Marrying my high school bully

Lorraine

“What happened over there?” Dexter asked, breathing frantically.

I took a cursory glance at his face to know if he was actually scolding me, but it was the opposite as his eyes held worry and concern all directed at me. He looked ready to beat up whoever caused that chaotic scene at the runway.

I bit my lips and sighed, tired of the incessant frustration caused by people who were supposed to mind their business. “Someone set me up. That shoe wasn’t my size.” I admitted, relaxing on the back rest of the chair.

A glint of disbelief crossed his features as he folded his arms. “Explain!” He snapped, his voice was low and dangerous, edgy at the same time.

“I took off my shoes earlier because of how cranky I was. I don’t know what happened around that time, but when I put it on again, I realised that it was slippery and on making a step I discovered that it wasn’t my size.” I paused, remembering a certain detail that might have caused the problem.

“What?” He grumbled.

My throat ran dry but I managed to reply, “At a certain point I was pressed and since I’d taken off the shoe, I went on my pumps to the convenience room. Whatever took place should be around that time.” I muttered, my eyes widened in discovery. “Is the show over?”

He came over to me and sank onto the chair beside me, his features softened as if he realised that he had been harsh all along. “Do you think you’ll be able to take that walk again?”

I nodded, peering at him with an idea popping into my mind. “With you beside me. I can do it.”

His brows furrowed with a knowing look. “Whatever support you need, I’ll give it to you, but why do I feel that you are about to ask for something else?”

He was right and I hoped that we wouldn’t have to stay too long on the matter. “Join me on the walk. Right now, I don’t think I can get on that stage…”

With his usual stoic expression, he sprang to his feet, causing me to flinch. It was obvious he wouldn’t do it. It was too belittling for the CEO of Hemming corporation to join me on the stage. “Don’t worry, I’ll try to do it alone.” I inclined my head.

“I hope my step matches yours.” He began to grin, the anxiety that had built up within me began to dissipate as I realised that he was going to help me.

Without thinking, I jumped on him and flung my arms around him. “This is the second time I’m telling you thank you today, but I’ll say it again. Thank you.” I was giddy with excitement and almost willing to tell the whole world that he was my husband.

“Let’s go then.” He held my hands and led me out of the changing room.

The gossips that were going on between the models that weren’t on my side died down as they stared at us awestruck. I kept my chin high, beaming at them and daring any of them to say any meaningless word to my face.

Dexter took his hand off mine and took a step away from me. “You all know that whatever happened to Lorraine at the runway wasn’t a mere coincidence, and trust me to make sure I get to the bottom of it. Whoever switched her shoes should report to Stefan because if I go through the stress of making an investigation, it won’t be funny.” He threatened and reached for my hand again.

My gaze met Marianna who was trembling slightly behind her friend. I stuck out my tongue at her, showed her my middle finger and walked away with Dexter.

They arranged another walk for us with the remaining set of models walking and this time, we would be the last to come out.

My palms were getting clammy with sweat again and Dexter, who noticed it, flashed an assuring smile at me. “I’m here with you, Lorraine. No one will hurt you again,” He gave me a firm promise. “And I hope your shoes are good.” He teased me with a mischievous smirk rising to his lips.

We went out next, our steps briskly yet fluid. Our gait matched together with our perfect pace. The audience were shocked initially and because of that they became silent, but it was just for a second as they got over the surprise and began to applaud us. It felt like I hadn’t lost my footing some minutes ago. Everything was just right.

As we made a u-turn, my eyes landed on a familiar face. It was as if he knew that I was looking at him so he returned the gaze with that same confident smile I saw on that day.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

He waved and I nodded, then caught myself before anyone would notice the little interaction we were having.

“That was awesome!” I mouthed as soon as we got to the back stage.

He nodded and kept looking around while I chattered nonstop. When I realised he wasn’t listening, I trailed what got his attention and my heart fell.

Emilia.

They were both interacting with their eyes while I blabbered like a kid. My heart blazed with indignation and my eyes burned with tears but I willed them not to fall. They wouldn’t have the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

I walked away and he didn’t notice. It broke my heart further. Today should have been the best day of my life after the show, but I was reminded that my ‘husband’ was a complete asshole.

When would he stop punishing me?

I quickly changed into the jumpsuit I’d come in and wore my comfortable pumps. While everyone, including the newbies like me were jubilating, I was craving loneliness.

I headed out of the hall, distracted by my thoughts and eager to get away from everything when I bumped into someone. This time I didn’t fall and I was grateful for that.

“It seems that the universe wants you to keep bumping into me all the time.” He chuckled when our eyes met.

He was the same man from before.

My fingers clutched my bag tighter as I peered at his smiling face. “And once again, I apologise for bumping into you. I wasn’t looking…” I trailed off, realising that I was babbling.

“Just like the other day, you don’t look so good right now. What’s the matter?” His tone was gentle and soothing but I didn’t want to tell my woes to a stranger.

I hid my weary emotion behind an expressionless mask that I recently cultivated. “You don’t have to worry about it.” I said curtly, hoping that he would give up.

The chattering of two women who walked past us, followed by a man caught my attention as a gasp escaped my lips. He was still following them like a dummy. This time, I couldn’t hold back my tears. “Take me out of here and I’ll tell you all about it.” I demanded harshly with a cracked voice, lowering my lashes.

He snaked his arm around my shoulder. “With all pleasure.” He agreed and walked me to his car.