Chapter 24
In a sea of blooming flowers, Dorian knelt on one knee, holding up a simple diamond ring, while Yelena covered her mouth, giggling as she filmed on her phone.
Lorraine blinked in surprise, then smiled: “Well, that’s so amazing.”
“I’ve been planning this since we made it official six months ago,” Dorian said seriously. “I’m absolutely certain now–you’re my future, and you’re the only one I want.“]]
“From the moment we met, we’ve been perfect together. We work well as a team, we like the same things, and we’re crazy about each other. I can’t think of any reason to wait.“[]
Lorraine tilted her head slightly, her eyes getting misty.]
Dorian was right–being with him was always comfortable.]
Every time she got sick, Dorian would drop everything to take care of her. []
When she hit creative blocks, he’d stay up until 3 AM with her. []
He’d take her on inspiration trips around the world. []
که
He always had her back…]
“Lorraine, don’t leave him hanging!” Yelena was getting nervous too. “It’s totally up to you–I insisted on coming today, but I’m not trying to pressure you. If you need more time…“]]
“Yes.”
Yelena’s voice cut off mid–sentence, then she launched herself at Lorraine, hugging her tight just as she was about to extend her hand for the ring. []
“Oh my God, Lorraine! We’re going to be family!“]]
Dorian froze with the ring in his hand, shooting his overexcited cousin an annoyed look, then turned back to Lorraine, his eyes sparkling with joy.[]
On the wedding day, Yelena was adjusting Lorraine’s veil when her eyes suddenly welled up: “Lorraine, you better be fucking happy…“]
Lorraine laughed softly, her own eyes getting misty: “What? You’re not confident about me marrying your cousin?”
“I’m just… I’m so damn happy for you…“]
When the organ played the wedding march, she saw Dorian’s hands trembling slightly at the altar.[]
When the priest asked “Do you take this woman,” he blurted out “I do” so fast it made the whole congregation cracked up.[]
During the bouquet toss, Lorraine deliberately threw it backward.[]
The bouquet flew in an arc, brushing past the last pillar of the church, where a hunched figure in a hat and mask scrambled to get out of the way.[]
“What’s wrong?” Dorian followed her gaze.]
“Nothing.” Lorraine stood on her tiptoes to kiss her new husband. “I thought I saw someone.“]
A few days later, at a state care facility outside Newark]
“Mr. Harper, your account balance is insufficient,” the nurse handed him a bill. “If you can’t pay by tomorrow, we’ll have to release you.“[]
Kieran numbly took the bill.]
Ever since Harper Industries went bankrupt and his mother died, he’d been living here. The former business elite couldn’t even afford basic care
anymore.]
As he dragged his beat–up suitcase out of the facility, the street’s jumbo screen was playing CNBC: “Starlight‘ founder Lorraine Castillo announces marriage, company valuation hits record high…“]
On screen, Lorraine was radiant, her diamond ring sparkling, while the man beside her gently held her waist. They looked perfect together.
Kieran stood frozen on the street as rain soaked his clothes, remembering how Lorraine used to smile at him like that, but he’d never treasured it.]
Rain mixed with tears streaming down his face, Kieran knew that the Lorraine who’d once worshipped him had finally found real happiness.
And he had lost forever the person who’d ever truly loved him most.[]
Five Years Later
The years had been kind to Lorraine. []
The wedding had been everything Lorraine had dreamed of–intimate, elegant, filled with genuine love. []
Dorian had proven to be the husband Kieran never was: attentive, supportive, treating her like an equal partner rather than a possession.]
Their marriage flourished. Dorian celebrated her design successes, supported her foundation work, and never once made her feel like she had to earn his affection.
For the first time in years, Lorraine felt truly happy.]
She’d thought the shadows of her past were finally behind her.[]
Until today, my five–year–old daughter burst into tears the moment she got home. She begged me not to make her go back to Oak Lane Academy.]]
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