In a world where social expectations often dictate who we're allowed to love, a story of unexpected passion and quiet rebellion unfolds.
"Only Just Begun" introduces us to Jeremy Whittaker, a 33-year-old security architect-brilliant, intense, and qu...
A lively buzz pulsed through Penny, the cozy basement bar at the Old Vic Theatre. Students flushed with pride, dedicated teachers beaming with satisfaction and former cast members all mingled beneath warm, golden lights. Journalists snapped photos, capturing laughter and glimmering glasses—a celebration in full swing. Colin Gresham stood at the heart of it, radiating pride as he soaked up the praise and applause that followed the evening's triumphant show.
Daniel, Jerry and Tessa pushed through the crowd with quiet excitement. Daniel was brimming with pride for Colin and their collective victory. Tessa shone at his side, equally eager to congratulate their friends. Jerry, however, felt out of step with the buzz. He didn't know most people there, nor did he want to make small talk—his heart was elsewhere. He scanned the room, harboring one hope: tonight, he'd see Carol again.
The bar hummed with live music, clinking glasses and infectious joy. Servers floated through, carrying colorful cocktails and bite-size canapés. Despite the festive mood, Jerry found himself wracked with anxiety. He yearned for a drink to calm his nerves—but he couldn't. Every sip threatened to unsteady him. A stern voice in his mind warned: "Don't do it," recalling the chaos of past regret. He hated the whisper, despised feeling less-than in a crowd that seemed so carefree.
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— Daphne... — Jerry breathed, his voice thick with emotion as he looked at her.
She smiled, that radiant, unmistakable smile that lit up the space around them like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. In that instant, memories he'd tried so hard to suppress rushed back in waves. And then, without a single word, she leaned in.
Her lips met his in a kiss that was nothing short of electric , all heat and intensity, no hesitation. It was the kind of kiss that demanded surrender, and for a moment, Jerry did. Every worry, every doubt, every carefully constructed wall crumbled as he lost himself in the moment.
When they finally broke apart, he stood stunned, breathless. The chaos inside him was immediate, he couldn't deny the pull between them, nor the power she held over him.
— Jerry... how are you? — she asked softly, her voice like silk, her arms resting easily around his neck.
— Good... and now? Even better. — he replied, still caught in the aftershocks of their kiss. Guilt began to crawl in, slow and unwelcome, but it couldn't extinguish the magnetic chemistry burning between them.
Her smile deepened at his response. She tilted her head and swayed with him to the quiet rhythm of the background music, wrapping him in a dance no one else could see.
— Always so sweet. What did you think of the musical? — she asked, her tone feather-light, eyes never leaving his.
— I loved it... and I don't even like musicals. — he admitted, tempted by the comfort of her closeness, even as a part of him screamed that this was dangerous ground.
