**Diary Entry: Love and Hope**
James invited Emily to dinner at a posh Italian restaurant in London. As she stepped out of her house, Margaret blocked her path.
They say only a diamond can polish another diamond, the professor remarked cryptically.
Im sorry? I dont understand.
Youre still young, Margaret smiled. Believe me, people dont fall in love just once in their lifetime.
Margaret, I swear, nothings going on between me and James.
Perhaps not yet. But that doesnt mean it wont. Dont close your heart, Emily. Life has a way of surprising yousometimes with the greatest happiness when you least expect it.
Did you?
Well Charles wasnt my first love, Margaret said softly, a shadow of memories flickering in her eyes. I loved someone else once. Thought Id never survive the heartbreak, that Id never breathe again without him. Then Charles came along. Everything changed. I was happy. Truly happy. Thats why Im telling youdont shut yourself off. Love might be closer than you think.
I always thought Uncle Charles was your first love.
Neither of us was the others first. But Ill tell you this: you never forget your first love.
Emily sighed, thanked her, and walked to the waiting car where James sat.
The moment she left, Beatrice appeared on the porch, eyeing Margaret with a cold smile.
Decided to play mother to Emily now? Giving her love advice, sharing stories you never told me.
I did it for Charlotte, Margaret replied without hesitation. Because only one thing can separate Emily and Edward for good.
And whats that?
Emily falling in love with someone else, she said firmly.
***
Isla, shattered after her talk with Oliver, wandered aimlessly down the road, her face pale, eyes hollowas if she didnt see the world around her.
She didnt notice the speeding car.
Screeching tyres. Impact.
Screams filled the air as someone called an ambulance.
Isla lay motionless on the asphalt, bystanders gathering around. A woman knelt beside her, checking for a pulse.
Can you hear me? Hello?!
No response. Isla didnt stir.
***
Eleanor approached the clearing in the woods, where in the dim light between the trees, Alfred waited. His figure blended with the shadows, but his gaze was ice-cold.
Heres two hundred thousand, she said flatly, handing him a leather bag stuffed with cash.
The camera shifted to Victoria. Shed followed Eleanor from the house, determined to uncover the truth. Now hidden in the thick brush, barely ten feet away, she watched in disbelief.
Alfred and that money Thats *my* money! she whispered, barely containing her fury. Seeing him count the notes, her hands trembled with rage. The audacity She pulled out her phone and began recording.
Alfred finished counting and smirked darkly.
Thats all of it. Now will you leave us alone? Eleanor demanded, tension sharp in her voice.
A twig snapped in the silence.
Alfred spun around.
Did you hear that? Someones here. I told you to come alone!
I *did* come alone! Eleanor hissed. I swear, no one followed me.
Alfred didnt believe her. He moved toward the noise, pushing aside branchesand saw Victoria, phone in hand.
His eyes flashed with fury. He pulled a knife from his pocket.
Looks like we have a snoop, he said, voice like steel. You know, curiosity can land you in serious trouble.
Victoria stepped back, her hands shaking.
Alfred, leave her, Eleanor snapped. Dont be a fool.
Show me whats in your bag, he growled at Victoria.
Leave me alone! she protested.
Answer me! Why are you here? Eleanor cut in.
What the hell is going on? What are you plotting? Victoria exploded. Im calling the police!
Were not plotting anything! Eleanor shouted. He was blackmailing me! Threatened to kill Oliver and Lily. Thats why I paid him!
Victoria reached for her phone.
Im calling the police right now.
DONT YOU DARE! Alfred roared, raising the knife. Ill kill you!
HELP! SOMEONE! Victoria screamed, scrambling back.
ALFRED, STOP! Eleanor lunged at him.
But he was beyond reason. He shoved her aside, sending her crashing to the ground. His wild eyes locked onto Victoria.
You first, he hissed. Then Oliver. Hell find you in a pool of blood.
The knife flashed down. Victoria shrieked, grabbing his wrist. They struggled, breaths ragged, tension unbearableuntil in a desperate twist, the blade turned in their tangled gripand plunged into Alfreds chest.
He froze, shock then pain twisting his face. A gurgling sound escaped his lips before he collapsed like a cut puppet.
Eleanor stood frozen. She pressed trembling fingers to his neck. Silence.
Hes dead, she whispered, pale as paper.
Oh God! OH GOD! Victoria sobbed. It wasnt me! It was an accident! Call an ambulance! Maybe hes still alive! DO SOMETHING!
Shut up! Eleanor hissed, gripping her shoulders. You want the whole world to hear? You want prison?
Prison?! But it wasnt on purpose! You sawI was defending myself! Im not a murderer!
The truth doesnt matter! Eleanors voice was steel. No one will believe you. If this gets out theyll say Olivers mother is a killer!
IM NOT A KILLER! Victoria wailed.
Victoria, listen, Eleanor pleaded, pulling her close. We cant help him now. But we can help *you*. Come on. Hes gone. Were alive. Thats all that matters.
She guided Victoria through the woods, leaving Alfreds body behind. The secret buried in the forest might never see daylight.
***
Oliver, summoned by Lilys frantic call, burst into the house breathless. He froze in the doorway, seeing her standing with a suitcase, face pale, eyes wet but resolute.
Im leaving, she whispered, pressing a near-silent kiss to his cheek. I wont trouble you or your mother anymore. Goodbye, Oliver. Be happy.
Lily, what are you talking about? he demanded. What does my mother have to do with this?
She knows about that night. Everything that happened between us.
Oliver ran a hand through his hair, tension knotting his shoulders.
Damn it How?
She read the letter I left the day I took the pills.
He frowned. You told me it wasnt suicide.
I lied to spare you. But your mother doesnt want me. Shes afraid youll marry me. She offered us money. Me and my mum. To leave.
Oliver stared, stunned.
She *what*?
We refused. Id never take it. Thats why Im leaving. Its better for everyone.
No, Lily, he grabbed the suitcase. Youre not going anywhere.
I have no choice, she whispered. My mother knows. She said I ruined my lifethat shed rather die than hear it. If we dont marry, shell never let you go. And your mother hates me. Aunt Victoria looks at me like Im tainted. No one wants me here. Leaving is the only way.
Oliver stepped closer, cupping her face.
Lily I wont let you go. Well figure it out. Your mum will calm down. So will mine. Theyll adjust. Well make this work.
Her eyes flickered with hope.
Does that mean well marry?
The silence was heavy. Lily searched his face, her whole life hanging on a single word.
Oliver took her hand. In her mind, she heard the words shed dreamed of: *I couldnt forget you after that night. I love you, Lily. Marry me.*
But reality was colder. His voice was flat, detached.
Of course we wont marry, Lily. We cant. That will never happen.
The silence hurt worse than any scream. Lily lowered her head, lips pressed tight, then reached for the suitcase with slow, deliberate movements. Her silence said more than tears ever could.
***
Edward stood apart, talking on the phone with Simon. Nearby, Charlotte leaned against the car, her own call tense, eyes tracking his every move.
Mum, tell me the truth, she said anxiously. Edwards been on the phone. Is it Emily? Is he talking to her?
No, darling. Emily
