CHAPTER 003

CHAPTER 003

Life was unfair sometimes, and Lori wasn't spared its vicissitudes either - she couldn't even afford the time off work to grieve properly lest she lose her job; thus, only two days post-death, Lori returned to her diner as usual!

She struggled to remember losing a baby just two weeks earlier, still mourning its absence but finding ways to cope.

Birdie knew she would give up the baby for adoption, so when she found Birdie crying mid-shift in the bathroom, her question had been, 'So why am I crying now?".

"But you never desired having this child. Why are you feeling such sorrow now?"

She spoke in guttural tones that cut deep within. Birdie left immediately thereafter without further conversation; no further interaction existed between the two.

Mrs Grace came by every few hours, collecting milk for the baby. That brief moment brought a measure of relief.

Lori managed to pump in both mornings and after work, then bag, date, and freeze her milk supply.

Mrs Grace agreed to come every three days; however, Lori continued producing more milk, so she was sometimes forced to come sooner. Mrs Grace became concerned that giving away so much milk may have worsened matters.

Mrs Grace was always very kind. Sometimes, when she came over to collect Lori's milk, she brought home-cooked meals like lasagna or key lime pie for Lori to enjoy.

She never seemed to tire of updating Lori on progress regarding their baby, even when Lori seemed disinterested in discussing it.

Emilia Caine (also commonly referred to by some as Emmy).

Jared had not come around either; perhaps he felt guilty over having caused premature labour with all his pushing her to start early.

Part of her was thankful that he'd left, even if only for now; knowing him, though, it could quickly come back again. She prayed and hoped it wasn't only a temporary separation.

She needed stability and normalcy in her life.

"Lori! Table three requires refilling!" she was urgently informed.

Birdie called out, and Lori smiled as she approached with an overflowing cup of joe. Birdie then requested another coffee refill, and Lori promptly showed up with one in hand so they could drink together at Birdie's table.

"Hey! Have I seen you before here? Didn't you used to be pregnant?"

Lori answered him without hesitation and replied in the affirmative; her eyes swept across her, knowing what they meant—it was one she recognised all too well. The man looked right through Lori in what became his signature gaze upon her, showing no hesitation to question before giving a glance that said enough was said about what had just transpired between them both.

"Wow. You look amazing. For someone who just had a baby you look amazing."

He commented, and Lori forced herself into smiling; unwelcome comments and overblown compliments are commonplace at diners, which Lori had come to accept as part of her job there.

"Thanks," She mumbled as she left his table.

She didn't feel hot. Nothing about her was uncomfortable or felt scorchingly hot.

She felt broken. Hurtful pain pervaded every fibre in her being; an irreparable wound opened deep within. And yet there was hope; perhaps her discomfort might soon recede and allow healing to occur.

She was still immersed in her feelings when an unfamiliar man entered the diner.

She focused on cleaning off a table where a child had left an unsightly mess behind.

"Ms Wyatt?" I inquired of her.

Lori didn't turn when hearing a deep voice ask her whether or not she answered; instead, she simply responded, "Yes," when asked by one. Once done, she saw an unfamiliar figure standing right next to her who made his presence known by approaching from behind and making himself known in person.

She took one small step in that direction.

He stood tall. Something about his presence made an impressionful statement about who he was.

Domineering.

At about six feet two, this gentleman wore an immaculate charcoal black suit explicitly tailored to suit every inch of his frame. His short dark hair was slicked back from his forehead and cleanly shaved except for an impish moustache. His eyes appeared too blue even for them, and his jawline and cheekbones were so beautiful that they made his features seem as if created by some perfect god himself.

She took a deep breath before looking away again, as he seemed to have this impactful effect on many. "Can we sit somewhere and talk?"

He asked, and Lori glanced over at Birdie, who was watching closely for any sign that something may have gone amiss with Birdie's care for Lori. Birdie gave Lori no room for error when answering his query and quickly observed her with admiration and keen eyesight.

