**Diary Entry**
William stood in the doorway, pale as chalk, his gaze dark and almost threatening. His hands gripped the doorframe tightly, and his shoulders trembled not from cold but from the fury that had taken hold of him.
Whats going on here? His voice, low and grave, cut through the air in the room.
Sophie felt her heart clench. She loved him, but at the same time, she feared this moment. She didnt want to believe that the man who had saved her could now 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 control.
Whats happening, my dear, is that Im trying to save your life. Stop for a moment and thinkwhat 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 contain his anger. Ive told youSophie isnt some fling. Shes the woman I love.
Love? Eleanor let out a cold laugh. Love isnt found by the rubbish bins. She comes from there, William! Do you have any idea what that means for our reputation?
Sophies cheeks burned. She wanted to answer, to shout, but an invisible weight pressed against her chest. Instead of words, her eyes filled with tears.
William took a step forward, closer to his mother.
You know where I found her? Yes, by a bin. Do you know why she was there? Not for herself. For an ill 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 replied sharply. And lets not forgeta man like you can have any woman he wants.
Thats right, he said, his gaze steady. And Ive chosen Sophie.
A sharp silence fell between them.
Finally, Sophie found her voice.
William, you dont have to
I do, he interrupted gently. She needs to hear the truth.
Eleanor crossed her arms, like a judge waiting for the defendants final plea.
The truth is simple, Mumyou believe love is measured in pedigree and bank accounts. I believe its measured in the moments when someone stands by you even when you have nothing.
Sophie looked at him, feeling the lump in her throat dissolve.
When I met her, William continued, she could have refused me. She tried. She knew it was dangerous to accept help from a stranger. But she didbecause 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, Im sorry, but this is my life. And shes part of it.
Sophie shivered. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.
William Her voice was a mix of gratitude and fear.
No, Sophie, he said firmly. Ive been silent too long. I let myself be torn between what my mother wanted and what I wanted. Now Im choosing. And I choose you.
Eleanor rolled her eyes, but the finality in Williams tone left no room for argument.
Fine, she said at last, rising from her chair. But dont come to me when she leaves you with nothing.
She walked out, leaving behind a faint trace of expensive perfume and a heavy emptiness in the air.
Sophie 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 ages, they were tears of relief.
William pulled her close, holding her against his chest.
Well make it, he murmured. It might not be easy, but well make it.
And if your mother never forgives us? she asked softly.
Then well live with that. Ive made my choice.
In the days that followed, the house felt quieter but colder without Eleanors constant presence. Sophie noticed the suspicious glances from the 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 restructured his business, and Sophie took 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.
I made you a promise on the day we met, remember? he said.
That youd stay with me, no matter what, Sophie smiled.
And I have. And I always will.
They kissed under the streetlamps glow, and for Sophie, the entire world narrowed to that moment. She knew their path wouldnt be free of obstacles, but she was ready to walk itbecause she was no longer the girl by the rubbish bin. She was the woman a man had chosen to love, no matter the cost.
**Lesson learned:** Pride and prejudice can blind us to true worth, but love rooted in kindness and courage is worth every battle.
