LOGIN~NATE~“Congratulations on winning, Lori. You were incredible out there.”“No, that’s too much.” I drag a hand through my hair and pace near the building’s exit.“Congrats, Lori.”I stop. That sounds stupid too.For the past ten minutes, I’ve been standing here like an idiot, rehearsing different ways to talk to my wife while she remained inside accepting congratulations from literally everyone at the competition.The irony isn’t lost on me.I have spent years convincing myself Lori wasn’t talented, ambitious or worthy enough. Only for her to walk onto that stage and prove me wrong in front of hundreds of people.Not only is she talented, but she’s also exceptional.Even Ava, who had attended one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, wasn’t able to move the audience the way Lori did.Heavens, why am I overthinking things?I’m sure it’s just that I feel it’s right to congratulate her. Or maybe I simply want an excuse to properly look at her.Because ever since she’d stepp
~LORETTE~ Despite the humiliation threatening to swallow me whole, I somehow manage to stay seated. The old me would’ve run out of this hall long ago. I would’ve hidden in the nearest restroom and cried until everyone forgot I existed. But for Ella’s sake, I sit quietly and watch as the judges continue scoring the remaining paintings. When participant twelve’s artwork is revealed, a few judges nod in approval. Participant nineteen earns impressed murmurs from the audience. Then participant twenty-two’s painting is brought forward, and I don’t need anyone to announce the artist’s name before I know who it is. One look at Ava’s face and I already know it’s hers. The confidence radiating from her is a dead give-away. The moment the covering cloth is removed, appreciative gasps ripple through the hall. At the center of the painting stands a massive ancient tree, its branches stretched toward the sky. As the eye travels across the canvas, the seasons change around it—spri
~LORETTE~ Within minutes, everyone is seated and the hall falls into a tense silence as the final round officially begins. My heart is pounding so hard that I can barely hear anything else, but I still manage to keep myself together. Thankfully, Ella is beside me. She reaches for my hand beneath the table and gives it a reassuring squeeze, offering me a small smile. At the center of the stage, the host steps forward with a microphone. “As stated in the rules communicated to all finalists,” he announces, “all paintings were submitted yesterday and collected ahead of today’s event. To ensure fairness, every artwork will be judged anonymously, with only participant numbers attached to each piece.” Excited murmurs ripple through the hall. “No names will be revealed until the scoring process is complete. The judges will evaluate each painting based solely on creativity, execution, and interpretation of the theme: Time.” I swallow hard. Yesterday, after finishing my paintin
~LORETTE~ “We’re really sorry we can’t be there to cheer you on today, Lori.” Lucas’s voice is filled with regret as he speaks to me early the next morning. “It’s a pity that our brothers and I all ended up having important work commitments on the same day.” He shakes his head before offering me an apologetic smile. “But I promise I’ll make it up to you. In fact, I have a surprise waiting for you.” “It’s okay, brother. I understand.” I smile reassuringly. As much as I would have loved to have Lucas, Hunter, and Jace there with me today, I can’t expect them to jeopardize their jobs because of a competition. The job market is already difficult enough without risking unemployment over something like this. “Just wish me luck, okay?” Lucas chuckles softly. “All the luck in the world, little sis.” After my brothers leave, Ella takes over. She helps me into my dress, fixes my hair, and somehow manages to transform my face with makeup without making me look like a complete
~LORETTE~“B-Brother…” Bentley’s voice comes out shaky as she stares up at Nate as though he’s suddenly speaking a different language.Beside her, Ava looks equally stunned.To be honest, I’m not doing much better myself. Even Ella looks seconds away from bursting into laughter.“I recently reviewed your spending records,” Nate continues. “And after seeing the ridiculous amount you’ve wasted on unnecessary luxuries over the past few months, I decided it was time to step in.”Bentley’s face burns red.Around us, her friends immediately begin whispering.“How embarrassing.”“I thought she said nobody questioned her decisions.”“She acts like she’s untouchable.”Bentley forces a smile that looks painfully strained.“But, Brother… you’ve never done this before.”“And that’s exactly why I’m doing it now,” Nate replies. “I’ve realized we’ve spoiled you far too much. It’s time you got a job and learned the value of money.”“Nate, don’t be so hard on her.” Ava slips to his side, wrapping an a
~LORETTE~“What a pleasant surprise,” Bentley drawls, looking me up and down with open disdain. “Of all the places a poor orphan could shop, you somehow ended up in a luxury boutique.”Beside me, Ella frowns, her gaze moving between Bentley and me.I wish the floor would just open up and swallow me. We should have left the moment we walked in.“Who is she?” Ella asks.“No one important.” I answer.Bentley scoffs. Beside her, Ava merely smirks, obviously enjoying every second of this.Then Bentley turns toward the employees.“Since when did this store start letting peasants wander around?” she asks loudly. “Do you people realize the risk you’re taking? What if they steal something?”The staff exchange uncomfortable glances before the manager steps forward with a strained smile.“My apologies, ladies,” he tells us. “but if you’re only here to browse, we’d appreciate it if you leave. You’re making our paying customers uncomfortable.”“Excuse me?” Ella says sharply.“It’s fine, Ella.” I t
~LORETTE~ “Nate…” I’m about to ask again when he moves with the speed of a lightning. One second there’s space between us, and the next, his hand grips my waist. And his mouth crashes hard against mine in a starved kiss. My eyes snap wide open in shock and panic at Nate’s sudden action. His lip
~LORETTE~ My fingers move across my phone screen as I drop a message into the group chat. ME: I’M SORRY, GUYS. BUT I WOULDN’T BE BACK TONIGHT. GRANDMA NESSA INSISTS THAT I SLEEP OVER. Barely a second passes before replies start flooding in. LUCAS: BUT THAT WASN’T WHAT WE AGREED. ARE YOU SURE YOU
~LORETTE~ “I was only trying to help her out,” Ava sobs into Nate’s arms while he glares at me like I’m some dangerous monster he has to shield his precious person from. “And then… and then, she got mad and attacked me.” My eyes widen so much in disbelief that, for a moment, I actually forget abou
~LORETTE~ Nate almost chokes on his drink the moment Grandma Nessa’s words settle across the dining table. He coughs hard, quickly reaching for his glass while Ava immediately leans closer, gently rubbing his back as though he might collapse any second. I notice the faint redness creeping up his