"Right now? I am on my shift."

"Who are you?" She inquired.

Gabriel Caine responded that his daughter has been the recipient of her milk donation these past two weeks and is proudly known by Gabriel as their "daddy".

"Oh no. Grace won't arrive until later today.

Lori thought to herself while the man nodded his agreement.

"Yes.. but let me get this straight:

Birdie was already drawing nearer.

Lori looked at Lora suspiciously and gave a cold look before turning around with an exasperated frown.

"Ok. My shift will end shortly; can my meeting take place after work hours instead? As I'm on probation and don't wish to further frustrate my boss."

She replied, and he nodded, assuring her: I will wait in that black car outside for you." He nodded his agreement:

"Show me your car," he pointed to the black vehicle outside before quietly walking out of the diner without further dialogue.

Lori took advantage of her time off work by entering the locker room after finishing her shift and changing.

It's a good thing she at least looked presentable. Her faded red dress and Doc Marten boots still gave an air of elegance and were acceptable attire for an interview.

As she exited, Mr Gabriel Caine was already out of his car and moving towards her door to open it.

Lori found herself bewildered at how surprising it was that an adult man opened the door for her so politely and considerately.

As she entered the luxury car, she could immediately smell his cologne. It had caught her attention in a diner. Still, here, it dominated all senses—incredible sexy, musky confidence—as she smoothed her hand across its leather seat, which likely cost far more than any of its components ever could in real terms.

Oh dear. That must cost quite an arm and leg!

She suspected Emilia's family were comfortable, yet had no idea they were so extravagantly wealthy.

"Let me start off by thanking you for helping my daughter in such an admirable fashion despite your own suffering. Your thoughtfulness towards my child was remarkable."

"There's no way for me to repay your generosity; thank you so much!" "There's no way I could ever hope to repay you; your support means so much to me!"

Lori shrugged. "No thanks, Mr Caine; my own financial troubles will take care of themselves."

Grace had offered on the first visit. When she saw Grace's apartment complex and realised who lived there, she immediately offered to deliver milk.

"Ms Wyatt, normally I wouldn't offer such advice but in your situation there may be another solution available to us. Please allow me to explain."

"What kind of proposal could such a wealthy and powerful individual like Gabriel Caine possibly offer someone like her?" Lori wondered aloud.

As is well known, Grace has been taking care of my daughter since birth.

Emilia lost her mother shortly after birth.

Lori nodded thoughtfully as she continued: - But Grace has aged rapidly, becoming easily fatigued, so when we decided on getting a nanny, she suggested you as being her top choice." - Lori smiled warmly to Grace as they discussed getting someone like herself for Grace as an elderly caregiver who'd recommend someone like herself as the ideal match: a recommendation she couldn't resist making to Lori for consideration as their next nanny candidate! - Lori nodded again before explaining:

"What?! "Lori exclaimed, and Gabriel nodded.

"While I understand and respect your decision not to hire Ms Wyatt, I will reward your services handsomely if you accept her job offer.

As he presented her with a contract, he stated.

Lori took it cautiously.

Will this take place?

She quickly skimmed through the pages when suddenly the $10,000.00 per month plus other benefits hit home with her.

What?! Ten thousand dollars?! What?!

The requirements were pretty basic—she would need to provide Emilia with care, love, and companionship on an ongoing basis.

"What do you think?"

A man asked Lori. She attempted to reply, but no words came out of her mouth.

Slowly, she cleared her throat and looked directly at him; his eyes swept over every aspect of her movements and emotions with interest.

"Give me time to read over your contract and consider your proposal," she replied, moving slowly across his shirt front.

She replied as she took several deep gulps.

"That sounds reasonable to me; however, we still have until tomorrow evening to complete your purchase of my card." He replied.

He presented her with an attractive business card.

Once you select, contact me immediately so I can arrange for one of our cars to pick you up and your luggage.

Once out of his car, she watched as he drove away while clutching the document tightly to herself in mild shock.