In Contempt

•Beware of distractions

Lorraine sat across from Jericho at a quiet café near the firm. It wasn't often she carved out time during her busy schedule for lunch, but Jericho had called, sounding earnest. She couldn't ignore the tone in his voice, so here they were, seated in a cozy corner booth, sunlight streaming through the window.

Jericho looked at her with those kind, thoughtful eyes that always seemed to see right through her. Dressed in his military uniform, he had a quiet confidence that contrasted the fast-paced chaos of her daily life at the firm.
"I'm glad you could make it," he said, his deep voice soft but steady.

Lorraine offered him a small smile. "You sounded serious on the phone. What's on your mind?"
Jericho exhaled, leaning forward slightly. "Lorraine, I don't want to dance around this anymore. I've been thinking a lot about you. About us."
Her heart skipped slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. "Jericho..."

He held up a hand, cutting her off gently. "Hear me out. I know how focused you are on your career, and I admire that about you. I'm not here to get in the way of your dreams. I would never do that."
Lorraine tilted her head, watching him closely. "So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I want to be part of your life," Jericho said, his voice firm. "I want to help you push toward those dreams. I care about you, Lorraine. A lot. And I'm not asking you to make a decision right now—I just needed you to know how I feel."
Lorraine's Response
For a moment, Lorraine didn't know what to say. Jericho's sincerity was disarming, and his words touched something deep inside her. But she couldn't ignore the reality of her priorities.

"Jericho," she began carefully, "I care about you too. You're an incredible person. But right now, my career has to come first. This is the most important time for me to prove myself at the firm."
"I understand that," he said, his tone unwavering. "And I'm not asking you to change anything. I'm just asking you to let me support you. To be here when you need someone."
Lorraine felt her resolve soften. His honesty was refreshing, and his willingness to stand by her without demanding anything in return was something she wasn't used to.
"Thank you," she said finally, her voice quieter. "That means a lot to me, Jericho. I just need time to figure everything out."

"Take all the time you need," he said with a small smile. "I'm not going anywhere."
The Flowers Begin
The next morning, Lorraine arrived at the firm to find a stunning bouquet of roses waiting for her at her desk. The card attached simply read:
"To Lorraine—just a reminder that you're amazing.
-Jericho."
She smiled despite herself, touched by the gesture. But as the days went on, the flowers kept coming—lilies, tulips, sunflowers—each arrangement more extravagant than the last.
It didn't take long for her coworkers to notice.
Office Gossip
"Who's the secret admirer, Lorraine?" one of the junior associates asked as she walked by Lorraine's desk.
"No secret," Lorraine replied casually, trying to downplay the attention. "Just a friend."
"A very dedicated friend," another chimed in with a grin.
The whispers spread quickly. Some of her colleagues found it endearing, while others viewed it as a distraction. Lorraine tried to ignore the chatter, but it was hard to miss the way people glanced at her desk every time a new bouquet arrived.

By the end of the week, Rachel Fame appeared at Lorraine's desk, her expression unreadable as she gestured for Lorraine to follow her to her office.

Once inside, Rachel closed the door and turned to Lorraine.
"You've been getting a lot of attention lately," Rachel said, her tone carefully neutral.

"I didn't ask for it," Lorraine replied honestly.
"I know," Rachel said, her eyes narrowing slightly. "But perception matters in this business, Lorraine. You're doing great work, and I don't want anything—or anyone—to derail that."

Lorraine straightened her posture, meeting Rachel's gaze. "Jericho isn't a distraction, Rachel. He's just being supportive."
"Support is fine," Rachel said, crossing her arms. "But distractions? Those we can't afford. You've worked too hard to get here. Don't let anything, or anyone, make people question your focus."
"I understand," Lorraine said, though a small part of her bristled at Rachel's words.
"Good," Rachel said, her tone softening slightly. "You're talented, Lorraine. Don't forget why you're here."

Mixed Emotions
That evening, Lorraine sat at home, staring at the latest bouquet Jericho had sent. Rachel's warning echoed in her mind, but so did Jericho's words at the café.
She appreciated his kindness, but she couldn't deny the complications it brought. In her world, where every action was scrutinized, even an innocent gesture could be misinterpreted.

Taking a deep breath, Lorraine resolved to talk to Jericho. She needed to set boundaries—not because she didn't care for him, but because she couldn't afford to let anything jeopardize her place at the firm.
And yet, as she lay in bed that night, a small smile crept across her face. It was nice to know that, even in the midst of her chaotic life, someone cared enough to remind her she was special.