Chapter 50

Louis's Pov.

The morning after was a minefield. Claire was a storm cloud of anger, her silence as loud as any outburst.

She was understandably pissed off after our night together. Calling Donna's name during sex was definitely heartbreaking for her, and I couldn't control myself and let it slip out. I went to the dining room where my mother and Delphine were already seated, eating breakfast. Since I had already prepared for work, I sat with them. Just then, Claire walked past us, dressed and ready to step out to God knows where.

"Claire, come join us for breakfast," my mother called after her.

Claire ignored her with cold precision and left the mansion. Moments later, the sound of a car zooming off echoed from outside.

My mother and Delphine were surprised by Claire's attitude. My mother asked, "What is up with her?"

Delphine added, "Yeah, what's up her crotch?"

I sighed and told them, "Claire suffered a miscarriage."

My mother’s face fell. "Oh, again? Jesus! Why does this keep happening?"

"I just don't know why. She suffered a miscarriage the day her father died and she did not tell me. If it weren't for Gerard, I wouldn't have known."

"Sorry for your loss, brother," Delphine said softly.

My mother squeezed my hand, but she kept trying to piece things together, saying, "Sorry, honey. But I still don't think that was the reason she disrespected me like that. There is something you are not telling me."

Their eyes lingered on me, expectantly. I fumbled and admitted, "I called Donna's name while we were making love."

My mother and Delphine exclaimed in horror, "What?"

"Son, why would you do such a thing?" my mother asked, clearly distressed.

Delphine's jaw dropped. "That explains her rudeness.”

I nodded, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I didn't know when it slipped out of my mouth. I’ve been apologizing since last night, but she remains unyielding to plea."

My mother sighed. "What do you expect, Louis?” my mother said, her voice filled with sympathy. “A woman just lost her baby, and now she is almost certain she has lost her husband too."

We ate breakfast in a heavy silence until Delphine shattered it by saying, "There's something important I have to tell both of you."

My mother and I looked at her, our attention piqued. Delphine took a deep breath and said, "I want you to know that Lorena and I are in a serious relationship. She is my girlfriend, officially."

My mother and I shared a look. Delphine watched us, maybe expecting some kind of surprise reaction.

My mother smiled warmly. "Congratulations, dear, but we already knew."

Delphine looked at me, her eyes wide. "Even you?"

I nodded. "Yes, I know. Congrats though, I hope this gives you happiness, sis."

I ate the last slice of bread and stood up. "I will be going to Silicon Valley today, to check on my tech startup. So, if you are looking for me, that is where I will be. Goodbye."

****************

Donna's Pov.

The morning sun streamed through the theater windows as I arrived for rehearsal, my mind still reeling from the awkwardness of last night's dinner. What had Mom and Jake told Charlie? His demeanor had shifted subtly after their conversation, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, and it kept nagging at me. Though I am happy mom didn’t say anything about my pregnancy, but wait, could it be what she told Charlie when I wasn’t there?

I walked onto the stage and saw some of my co-stars doing stretching exercises. Joining them, I tried to focus on the routine, letting the familiar movements ground me.

Soon, everyone was on stage, rehearsing lines and doing speech exercises. The rhythm of the theater began to take over, and I felt a semblance of normalcy.

The familiar routine helped to clear my head, and I lost myself in the physicality of the movements.

Mr. Clarence walked in, and behind him was Taran Holden. The sight of Taran sent a ripple of tension through the group. Mr. Clarence called our attention, and we all turned to face him.

"Good morning, everyone," Mr. Clarence said,his voice carrying across the room.

"Good morning, Mr. Clarence," we responded in unison.

"You all saw Taran yesterday, being unprofessional. I fired him, but he kept begging and pleading, so I decided, you all are the ones he offended more. I told him he can come back to work with you all if and only if you accept his apology," Mr. Clarence explained, turning to Taran. "You have the floor."

Taran stepped closer, looking genuinely contrite. "First off, I want to say, I am sorry. I am sorry for my behavior yesterday. There's no excuse in the world that can justify it," he began.

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "I did what I did yesterday, not because I am an alcoholic, but because I am used to people bending over backward for me. Please help me in my journey to being a better, healthier person. Let me work with you, and I promise I will be on my best behavior."

A wave of sympathy washed over me. His apology was sincere, and I could see a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes.

A hush fell over the room. Josh, one of the more outspoken cast members, broke the silence. "I think we can all agree that an apology is a good start," he said. "Let's give him another chance."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the group.

A wave of relief washed over Taran’s face.

He smiled. "Thank you all for this. I promise you won't regret it."

Mr. Clarence nodded approvingly. "Since this is sorted. Everyone! Get into your positions with your scene partners. Donna and Taran, your scenes need a little more work. So, we will start the rehearsal with your scenes."

Taran and I got on stage, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of apprehension and curiosity. How would this dynamic work now? Would he be the same arrogant actor, or would he be the remorseful man he had presented himself as?

He turned to me. "I am sorry for puking on your feet yesterday,” he said, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. “I promise I'll be a better scene partner."

"Apology accepted," I replied. "Just keep to your word."

With that, we dove into rehearsals under Mr. Clarence's direction, and despite the awkwardness, Taran seemed genuinely focused and determined. It was clear he was eager to redeem himself.

Taran, true to his word, was focused and professional.