Someday, Someway

Jerome Tries to Prove Himself to Lorraine

The restaurant was one of the most exclusive in the city, the kind of place where power brokers made deals over candlelit dinners and where the wealthy mingled under the pretense of leisure. The air was thick with the scent of truffle oil and expensive wine, the quiet murmur of conversation mixing with the soft clinking of silverware on fine china. Lorraine sat stiffly at a table near the window, her eyes fixed on the glittering skyline beyond the glass.

She hadn't wanted to be here. In fact, every part of her had resisted the idea. But Krystal, her mother, had been relentless. After days of pressure, Lorraine had finally agreed to another dinner with Jerome, if only to put an end to her mother's persistent matchmaking.

Across from her, Jerome sat with perfect posture, his expensive suit tailored to fit him like a glove. He smiled at her, his eyes betraying none of the tension Lorraine felt. Jerome was, in every sense, the perfect catch—handsome, successful, and charming. But for Lorraine, that wasn't enough.

"So," Jerome said, breaking the silence as he folded his napkin neatly on his lap, "I'm glad you agreed to have dinner. It feels like we've been dancing around this for too long."

Lorraine forced a polite smile, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her wine glass. "I agreed because my mother wouldn't stop pushing," she admitted, her tone frank. "But I need to be clear about something, Jerome. This... us... isn't going to work."

Jerome's smile faltered for just a second before he composed himself. "I get it. I know this has been a lot of pressure. And I understand that your mother has been, let's say, enthusiastic about us. But Lorraine, I really think we could make this work."

Lorraine sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Jerome, you're a great guy. I'm not denying that. But I don't feel anything for you, and I'm not going to pretend otherwise. I don't want to waste your time—or mine."

Jerome frowned, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he leaned forward, his tone soft but earnest. "Look, I know this isn't exactly how you imagined things going. But hear me out. We're both successful, we come from similar backgrounds, and we understand the pressures of family expectations. I think we'd make a great team."

Lorraine raised an eyebrow. "A team?"

"Yes," Jerome said, his eyes lighting up as if he'd found the right angle. "Marriage is a partnership, right? It's about more than just feelings. It's about building something together. I think we could build a great life."

For a moment, Lorraine was struck by how logical his argument was. Jerome was right, in a way—marriage was often about more than just love. But that wasn't what Lorraine wanted. She didn't want a business partner. She didn't want to be part of some grand, calculated plan. She wanted something real, something true. And she wasn't sure Jerome could offer that.

"I don't want a marriage of convenience, Jerome," she said quietly, her fingers tightening around the stem of her glass. "I want more than that."

Jerome's face softened, and for the first time, there was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes. "I get that. I do. But I also think that sometimes love grows over time. Maybe we just haven't given this a real chance."

Lorraine shook her head, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "You don't understand. I don't want to give this a chance because I know it's not right for me."

Jerome leaned back in his chair, a sigh escaping his lips. "I don't want to force you into anything, Lorraine. I respect you too much for that. But I want you to know that I'm serious about this. About you. I want to prove that I can be the man you need."