Chapter 237 Taming Her Playboy Bully

Chapter 237 Taming Her Playboy Bully
Lainey’s POV

“I don’t know if I can do this,” I whispered.

“I know you can,” Ben said, smiling. “You are the most competent, intelligent, and capable person I’ve ever known in my life. You can do this, and so much more.” Ben leaned down and kissed my lips. There were Ooo’s and Aww’s from the crowd.

“Thank you for always supporting me,” I grinned. I stepped up to the podium.

Oh my God, this is actually happening. I’m getting the chance to do something I was supposed to do 10 years ago. I can’t believe Ben did this for me, but I’m glad he did. It felt like the closure I needed to put the past away. To bury that version of me. The scared, timid one. The one that wouldn’t take any chances. The one that stood in the shadows and observed life, not lived it.

I had come a long way since then. A very long way. I had graduated from medical school early with a Summa Cum Laude designation and the highest marks on record. I had worked on countless charities and looked forward to a future of truly giving back to the world. I had found my soulmate, the one person who lifted me up and supported me through everything I did. Ben knew my heart, and I knew his.

I kissed Ben on the cheek. “Thank you,” I said, smiling. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I think I do,” Ben grinned. “Because your joy and happiness are written all over your face. Your dad would be so proud of you, Lainey. Now show them who you really are.”

I stepped up to the podium.

“Fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, friends, and family, welcome,” I stated. “You’ll have to bear with me. This speech was written for a different time, place, and audience. So, I hope you can take yourselves back 10 years to our Graduation Ceremony.”

“10 YEARS AGO, YOU WERE SINGLE. MARRY ME INSTEAD OF HAILSTORM,” Eric shouted.

“IN YOUR DREAMS, ERIC,” Ben called back.

The guests laughed.

“Are you finished, Eric?” I mused.

“MAKE SURE HAILSTORM KNOWS HE’S A LUCKY SOB EVERY DAY OF HIS LIFE,” Eric declared loudly.

“He already knows that,” I giggled.

I looked at Ben, who stood there with a huge grin on his face.

“Graduates. I’m not going to say a long, drawn-out speech about you needing to seize the day and follow your dreams, yada, yada, yada. That has already been said and done a million times. You know what you want from your future, and only you control that destiny. You have the power to do anything you dream of in life.

How we achieve what we want will be different. We all come from different families, traditions, and values, but we are connected by something greater. We are joined by our humanity, our need to feel like we belong.

So, what I want to do today is give you all the best advice I’ve ever received from the greatest man I have ever known, my dad. This is one piece of advice I have carried with me since I was 6 years old and will carry with me until my last breath. In fact, it has become my mantra.

Live in gratitude and lead with kindness. Let me say that again: Live in gratitude and lead with kindness.

Simple, right? You would think so, but it has its challenges. When you are in your darkest place, it is difficult to feel grateful. When you’re lost in anger and pain, it's hard to give kindness to others when you can’t even give it to yourself. You see, that’s where kindness has to start. With yourself, have acceptance, love, and patience with yourself, because it’s hard to fill up others’ cups if yours is empty. We are always our own worst critics. The world is not just black and white, nor is it just right or wrong. There is a huge spectrum of colors to live your life in. Don’t be so hard on your mistakes. The word fail stands for First Attempt in Learning. Learn from your mistakes instead of living by them. Kindness to yourself is key.

So, you know what? Take that ‘me’ time you so desperately want and need. Have that hour long bubble bath with a glass of wine. Hide away from the world, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito, and read your favorite smutty book. Spend hours in the garage fixing up that old car you want to restore. Walk barefoot in the grass. Travel, make memories, and make new friends along the way. Once you show that kindness to yourself, you can give it to others.

Why kindness, you may ask? Your kindness to a random person may not mean much to you, but it could mean the world to someone. It could be the difference between fighting and giving up. Kindness is free to give, so spread it everywhere, without reward or acknowledgment. Do it just because it’s the right thing to do. A simple smile, a quick interaction, or a helping hand can go a long way.

Remember, life is not about the destination; it’s about the journey. Make the journey worth it for yourself and everyone you touch with your kindness. Make it a path you can be proud of. Remember, none of us is making it out alive. It literally is a shitty destination. So, enjoy the journey. Be true to yourself. Be authentic. Be happy, but most of all be kind.”

The guests rose to their feet, cheering and clapping.

“Thank you,” I said over the sound system. “Thank you.”

“Oh, there is one thing I want to add,” I announced. The crowd quieted down. “This advice is from me now.”

I looked back at Ben and mouthed, ‘I love you.’

“I was a goth nerd in prep school, in fact, I’m still a nerd,” I smirked. “Be careful how you treat us nerds, we may come back with a glow up and show you what for. I did that and ended up taming my Playboy bully.”

The End

Thank you to all the readers who took this journey with me. I thank you for your patience and the time you have invested in my passion. I hope you have fallen in love with Lainey and Ben as much as I have.

Haven’t had enough of Lainey and Ben? Want to meet the triplets? Want to know what Jonah’s last days were like? Then stick around for the Bonus chapters!