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Novel Catalog
Chapter 39
Loraine’s voice dripped with disdain as she looked at Marco. “See? I had it all under control. But you just had to butt in and ruin my plan. For your information, I’m no longer the spineless woman you used to know. The bad experiences I had with your family made me a tough cookie.”
Marco stood there, speechless, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled for words. Guilt and regret washed over him, especially when he thought about how much Loraine had suffered because of his family’s actions.
For a few moments, the silence stretched between them, the weight of unspoken history hanging heavily in the air. Then, just as the tension seemed unbearable, Loraine’s colleague, Jolie Robles, approached.
“Loraine, Mr. Gray just ran to us looking like he’d seen a ghost. He said the party’s over. What happened? Are you all right?” Jolie asked, her tone concerned.
“I’m fine, Jolie. Thanks for asking,” Loraine replied, forcing a smile.
Jolie’s cubicle was right next to Loraine’s, and the two had quickly become friends. Throughout the day, Jolie had shown Loraine the ropes of the department’s ongoing projects, helping her feel more settled.
Jolie let out a relieved sigh, patting her chest. “Thank goodness. I’m heading out now. How about we go home together?”
“No, I’ll drive her home,” Marco interjected, his voice calm but firm.
Jolie froze for a moment, finally noticing the man standing next to Loraine. Her eyes widened, the realization hitting her. “You are—”
Before she could finish her sentence, she caught sight of Marco’s piercing gaze. Her words caught in her throat, and she quickly corrected herself.
“Ahem! I just remembered I have an important errand to run. Bye, Loraine!” With that, Jolie quickly turned on her heel, practically running away without giving Loraine a chance to respond.
Marco couldn’t help but smile, a sense of satisfaction filling him. At least he had confirmed Loraine was here for a department party, and now that the coast was clear, he spoke again. “Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home.”
There was an unmistakable hint of expectation in his voice, as though he fully expected her to agree.
Loraine raised an eyebrow, her expression cold. “No, thanks. I don’t accept rides from just anybody,” she replied, her tone icy.
She slung her bag over her shoulder and started to walk past him, but Marco stepped in her path, blocking her way.
“There’s no room for negotiation,” Marco said firmly. “I’m not a stranger, Loraine. You’re safer riding with me than in a taxi at this hour.”
His words hung in the air between them, carrying an authority that left little room for argument.
