**Diary Entry: Love and Hope**
James invited Emily to dinner at a chic Italian restaurant in London. As she stepped out of her house, she was intercepted by Mrs. Whitmore, her former professor.
They say only a diamond can cut another diamond, the older woman remarked cryptically.
Im sorry I dont understand, Emily replied, confused.
Youre still young, Mrs. Whitmore smiled knowingly. Believe me, people dont fall in love just once in their lifetime.
Mrs. Whitmore, I swear, theres nothing between me and James.
Perhaps not yet. But that doesnt mean it wont happen. Dont close your heart, Emily. Life has a way of surprising ussometimes bringing the greatest happiness when we least expect it.
Did you ever experience that?
Well, Mrs. Whitmore sighed, a shadow of memory crossing her face. Henry wasnt my first love. I once loved someone else. I thought Id never survive the heartbreak, that Id never breathe again without him. Then Henry came along. Everything changed. I was happytruly happy. Thats why Im telling youdont shut yourself off. Love might be closer than you think.
I always assumed Uncle Henry was your first love.
Neither of us were each others first. But one thing I can tell youyou never forget your first love.
Emily exhaled softly, thanked her, and walked to the car where James waited.
As soon as she left, Belinda appeared on the porch, fixing Mrs. Whitmore 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, Mrs. Whitmore replied without hesitation. Because only one thing can truly separate Emily and Daniel.
And whats that?
Emily falling for someone else, she said calmly but firmly.
—
Meanwhile, Sarah, distraught after an argument with Nathan, wandered aimlessly down the middle of the road. Her face was pale, her eyes emptyas if she barely registered the world around her.
She didnt see the car coming.
The screech of brakes. The impact.
Screams echoed as someone called for an ambulance.
Sarah lay motionless on the pavement, bystanders gathering around her. A woman crouched beside her, checking for a pulse.
Miss, can you hear me?
No response. Sarah didnt stir.
—
Margaret approached a clearing in the woods, where Alistair waited in the shadows. His figure blended into the darkness, his gaze cold and unrelenting.
Two hundred thousand pounds, she said flatly, handing him a leather bag stuffed with cash.
Unseen, Natalie watched from the thick undergrowth. She had followed Margaret from the house, determined to uncover the truth. Now, just ten metres away, she stared in disbelief.
Alistair and that moneyits *mine*! she whispered, barely controlling her fury. Seeing him count the notes, her grip tightened on her phone as she began recording.
Alistair finished counting and smirked.
Pleasure doing business.
Is this finally over? Margaret asked, tension in her voice.
A twig snapped in the silence.
Alistair whirled around.
Someones here. I told you to come alone!
I *did*! Margaret insisted.
He didnt believe her. Cautiously, he moved toward the noise, pushing aside branchesand spotted Natalie, phone in hand.
His eyes flashed with rage as he pulled a knife from his pocket.
Eavesdropping, are we? he sneered. Curiosity has consequences.
Natalie stepped back, hands trembling.
Let her go, Margaret snapped.
Show me your bag, Alistair demanded.
Stay away from me! Natalie cried.
Why are you here? Margaret interjected.
What are you two planning? Natalie shot back. Im calling the police!
Were not planning anything! Margaret shouted. He was blackmailing me! Threatening Nathan and LucyI *had* to pay him!
Natalie reached for her phone.
Im dialling the police *now*.
DONT YOU DARE! Alistair roared, raising the knife.
HELP! SOMEONE HELP! Natalie screamed, stumbling back.
ALISTAIR, STOP! Margaret lunged at him, but he shoved her aside.
His wild gaze locked onto Natalie.
You first, he hissed. Then Nathan. Hell find you in a pool of blood.
The knife flashedbut Natalie grabbed his wrist. They struggled, breath ragged, the blade trembling between them.
Thena sharp twist.
The knife plunged into Alistairs chest.
He staggered, shock and pain twisting his face before he collapsed.
Margaret pressed shaking fingers to his neck.
Hes gone.
Oh GodOH GOD! Natalie sobbed. It wasnt me! It was an accident! CALL AN AMBULANCE!
Be *quiet*! Margaret hissed, gripping her shoulders. Do you want to go to prison?
Prison?! I was defending myself!
The truth wont matter! If this gets outtheyll say Nathans mother is a murderer!
IM NOT A MURDERER!
Listen to me. No one has to know. *Nothing* happened.
Natalie trembled violently as Margaret pulled her away, leaving Alistairs body hidden beneath the leaves.
—
Nathan rushed home after Lucys frantic call, only to find her standing by the door, suitcase in hand. Her face was pale, her eyes wet but resolute.
Im leaving, she whispered, brushing a kiss to his cheek. I wont trouble you or your mother anymore. Goodbye, Nathan.
What are you talking about? he demanded. What does my mother have to do with this?
She knows about that night. Everything.
Nathan ran a hand through his hair.
Damn it. How?
She read the letter I left the day I took the pills.
His brow furrowed. You said it wasnt suicide.
I lied. To spare you. But your mother wont accept me. Shes terrified youll marry me. She offered money. To make me leave.
Nathan stared, stunned.
She *paid* you?
We refused. Id never take it. Thats why Im going. Its better this way.
Youre *not* leaving, he said firmly, pulling the suitcase from her.
I have to. My mother said Ive ruined my lifethat shed rather die than see this. If we dont marry, shell never let you go. And your mother *hates* me. Aunt Natalie looks at me like Im tainted. No one wants me here.
Nathan cupped her face.
Well figure it out. Theyll accept it in time.
A flicker of hope lit Lucys eyes.
Does that mean well marry?
Silence.
He took her hand. In her mind, she *heard* the words she longed for*I love you. Marry me.*
But the real Nathan spoke coldly.
Of course not. Thats impossible.
Lucy picked up her suitcase, her silence louder than tears.
—
**Lesson Learned:** Love is never simple. It bends, breaks, and sometimes blinds us. But in the end, the heart remembers what the mind tries to forget.
