Chapter 14
When Lorraine finally came to, they were already back in the shadowy parking garage.
Clutching Lorraine’s icy hand between both of hers, Shella whispered, her voice edged with concern, “Just let it out, okay? Scream, cry, whatever need. I’m right here. You’re not alone”
Lorraine prossed her lips together. The tears burned behind her eyes, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t make a sound.
The pieces clicked together with cruel clarity. Now she understood why Raquel had pushed for the marriage and why a powerful family would want a no- name girl like her.
Everything fell into place now–Stephen’s parents‘ measured words, and their kindness in the weeks before the wedding. She finally realized Stephen’s hesitant touches weren’t from bashfulness.
She’d been naive enough to believe she’d found a real family. Yet the painful truth was that they hadn’t wanted a daughter–in–law at all, merely a docile puppet.
To them, a girl with no one to turn to was the ideal candidate–obedient, invisible, and ultimately disposable.
Salt burned her tongue as tears slipped between her lips, bitter as the truth.
Sheila grabbed a blanket from the backseat and tucked it around Lorraine’s shoulders. Without another word, she hit the gas, eager to put distance between them and that apartment building
“You’re way too good for that bastard Stephen anyway.” Sheila said, gripping the wheel tightly.
She fumbled for the right words to cheer Lorraine up. “Christ, that guy’s built like a toothpick. And let’s be real–he’s not exactly blessed in that department. We’ll find you a real man who actually deserves you.”
Even as Sheila tried to comfort Lorraine, she knew words couldn’t undo what had happened. Alter driving a few blocks in silence, she pulled over and dragged Lorraine into a crushing hug.
“Don’t cry, Shella murmured. Her hand rubbed slow circles on Lorraine’s back–she’d done this so many times before. “Just pretend it’s another one of life’s shitty surprises. Like when your family screws you over or some stray dog nips your ankle. You’ll get through this.”
Lorraine bit down on her lip until she tasted copper, but the tears came anyway. She’d withstood years of torment at the Shaw residence without shedding a tear. Yet these people had toyed with her hopes and trampled her dignity like it meant nothing.
“Your hands are ice,” Sheila murmured, chafing Lorraine’s fingers between her own palms before breathing warm air onto them. “When did you last eat? Stay put–I’ll get you something.”
With a quick grab for her purse, Sheila was out of the car, jogging toward a cafe while casting worried glances backward.
Lorraine looked blankly out the car window. Just a few days ago, this city had seemed full of opportunities. Now everything looked dull and lifeless to her. The only thing still standing out was the bright Moore Group sign in the distance.
She didn’t know what made her do it, but the next moment, she was standing outside.
The door slammed behind her as she stumbled forward, each step feeling like a struggle. Her legs felt heavy, like she was walking through thick What should have been a short walk stretched before her like an endless trek.
The corporate lobby gleamed with cold sophistication–all brushed steel and black marble. Well–dressed professionals moved with confident strides, their polished shoes clicking against the floor, Lorraine stood there like a wilted flower, visibly out of place.
“Who are you here to see?” The receptionist rose, her practiced smile never faltering despite Lorraine’s rumpled appearance.
Lorraine’s mouth went dry. Seconds stretched painfully before she managed to croak out, “Mr. Moore. I need to see Eugene Moore.”
