Chapter 20
Lorraine and Sheila managed to get Stephen out the door, finally putting an end to
the uncomfortable scene.
Shella guided Lorraine back to the couch, her eyes red–rimmed with frustration. “You’re a grown woman, How could you be so careless? You dated hims for nearly a year without realizing he’s gay? How could you miss that?”
Lorraine bowed her head, her long lashes fluttering. The truth was, she hadn’t suspected a thing. He’d played his part flawlessly–the perfect gentleman through and through.
After a long silence, she lifted her head with a faint, bitter smile. “Maybe… I just wanted so badly to escape the Shaw family,” She’d been so desperate that she couldn’t even see people for who they really were.
Sheila froze, her eyes burning. She pushed back from the table. “Okay. I get it,” she said, voice tight, already moving toward the bathroom. “Let’s forget about that. Clean yourself up and sleep it off.”
“Sheila,”
“Lorraine called softly.
Turning, Sheila arched an eyebrow. “Yeah?”
Curled up on the couch, Lorraine hugged her knees. Her voice was small when she asked, “Do you think someone like me someone who keeps making stupid choices… can ever really be happy?”
Sheila felt the sudden sting of tears but forced them down. She fixed Lorraine with a pointed look. “You know what they say ignorance is bliss. So quit analyzing everything and get some sleep.”
At dawn the next day, Lorraine saw Sheila off at the airport, watching until her friend’s plane disappeared into the morning sky.
Sheila was returning home for the winter break. Her aging parents weren’t in the best health, and she wanted to spend more time with them. They’d return together after the holiday,
Alone again, Lorraine returned to the hotel, gathered her belongings, and caught a bus to the Shaw residence. With the money Sheila had slipped her, she planned to collect a few essentials before beginning her search for a new place to live.
The Shaw residence glittered with New Year’s decorations, but none of the festivity was meant for Lorraine. Zackery was home too–not that it made any difference.
Lorraine set down her belongings and approached him. “Dad,” she greeted.
Zackery kept his
is attention on the plant he was trimming, not bothering to glance up. “Why are you alone? Where’s Stephen?”
They’d just gotten married–visiting her parents together was expected. Showing up by herself was unusual,
Lorraine pressed her lips together until they lost all color. The silence between them grew heavy, punctuated only by the steady patter of winter rain against the windows.
Her gaze remained locked on the scissors in Zackery’s hands. If I tell him I want a divorce, will he hurl them at my face?” she wondered.
When Zackery had tried to marry her off to that wealthy but blind and deaf suitor, she’d refused. The punishment left her bedridden for a month. Even now, the memory of that pain lingered
Her breath came shallow, her entire body trembling. “We’re
“Lorraine, you’re home, Why are you dressed so lightly?” Raquel’s sudden appearance cut Lorraine oft. “Go put on a proper coat before you freeze.” As always, Raquel played the doting stepmother whenever Zackery was watching
11:20 Tue, 10 Jun 06
Chapter 20
Lorraine met Raquel’s gaze–taking in the heavy makeup–but couldn’t bring herself to return Raquel’s fake warmth. The words died
her lips.
Before she could react, the garden shears slammed into her kneecap with a sickening crack. Pain exploded through her leg, white hot and searing, she locked her jaw tight, biting back tears as she glared up at Zackery.
“Can’t you even say hello properly? Your stepmother works herself to the bone for you, and this is how you repay her? Go back to your room”
ill young. What’s the point in scolding her?”
“Now Zackery, don’t be angry.” Raquel moved closer, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “Lorraine’s still
She looked toward the kitchen, forcing a smile. “I’ve been cooking all afternoon for her welcome dinner. You and Stephen can share some wine when he gets here…” Her voice trailed off as Lorraine walked away. Behind the caked–on makeup, her eyes glittered with pure malice.
The mention of Stephen softened Zackery’s expression slightly. He was, after all, the Shaw family’s golden goose, not someone they wanted to upset.
With pain stabbing her knee, Lorraine could barely stand. She turned toward the stairs, every step sending fresh jolts through her body. Behind her, the voices kept talking about Stephen, making her sweat go cold.
Lorraine know Stephen wasn’t coming. And she knew today’s punishment wouldn’t stop at just a shattered kneecap.
