William stood in the doorway, pale as a sheet, his gaze dark and almost threatening. His hands gripped the doorframe tightly, and his shoulders tremblednot from cold, but from the anger boiling inside him.
Whats going on here? His voice, low and heavy, cut through the rooms tension.
Emily felt her heart tighten. She loved him, but at that moment, she was afraid. She didnt want to believe the man whod saved her might now have to choose between her and his own mother.
Margaret looked up with calculated calm, like an actress who knew she held all the cards.
Whats happening, my dear, is that Im trying to save you from yourself. Just stop and thinkwhat are you doing with this girl? Youve spent more on her in three months than you did on yourself all last year.
Mum William closed his eyes briefly, as if fighting to control his temper. Ive told youEmily isnt some fling. Shes the woman I love.
Love? Margaret 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 shout, to defend herself, but an invisible weight pressed on her chest. Instead of words, her eyes filled with tears.
William took a step forward, closer to his mother.
Do you know where I found her? Yes, by a bin. Do you know why? Not for herselffor an old woman who had nothing to eat. But its easier for you to see dirt than kindness, isnt it?
Kindness doesnt pay the bills, Margaret snapped. And lets not forgeta man like you could have any woman he wants.
Youre right, he said firmly. And Ive chosen Emily.
A sharp silence settled between them.
Finally, Emily found her voice.
William, you dont have to
Yes, I do, he interrupted gently. She needs to hear the truth.
Margaret crossed her arms, like a judge waiting for the final plea.
The truth is simple, Mum. You think love is measured in pedigree and bank accounts. I believe its measured in the moments someone stands by you even when youve got nothing.
Emily watched him, feeling the knot in her throat loosen.
When I met her, William continued, she couldve refused me. She tried to. She knew it was dangerous to trust a stranger. But she was exhausted and starving. And since then, Ive never seen her ask for a thing for herself.
Margaret bit her lip but said nothing.
William took another step.
If you cant accept my choice, Im sorrybut this is my life. And shes part of it.
Emily shivered. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.
William Her voice was a mix of gratitude and fear.
No, Emily, he said firmly. Ive stayed quiet too long, caught between what my mother wants and what I want. Now Im choosing. And I choose you.
Margaret rolled her eyes, but Williams 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 walked out, leaving behind a faint trace of expensive perfume and a heavy emptiness in the air.
Emily stood frozen.
You did that for me? she whispered.
Not just for you. For us. And because I wont 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 tightly.
Well make it, he murmured. It might not be easy, but well make it.
And if your mother never forgives us? she asked quietly.
Then well live with that. Ive made my choice.
In the days that followed, the house felt quieter but colder without Margarets constant presence. Emily noticed the neighbours suspicious glances, but every time William smiled at her, she remembered she wasnt alone.
They started looking for a smaller flat, just for the two of them. William restructured 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.
Remember what I promised you the 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 streetlamps glow, and for Emily, the whole world narrowed to that moment. She knew their path wouldnt be without obstacles, but she was ready to walk itbecause finally, she wasnt the girl by the bins anymore. She was the woman a man had chosen to love, no matter the cost.
