William stood in the doorway, pale as chalk, his gaze dark and almost threatening. His hands were clenched on the doorframe, and his shoulders trembled not from cold but from the fury burning inside him.
Whats going on here? His voice, low and heavy, cut through the air in the room.
Emily felt her heart tighten. She loved him, but at that moment, she was afraid. She didnt want to believe the man who had saved her could be forced to choose between her and his own mother.
Eleanor looked up with studied calm, like an actress who knew she held all the cards.
Whats happening, my dear, is that Im trying to save you from yourself. Stop and 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 William closed his eyes briefly, as if struggling to control his anger. I told you, Emily isnt some fling. Shes the woman I love.
Love? Eleanor let out a cold laugh. Love isnt found next to rubbish bins. She comes from there, William! Do you have any idea what that means for our familys reputation?
Emilys cheeks burned. She wanted to reply, to shout, but an invisible weight pressed on her chest. Instead of words, her eyes filled with tears.
William stepped forward, moving closer to his mother.
Do you know where I found her? Yes, by a bin. Do you know why she was there? Not for herself. For an old woman who had nothing to eat. But its easier for you to see the dirt than the kindness.
Kindness doesnt pay the bills, Eleanor snapped. And lets not forgeta man like you could have any woman he wants.
Thats right, he said, his gaze steady. And Ive chosen Emily.
A sharp silence fell between them.
Finally, Emily found her voice.
William, you dont have to
Yes, I do, he interrupted gently. She needs to hear the truth.
Eleanor crossed her arms like a judge waiting for the final plea.
The truth is simple, Mum, William said. You think love is measured in pedigree and bank accounts. I believe its measured in the moments someone stands by you even when you have nothing.
Emily looked at him, feeling the knot in her throat loosen.
When I met her, William continued, she couldve refused me. And she tried. She knew it was dangerous to accept help from a stranger. But she was exhausted and starving. And since then, Ive never seen her ask for anything for herself.
Eleanor bit her lip but said nothing.
William took another step.
If you cant accept my choice, then Im sorrybut this is my life. And shes part of it.
Emily flinched. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.
William Her voice was a mix of gratitude and fear.
No, Emily, he said firmly. Ive been silent too long. I let myself be caught between what my mother wanted and what I wanted. Now Im choosing. And I choose you.
Eleanor rolled her eyes, but Williams tone left no room for argument.
Fine, she said at last, rising from her chair. But dont come running to me when she leaves you with nothing.
She strode out, leaving behind a faint trace of expensive perfume and a heavy emptiness in the air.
Emily stood frozen, unable to move.
You did that for me? she whispered.
Not just for you. For us. And because I refuse to live knowing I lost someone like you over someone elses pride.
Tears streamed down her face, but for the first time in so long, they were tears of relief.
William pulled her close, holding her against his chest.
Well be alright, he murmured. It might not be easy, but well be alright.
And if your mother never forgives us? she asked, her voice small.
Then well live with that. Ive made my choice.
In the days that followed, the house felt quieter but colder without Eleanors constant presence. Emily noticed the suspicious glances from neighbours, but every time William smiled at her, she remembered she wasnt alone.
They began searching for a smaller flat, just for the two of them. William reorganised his business, and Emily found a part-time job at a nearby café. Their life no longer had the luxury of his mothers home, but it had something elsefreedom and mutual respect.
One spring evening, as they walked home, William stopped and took her hand.
Do you remember what I promised you on the first day we met? he asked.
That youd stand by me, no matter what, Emily smiled.
And I have. And I always will.
They kissed under the glow of the streetlamp, and for Emily, the whole world shrank to that moment. She knew their road wouldnt be without obstacles, but she was ready to walk itbecause she was no longer the girl by the bin. She was the woman a man had chosen to love, no matter the cost.
