**Diary Entry 15th of March**
The doorframe trembled under James grip as he stood there, pale as chalk, his gaze shadowed and nearly threatening. His shoulders shooknot from cold, but from the fury boiling inside him.
Whats going on here? His voice, low and heavy, cut through the room like a blade.
Lily felt her heart tighten. She loved him, but right now, fear prickled at her skin. She couldnt bear the thought that the man whod saved her might have to choose between her and his own mother.
Eleanor lifted her chin with practised calm, like an actress who knew she held the reins.
Whats happening, my dear, is that Im trying to save you from yourself. Think for a momentwhat are you doing with this girl? In three months, youve spent more on her than on yourself all last year.
Mum James shut his eyes briefly, as if wrestling for control. I told youLily isnt some fling. Shes the woman I love.
Love? Eleanor let out a sharp, icy laugh. Love isnt found by the rubbish bins, James. She comes from theredo you have any idea what that means for our familys name?
Lilys cheeks burned. She wanted to shout, to argue, but an invisible weight pressed against her chest. Instead, tears welled in her eyes.
James stepped forward, closer to his mother.
You know where I found her? Yes, by a skip. And do you know why? Not for herselffor an old woman who had nothing to eat. But youd rather see the dirt than the kindness behind it.
Kindness doesnt pay the bills, Eleanor snapped. And lets not forgeta man like you could have any woman you want.
Exactly, he said, his voice steady. And Ive chosen Lily.
A heavy silence fell between them.
At last, Lily found her voice.
James, you dont have to
I do, he interrupted gently. She needs to hear the truth.
Eleanor crossed her arms, like a judge awaiting the final plea.
The truth is simple, Mum. You think love is measured in pedigree and bank balances. I believe its measured in momentswhen someone stands by you even when youve got nothing.
Lily watched him, the knot in her throat dissolving.
When I met her, James continued, she couldve refused me. She tried. Knew it was dangerous to trust a stranger. But she was exhausted, starving. And since then, Ive never seen her ask for a single thing for herself.
Eleanor bit her lip but said nothing.
James took another step.
If you cant accept my choice, Im sorry. But this is my life. And shes part of it.
Lily shivered, hardly believing what she was hearing.
James Her voice wavered between gratitude and fear.
No, Lily, he said firmly. Ive stayed silent too long, torn between what my mother wants and what I want. Now I choose. And I choose you.
Eleanor rolled her eyes, but James tone left no room for debate.
Fine, she said at last, rising from her chair. But dont come to me when she leaves you with nothing.
She swept out, the faint scent of expensive perfume lingering in her wake.
Lily stood frozen.
You did that for me? she whispered.
Not just for you. For us. And because I wont lose someone like you to someone elses pride.
Tears streamed down her facenot from sorrow, but relief.
James pulled her close, holding her against his chest.
Well make it, he murmured. Might not be easy, but we will.
What if your mother never forgives us? she asked softly.
Then well live with it. Ive made my choice.
In the days that followed, the house grew quieter, colder without Eleanors presence. Lily felt the neighbours judging stares, but whenever James smiled at her, she remembered she wasnt alone.
They began hunting for a smaller flatjust for them. James restructured his business, and Lily found part-time work at a nearby café. Their life no longer had the luxury of his mothers home, but it had something else: freedom, and mutual respect.
One spring evening, as they walked home, James stopped and took her hand.
I made you a promise the day we metremember?
That youd stay by me, no matter what, Lily smiled.
And I have. And I always will.
They kissed under the glow of the streetlamp, and for Lily, the world narrowed to that moment. She knew the road ahead wouldnt be without bumps, but she was ready to walk it. Because finally, she wasnt the girl by the skip. She was the woman a man had chosen to loveregardless of the cost.
*Lesson learned: Love isnt about where you come from. Its about who stands by you when youve got nothing left to give.*
