Love and Hope
James invites Emily to dinner at an elegant Italian restaurant. As she steps out of her house, shes intercepted by Mrs. Whitmore.
They say only a diamond can cut a diamond, the professor remarks cryptically.
Im sorry? I dont understand.
Youre still young, the woman smiles. Believe me, people dont fall in love just once in their lives.
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?
Well Robert wasnt my first love, Mrs. Whitmore answers calmly, a shadow of memories flickering in her eyes. Once, I loved someone else. I thought I wouldnt survive the breakup, that Id never breathe again without him. Then Robert 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 Robert was your first love
Neither he was mine, nor I his. But one thing I can tell youyou never forget your first love.
Emily sighs softly, thanks her, and walks to the waiting car where James sits behind the wheel.
As soon as she leaves, Beatrice appears on the porch, watching Mrs. Whitmore with a cold smile.
Have you decided to become Emilys new mother? Giving her love advice, sharing stories you never told me.
I did it for Charlotte, Mrs. Whitmore replies without hesitation. Because only one thing can truly separate Emily and Thomas.
What exactly do you mean?
Emily falling in love with someone else, she says calmly but firmly.
***
Lily, devastated after her argument with Daniel, stumbles aimlessly down the middle of the road. Her face is pale, her eyes emptyas if she doesnt see the world around her.
She doesnt notice the approaching car.
The screech of tires. The impact.
Screams fill the air as someone calls for an ambulance.
Lily lies motionless on the asphalt. Passersby gather around. A woman kneels beside her, checking for a pulse.
Miss, can you hear me? Hello?!
No response. Lily doesnt move an inch.
***
Eleanor approaches a clearing in the woods, where in the dim light between the trees, Oliver waits. His silhouette blends with the shadows, but his gaze is cold and piercing.
Heres two hundred thousand pounds, she says coolly, handing him a leather bag stuffed with cash.
The camera shifts to Margaret. Shes been following Eleanor from the house, tracking her with determination. Now, hidden in the thick bushes just ten meters away, she watches in disbelief.
Oliver and that money Thats *my* money! she whispers, struggling to control her emotions. Seeing Oliver count the notes, anger flares in her eyes. The audacity She pulls out her phone and starts recording.
Meanwhile, Oliver finishes counting. He smirks darkly.
Thats everything. Will you finally leave us alone now? Eleanor asks, tension in her voice.
A twig snaps in the silence.
Oliver spins around.
Did you hear that? Someones here. I told you to come alone!
I *did* come alone! Eleanor snaps. No one was with me, I swear.
Oliver doesnt believe her. Cautiously, he moves toward the noise. A few steps later, he pushes aside the branchesand spots Margaret, phone in hand.
Fury flashes in his eyes. He pulls a knife from his pocket.
So we have a spy he says icily. You know, curiosity can land you in serious trouble.
Margaret takes a step back, her hands trembling.
Oliver, leave her alone, Eleanor snaps. Dont be stupid.
Show me whats in your bag, Oliver demands.
Leave me alone! Margaret protests.
Answer me! Why are you here?! Eleanor cuts in.
What are you two plotting?! Margaret bursts out. Im recording everything! Ill call the police!
Were not plotting anything! Eleanor shouts. He was blackmailing me! Threatening to kill Daniel and Sophie! Thats why I paid him!
Margaret reaches for her phone.
Im calling the police right now.
**DONT YOU DARE!** Oliver roars, raising the knife. Or Ill kill you!
HELP! SOMEONE HELP! Margaret screams, trying to flee.
OLIVER, STOP! Eleanor yells, rushing toward him.
But the man is beyond reason. He shoves Eleanor so hard she falls to the ground.
His crazed gaze locks onto Margaret, who trembles in terror.
You first, he hisses. Then Daniel. Hell find you covered in blood. And then Ill kill him too!
Oliver raises the knife, ready to strike. Margaret screams, shielding herself. The blade comes dangerously closebut at the last second, she grabs his wrist. They struggle, fighting for every breath, every movement. Screams, ragged breathing, tension building
Then, in a sudden twist, their tangled hands wrench the knifeand it plunges straight into Olivers chest.
He freezes. Shock, then pain, contorts his face. A gurgle escapes his lips as if he wants to speak, but he doesnt get the chance. He collapses like a cut puppet.
Eleanor goes still. She approaches, pressing trembling fingers to his neck. Silence.
Hes dead, she whispers, pale as a sheet. Hes dead.
Oh God OH GOD! Margaret wails. It wasnt me! It was an accident! She clutches her head, hysterical. Call an ambulance! Maybe hes still alive! DO SOMETHING!
Shut up! Eleanor hisses, shaking her. Stop screaming! Do you want the whole world to hear? Do you want to go to prison?
Prison?! Margaret sobs. But it wasnt on purpose! You saw meI was defending myself! Im not a murderer!
The truth doesnt matter! Eleanors stare is fierce. The police wont believe you! And if this gets out people will say Daniels mother is a killer!
IM NOT A KILLER! Margaret cries desperately. An ambulance! The police! We have to do something!
Margaret, listen, Eleanors voice softens but remains firm. Calm down. No one has to know. Nothing happened. Do you understand? *Nothing. Happened.*
But hes hes lying there Margaret shudders violently.
We cant help him now. But you can still help yourself. Come on. Hes gone. Were alive. Thats all that matters.
Eleanor pulls her into a tight embrace, as if holding her together. Slowly, she leads Margaret through the dense woods, away from the crime scene. Behind them, Olivers lifeless body lies among the leaves, his hand still clenched around the knife.
The secret swallowed by the forest may never see daylight.
***
Daniel, summoned by Sophies urgent call, rushes into the house breathless. He stops short at the sight of her standing by the door with a suitcase. Her face is pale, her eyes wet, but her gaze is resolute.
Im leaving, she says quietly, pressing a brief, almost soundless kiss to his cheek. I dont want to cause trouble for you or your mother anymore. Goodbye, Daniel. Be happy.
Sophie, what are you talking about? He stares in disbelief. What does this have to do with my mother?
She knows about that night. Everything that happened between us.
Daniel looks away, running a hand through his hair and rubbing his neck.
Damn it How did she find out?
She read the letter I left the day I took the pills.
Wait a second His brow furrows. You said it wasnt a suicide attempt
I lied. To spare you. I didnt want you to worry. But your mother doesnt want me here. Shes afraid youll marry me. And she offered us money. Me and my mum. In exchange for me leaving.
Daniels eyes widen in shock.
*What?!* She gave you *money*?
Yes. But we refused. Id never take it. Thats why Im leaving. Its better for everyone.
Sophie, youre not going anywhere, he grabs the suitcase and pushes it aside. I wont allow it. I wont let you disappear from my life.
I dont have a choice, Daniel. Dont you see? My mother knows everything
