Someday, Someway

A Dinner of Deception

Lorraine sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her black heels, a deep sigh escaping her lips. The invitation had come unexpectedly—Krystal had called her earlier that day with a sweet, almost too-gentle voice, asking her and Gabriel to join her for dinner at the mansion. Lorraine had been taken aback by the sudden shift in her mother's tone. After all, their last interaction had ended in a storm of hurtful words and a slap that still echoed in Lorraine's mind.

Now, as she prepared for the evening, anxiety gnawed at her. She glanced at herself in the mirror, her reflection looking far more composed than she felt. She had chosen a modest black dress that fell just below her knees, paired with simple accessories. Her makeup was minimal—just enough to cover the traces of sleepless nights.

Gabriel appeared in the doorway, his eyes soft with concern as he observed her. "You okay?" he asked gently, leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.

Lorraine gave him a tight smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I don't know," she admitted. "This feels... strange. Why would my mother invite us after everything that happened?"

Gabriel walked over to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Maybe she wants to make amends," he suggested, though his voice carried a note of skepticism.

Lorraine laughed, a short, bitter sound. "That would be a first."

Gabriel's gaze softened. He brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her cheek. "Whatever happens tonight, I've got your back. You don't have to go through this alone."

She looked up at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning into his touch. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Let's hope tonight isn't as bad as you're expecting," Gabriel replied with a small smile. "But if it is, we can always leave."

Lorraine nodded, though the tension in her chest didn't ease. Her mother had a way of twisting every situation into something uncomfortable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this dinner was going to be no different.

The mansion loomed ahead, its grand entrance flanked by tall pillars that seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkening sky. As Gabriel parked the car, Lorraine stared out the window, the sight of her childhood home stirring a mix of nostalgia and dread. The mansion, once a place of opulence and comfort, now felt like a gilded cage—its walls filled with memories of control and manipulation.

Gabriel glanced at her from the driver's seat, sensing her hesitation. "We can still turn back, you know."

Lorraine shook her head, her resolve hardening. "No, I need to face her. Whatever this is about, I can't keep running from it."

They exited the car and made their way to the entrance, Gabriel's hand resting lightly on Lorraine's lower back as a silent gesture of support. The door swung open before they could knock, and Krystal stood there, a radiant smile plastered on her face, though her eyes remained cold and calculating.

"Lorraine, darling," Krystal greeted, her voice syrupy. "I'm so glad you could make it."

Lorraine forced a polite smile, her nerves buzzing under her skin. "Thank you for inviting us, Mother."

Krystal's gaze flicked briefly to Gabriel, her smile tightening. "And Gabriel. How lovely to see you again."

Gabriel nodded, his expression neutral but respectful. "Thank you for having us, Mrs. Martino."

Krystal waved a hand dismissively, stepping aside to allow them entry. "Oh, please, call me Krystal. We're all friends here, aren't we?"

The mansion's interior was as extravagant as ever, the marble floors gleaming under the chandelier lights, and the walls adorned with expensive art. Yet despite its grandeur, the air felt suffocating, thick with unspoken tension.