Noelle: Between Love and Desperation

Within The Rivera Walls

Rivera’s Mansion, Forbes Park

After a full week of rest at her condo, Lorraine finally returned to her family’s mansion with Mama Amelie by her side. The moment she stepped through the towering double doors, her steps faltered—almost everyone was already there. And not just family. Barbara was there too.

Barbara—Drake's fiancée—looked radiant as always, tall and elegant in a Saint Laurent red-cut mini dress. Her long, wavy brown hair framed her face perfectly as she walked toward Lorraine with open arms.

"Oh, Lorraine! My goodness, it's so good to see you—it’s been ages!" Barbara exclaimed, kissing her cheek and pulling her into a warm hug.

Lorraine forced a smile. "Hi, Barbara."

Barbara was the type of woman who truly had it all. Coming from another powerful family, her mother ran a chain of luxury resorts and hotels, while her father served as the Secretary of Justice. On top of her beauty and charm, Barbara had a solid law degree. Lorraine couldn't deny it—Barbara was impressive.

Beside her was my brother Drake. Lorraine deliberately avoided his gaze, her tone polite but cool as she added, “Congratulations on your engagement, Barbara. I wish you both well.” Her words were directed at Barbara, her eyes never once flickering toward her brother. The coldness in her distance was sharp enough to be felt, though unspoken.

Barbara, oblivious to the undertone, beamed. "I was sad when I didn’t see you at the event," she pouted slightly. "I asked Drake where you were, but he said you were too busy, caught up in a meeting that night."

Lorraine’s smile tightened. "Yes, I’m sorry, Barbara. I was stuck in a video conference with clients in New York and Paris. I couldn’t leave."

Before Barbara could respond, her father's voice boomed across the room.

“Lorraine,” her daddy said, his voice heavy with both concern and authority. “I’ve been calling your office, but your secretary keeps telling me you’re not around. It’s been a week already. You personally requested the 17th floor for your fashion and design meetings—yet you’re not even using it. Are you not comfortable there? Do you want that office to be renovated?”

Lorraine clasped her hands together, her face palings slightly. "No, Daddy. Everything's fine with the office space. I just... got caught in those international meetings for my agency's upcoming events in Paris and New York. And you know how traffic is here-it makes traveling back and forth so exhausting."

Her father frowned, unconvinced. "But I thought you came here for a vacation?"

Lorraine swallowed, her voice faltering. "That's right, Daddy... I did. But one of my directors had to fly back home for his grandmother's funeral. The event is fast approaching, so I've had to cover for him. I promise, this week I'll be completely free."

Her mother, Leirenna, touched her husband's arm lightly. "Honey, our daughter is here now. Don't push her with so many questions."

Relieved, Lorraine leaned down and kissed her mother’s cheek.

“I love you, Mommy,” she whispered.

Her mother smiled—but it was cold, almost empty.

Suddenly, the doors opened. Kuya Orion walked in, arm around his wife, Megan, who carried their one-year-old son, Arlo.

Lorraine’s eyes took them in without hesitation. Megan was tall, her shoulder-length hair smooth and shiny, her face glowing under subtle, perfectly applied makeup. Her floral Dolce & Gabbana dress was elegant, effortless, and expensive—just like her. It was easy to see the influence of her family: a mother who had made a name as a veteran actress and a father who commanded respect as the governor of Isabela province. Megan carried that blend of glamour and authority naturally.

Orion was equally striking. His Brioni suit fit him like it had been tailored just for him—crisp, clean-cut, and impossibly sharp. His grey eyes were intense and observant, the kind that seemed to notice everything without effort. Together, they looked polished, poised, and entirely in control, the picture of a family born to the spotlight.

"Lorraine!" Megan’s eyes lit up. "Is that really you? You’re even more beautiful than I remember!"

Lorraine smiled warmly. "Hi, Ate Megan. Lovely to see you again. And hello, little man." She kissed Arlo’s chubby cheek, making him giggle as he wriggled happily in his mother’s arms.

Kuya Orion stepped forward, wrapping Lorraine in a strong hug before pressing a kiss on her forehead. "Hey, little sis. Are you okay? I've been calling your phone. Your secretary says you're not coming to the office. What's going on?"

Lorraine hugged him back tightly. "I'm okay, Kuya. Don't worry."

"Are you eating well? Sleeping enough?" he pressed, his protective tone showing.

Lorraine chuckled softly. "Of course, Kuya. Mama Amelie is with me now-she makes sure I take care of myself. She's practically monitoring me 24/7."

Her words carried just enough weight for her parents and brothers to hear-Lorraine wanted them to know how much Mama Amelie meant to her.

Before anyone could respond, Mommy Leirenna clapped her hands lightly. "Alright, the dining table is ready. Let's have Dinner".

Lorraine walked hand-in-hand with Mama Amelie, her steps steady though her heart raced. Her gaze accidentally caught Kuya Drake's across the room. He was watching her carefully, but she chose to ignore him and looked away.

The family gathered at the grand dining table, feasting on an extravagant spread. Lorraine picked at her food, her appetite still missing after the difficult week.

Halfway through, her daddy suddenly cleared his throat. His commanding presence filled the room.

"Everyone, I have an important announcement," he began. "Our basketball team, Jaden's Steel, has made it to the finals in this PBA Philippine Cup. The final games begin next week."

The family's attention turned toward him, silent.

"This is a historic moment for our company. If we win, our name will rise to even greater heights in the consumer market. So I want each of you to attend and represent the family. I know you're all busy, but this is important."

He looked around the table. "Orion?"

"Of course, Daddy," Orion replied without hesitation. Megan smiled and nodded beside him. "We'll be there for the first game."

"And you, Drake?"

"All in, Pa!" Drake grinned. "I'll take the second game."

Lorraine's voice suddenly rang out, surprising everyone. "I'll be there on the third game."

The whole table turned to her, shocked.

Her daddy raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, Lorraine? This is a basketball game, not a fashion show."

Lorraine smirked faintly. "Yes, Daddy, I know. But you said it yourself-it's our company's team. And I'm still part of this family, aren't I?"

Her words dripped with sarcasm, but she held her head high. "Besides, it's been years since I last watched a live game. If I'm not mistaken... about five years ago."

For a fleeting moment, Ethan's winning shot from that long-ago final flashed through her mind. Her heart clenched. Ethan... I'm happy I'll finally see you again.

"Then it's settled," Daddy said, nodding firmly.

But Kuya Drake suddenly interjected. "Wait, Pa. I'll accompany Lorraine to the third game. I'll ask Jaime to cover the second game for me. I want some bonding time with my sister." His gaze lingered on Lorraine, heavy with meaning.

Lorraine shot him a sharp glare, speaking only to herself Damn it, Kuya Drake. You're really starting to piss me off.

Barbara, eager to join in, leaned forward. "How about me, love? I'd like to watch the game too."

Lorraine's lips curled into a sly smile. "Perfect! You and Kuya Drake should go together-make it a date. I'll just ask Jaime to accompany me." Her tone was cutting, her eyes locked on her brother.

The air tensed for a moment, but Daddy clapped his hands. "Alright then, it's settled."

And just like that, the dinner continued, though the undercurrent of tension between Lorraine and Drake remained as sharp as ever.