James stood in the doorway, pale as a sheet, his gaze dark and nearly menacing. His hands gripped the doorframe, and his shoulders trembled not from cold but from the fury boiling inside him.
Whats going on here? His voice, low and heavy, sliced through the rooms tension.
Emily felt her heart squeeze. She loved him, but right now, she was terrified. She couldnt believe the man whod saved her might have to choose between her and his own mother.
Margaret lifted her chin with practised calm, like an actress holding all the cards.
Whats going on, darling, is that Im trying to save you from yourself. Just thinkwhat are you doing with this girl? In three months, youve spent more on her than you did on yourself all last year.
Mum James closed his eyes briefly, as if wrestling with his temper. Ive told youEmily isnt some fling. Shes the woman I love.
Love? Margaret let out a sharp, mocking laugh. Love isnt found by the bins, James! She came from theredo you have any idea what that does to our reputation?
Emilys cheeks burned. She wanted to shout, to argue, but an invisible weight pressed on her chest. Instead, her eyes welled up with tears.
James took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
You know where I found her? Yes, by a bin. But do you know why? Not for herself. For an old woman who had nothing to eat. But its easier for you to see the dirt than the kindness, isnt it?
Kindness doesnt pay the bills, Margaret snapped. And lets not forgeta man like you could have any woman he wants.
Exactly, James said, his gaze steady. And I choose Emily.
A heavy silence fell between them.
Emily finally found her voice.
James, you dont have to
I do, he said gently. She needs to hear the truth.
Margaret crossed her arms like a judge waiting for the defendants final plea.
The truth is simple, Mum. You think love is measured in pedigree and bank accounts. I think its measured in the moments someone stands by you when youve got nothing.
Emily stared at him, feeling the knot in her throat dissolve.
When I met her, James continued, she couldve refused me. She tried to. Knew it was dangerous to trust a stranger. But she was exhausted and starving. And since then, Ive never seen her ask for anything for herself.
Margaret bit her lip but stayed silent.
James took another step.
If you cant accept my choice, Im sorry. But this is my life. And shes part of it.
Emily flinched. She could hardly believe what she was hearing.
James Her voice wavered between gratitude and fear.
No, Emily, he said firmly. Ive stayed quiet too long, torn between what my mother wants and what I do. Now Im choosing. And I choose you.
Margaret rolled her eyes, but James tone left no room for debate.
Fine, she said at last, rising from her chair. But dont come crying to me when she leaves you high and dry.
She swept out, leaving behind a faint trace of expensive perfume and a thick, uncomfortable silence.
Emily stood frozen, unable to move.
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 cheeks, but for the first time in ages, they were tears of relief.
James pulled her close, holding her tight.
Well be alright, he murmured. Might not be easy, but well manage.
And if your mother never forgives you? she asked softly.
Then well live with it. Ive made my choice.
In the days that followed, the house felt quietercolderwithout Margarets constant presence. Emily noticed the neighbours sideways glances, but every time James smiled at her, she remembered she wasnt alone.
They started looking for a smaller flat, just for them. James 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 else: freedom and mutual respect.
One spring evening, as they walked home, James 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 world narrowed to that moment. She knew their path wouldnt be smooth, but she was ready for itbecause finally, she wasnt the girl by the bins. She was the woman a man had chosen to love, no matter the cost.
