Marrying my high school bully

Lorraine

It didn’t get any better from there as series of threats kept popping in my phone a few times a day with different lines. I kept wondering if the fellow had nothing serious to do than to threaten me and make my life miserable.

Dexter assured me that he was already looking into it, and I hoped he was, because I was running mad with worry. Someone wanted me to leave him, but the problem was how he or she knew that we were together.

Victoria had been more withdrawn since that day. Always keeping to herself inside the room except she was hungry and had to get her dinner. Something was absolutely wrong with her, but I couldn’t ask because I didn’t want to be insulted.

Stefan called me over, informing me that we had some practice to do for the next show. He congratulated me for the success of the lingerie shoot. I could never have been more proud.

Immediately I got to his office, I blindfolded his eyes with my palms. “Lorraine?” He called with a slight hint of uncertainty.

My chuckle gave me away as I took off my hands and grinned at him. He moved away from his desk and pulled me for a hug. Our relationship was platonic as he was my mentor in the industry.

He was kind, caring and accommodating. I could never ask for a better coach than him who wanted everyone around him to grow.

“It is I in flesh and blood.” I beamed. “I’ve missed you, do you know that?”

He held me tight. “I know that, and I missed you too. For the past few weeks, I’ve had no one knocking on my door before eight to tell me that I look good or asking how well I slept.” He admitted and released me from the embrace.

“I’m back now. So let me ask, how was your night?”

We both laughed and I felt the tension from the past days vanishing into thin air. I was safe here. Dexter drove me here instead of my cab driver even though I kicked hard against it. He was of the opinion that our truth was already out in the open, so he’d proudly give them the show they wanted.

“I’m good, but I want to know if you are.” He asked softly and I knew he was referring to the trending video.

I took a deep sigh and slouched onto one of his chairs. “Maybe I am. I can’t really tell. A lot of things have happened during the week and it feels like a heavy yoke trying to drag me backwards.”

He sat down as well and held my hand, staring into my eyes. “You are resilient and determined, Lorraine. They want to break you, even the people you think cares about your well being, but don’t give them that satisfaction. I don’t really know your history, but I want to see you soar very high like an eagle. That’s what I want for you, Lorraine. Do you want that for yourself as well?” He questioned, his voice gentle like a mother’s voice singing lullabies to her children.

I nodded, unable to talk as rivers of tears cascaded down my cheeks and my throat clogged with emotions.

“I want that too, Stefan, but everything looks so bleak.” I croaked, wiping off the tears as I drew out a handkerchief to blow out my puffy nose.

He allowed me to cry my heart out which was what I’d been trying to do for some days. Dexter didn’t allow me to cry when I was around him. Not because it irritated him, but he usually felt heartbroken each time he saw me in a bad mood.

“How do you feel now?”

“Better.” I chuckled and stood up.

My white shirt was already ruined with my tears, but it didn’t matter as they were tears of relief.

“That’s good because we have a lot of work to do. Just like I said the first time, our designers have done a lot of work with the new textiles produced and several companies would want to seal deals with us. You have to give your best.” He said firmly.

This was probably why he had worked the longest in Dexter’s agency. He knew how to balance his softness with firmness. No clash. Just perfectly balanced.

“I don’t know how to do less when I can give the best. I won’t disappoint you.” I promised and turned away to the training room where Stella might be waiting for me.

As I got to the door, I took a deep breath and counted to ten. When I was sure of my stability, I pushed the door open and put on my bright mind-your-business smile.

A few models were able to get the memo as they only waved, but some were crazy enough to bring up the topic. My eyes darted around in search of Marianna and I realised that she wasn’t here.

“Good morning, Stella.”

“It’s been a while, Lorraine. I hope you are ready for work.” She questioned.

“Sure.” I replied enthusiastically and began to change my clothes.

Stella began to make some corrections from the last show which I took. She commended my ability to shove my embarrassment aside and make something good out of the situation.

That was when I decided to ask the question that had made me restless since I came. “Have you seen Marianna?”

“Oh. Stefan suspended her for a month. Apparently, she was the one who changed your shoes and added some greasy substance so you could slip.” She explained. “I’m so sorry for that.”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or feel sorry for her so I merely nodded. The next training was on taking poses so I readied myself for it, but the door swung open and Emilia stormed in, wearing a red skimpy bodycon dress that did nothing to hide her cleavages.

“Hi, Lorraine. I see you’re back to work.” She smiled grimly.

I folded my arms and shrugged. “Why shouldn’t I be?”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

She dropped her purse and folded her arms as well, glaring daggers at me. “Why didn’t I get the hint that you weren’t just a maid but his personal slut?” She yelled, drawing the attention of the other models while I glanced around, shaking my head.

“That’s not true!” I shot back, feeling anger course through me as I clenched my fists. At this point, going physical on her wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“It isn’t?” She drawled, her lips curved in a cynical smirk as she faced the other models. “This poor nobody works as a maid for the boss, but I think she has other skills than just doing the dishes and keeping the house clean. She also warms his bed at night.” She taunted me.

I couldn’t hold back my anger anymore as I lurched at her, connecting my fist to her face. She fell with a loud thud and I jumped on her, punching her hard without mercy. Her muffled scream was like music to my ears and each blow I landed on her body helped to ease the tension I’d been facing since the break in.

It just felt like I was face to face with my tormentor and I was unleashing terror on him or her.

“Stop!” I felt a strong hand lift me away from her, then I realised that Dexter was around.

Everyone had demons, but this morning, I’d let mine out. All of them. My anger consumed me and if Dexter hadn’t stepped in, I’d have probably killed the bitch with my bare hands.

“I’m sorry.” I apologised in a husky voice as I was bereft of strength.

He said nothing as his jaw flexed. With a stoic expression he spun around with two words leaving his lips. “Follow me.”