public, she feared that her mother's interference might only get worse.
Gabriel noticed her silence as they walked out of the office together. "You okay?"
Lorraine forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… thinking about everything."
Gabriel's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't push. He simply took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it."
Lorraine looked up at him, grateful for his unwavering support. "I know."
As they walked into the twilight, Lorraine couldn't help but feel a mixture of hope and apprehension. She had Gabriel, and that was enough—for now. But she knew that the road ahead might not be as smooth as she wanted it to be.
Still, with Gabriel by her side, Lorraine felt stronger, more capable of facing whatever challenges lay ahead. And as they disappeared into the evening, hand in hand, she knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together.
And that thought, at least, gave her peace.