Beyond the Glitters

mil

not just financially, but emotionally as well. He believed in me when I doubted myself and stood

en the bell above the door chimed. I looked up to see a well-dressed woman in her fifties walking in, her de

. "Welcome to Emily's Booksto

adable. "I'm Elizabeth Carter," she said, he

them. Alex had mentioned they were demanding and had high expectations, espe

rs. Carter," I said, exte

e heard a lot about you," she said, her tone not giving away any o

e weight of her scrutiny. "It's be

n various details. "It's... quaint," she said finally. "

myself to remain calm. "Of cour

r. He's worked incredibly hard to get where he is, and he has a lot of responsibilit

rs. Carter. Alex's career is important to him, and I would never want to do anyt

're in, Emily. Being with someone like Alex comes with certain expectations and challenges. It'

t Alex and I are stronger together. We support each other and h

ghtly. "I see. Well, I hope for both your sakes that you're r

ing Alex's mother had been daunting, and her words echoed in my mind. I knew I had to talk to Alex abou

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te dish, hoping to create a relaxed atmosphere for our conversation. As we sat dow

sly, "your mother came

d concern on his face. "S

keep my tone neutral. Alex listened inte

arents can be... difficult. They have high expecta

stand that they want what's best for you. I just hope t

n. "I love you, Emily. And nothing my parents say will change tha

. There would be more challenges, more tests of our relationship. But a

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hrive, and I poured my heart and soul into making it a success. Alex and I spe

restaurant downtown, Alex's phone buzzed with

I have to take

derstanding.

indow, a sense of pride and love filling me. He was always so dedica

ly, I have to go to London. There's an issue with t

to hide my disappointment.

aid, looking apologetic. "I'm really

Alex. I understand. Your wor

ing my hand. "I promise I'll mak

Alex, but it didn't make it any easier. As he prepared to leave for London, I focused

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and messages, but it wasn't the same as having him here. I threw myself int

childhood friend. She had been a constant presence in his life, and though she ha

warm. "I was in the neighborhood a

replied, returning her

laugh. "I heard Alex had to go t

tone light. "It's tough, but w

ex and I have been friends for years, and his work always kee

elt a surge of gratitude. "Than

x, and I realized that she could be an ally rather than a rival. As she left, I felt a renewed

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the airport, my heart pounding with anticipation. As soon as he s

much," he murmu

o," I replied, h

pany. As we lay in bed that night, wrapped in each other's arms, I knew that no

with emotion. "I want you to know that you

t him. "And you're mine, Alex. We

tentment. Our love was strong, and though the road ahead mi