Elena sat across from Eddie at their favorite Italian restaurant. The candles flickered, casting dancing shadows on the white tablecloth. Eddie was talking about their upcoming move to Boston, but Elena found it hard to focus.
"I've been looking at apartments near campus," Eddie said, his eyes bright. "There's this great place with a view of the Charles River."
Elena nodded, forcing a smile. "That sounds nice."
Eddie reached across the table, taking her hand. "Are you excited about studying literature? I still don't get why you're so into books, but I guess it'll keep you busy while I'm doing my business courses."
Elena felt a pang of irritation at his dismissive tone. "It's not just about keeping busy, Eddie. It's my passion."
Eddie shrugged. "Sure, sure. But you know, once we're married, you'll have more important things to focus on. Like being Mrs. Eric and handling our social engagements."
Elena's heart sank. She knew Eddie saw her future role as primarily his wife, but hearing it so bluntly hurt. "I was actually thinking of continuing my blog in Boston," she said cautiously. "Mr. Blackwood from Lumière Cosmetics wants to collaborate-"
"Oh, that little beauty thing?" Eddie interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "That's fine for now, I guess. It's cute that you have a hobby."
Elena bit her lip, holding back a retort. She didn't want to argue, not tonight. Instead, she changed the subject. "So, tell me more about your business program."
The rest of dinner passed in a blur. Eddie talked more about Boston, about the life he envisioned for them there. Elena smiled and nodded in all the right places, but her mind was elsewhere.
Later that night, as Eddie slept beside her, Elena lay awake. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. A text from Alfie:
"Can't stop thinking about you. Please, Elena. Give us a chance."
Elena's heart raced. She wanted to reply. To tell Alfie she couldn't stop thinking about him either. But she didn't. Instead, she deleted the message and turned off her phone.
The next morning, Elena woke early. She slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Eddie. She made coffee and sat by the window, watching the city come to life.
Her phone buzzed. A reminder. She had a meeting with Mr. Blackwood today to discuss the collaboration with Lumière Cosmetics.
Elena got ready quickly. She chose a sleek black dress and heels. Professional, but still fashionable. Perfect for her brand.
As she was about to leave, Eddie stumbled out of the bedroom, yawning. "Where are you off to so early?" he asked.
"Meeting with Lumière Cosmetics," Elena explained. "Remember, from the party?"
Eddie nodded slowly. "Right. Well, don't let it interfere with our packing. We've got a lot to do before Boston."
Elena felt a twinge of frustration. Eddie didn't seem to understand how important this was to her. She pushed the feeling aside and left.
The meeting with Mr. Blackwood went even better than Elena had hoped. He loved her ideas for the collaboration. They agreed on a six-month contract, with the possibility of extension.
"This could be huge for your brand, Elena," Mr. Blackwood said as they shook hands.
Elena left the meeting feeling elated. This was what she wanted. A career of her own, separate from being just Mrs. Eric.
As she walked down the street, her phone rang. It was Sophie.
"Hey, how did the meeting go?" Sophie asked.
"Amazing," Elena gushed. "They loved my ideas. We're signing the contract next week."
"That's fantastic!" Sophie paused. "How does Eddie feel about it?"
Elena's excitement dimmed. "He... doesn't really get it. He thinks it's just a hobby.
Sophie sighed. "Elena, you need to talk to him. About everything."
Elena knew Sophie was right. But the thought of confronting Eddie made her stomach churn.
"I will," she promised. "Soon."
As she hung up, Elena spotted a familiar figure across the street. Alfie. He was coming out of a coffee shop, laughing with a stunningly beautiful woman Elena didn't recognize.
Elena felt a surge of jealousy. Which was ridiculous. She had no right to be jealous. She was engaged to Eddie.
Before she could duck away, Alfie spotted her. His smile faded. He said something to the woman and crossed the street.
"Elena," he said, his voice low. "Fancy meeting you here."
Elena's heart raced. "Alfie. I was just heading home."
Alfie's eyes searched her face. "We need to talk, Elena. For real this time."
Elena shook her head. "There's nothing to talk about."
Alfie stepped closer. "You know that's not true," he murmured. His eyes flickered to where the beautiful woman was waiting, watching them curiously.
Elena followed his gaze, feeling a fresh wave of jealousy. "Looks like you're busy," she said, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice.
A small smile played on Alfie's lips. "Jealous, Elena?"
"Of course not," Elena snapped, but she knew her face betrayed her.
Alfie's expression softened. "She's just a colleague," he said quietly. "You're the only one I want."
Before Elena could respond, her phone buzzed. A text from Eddie:
"Where are you? We need to finish packing for Boston. Don't forget, your literature degree awaits!"
Elena stared at the message, her mind reeling. She looked up at Alfie, who was watching her with a mixture of longing and frustration.
"I have to go," she said, her voice shaky.
As she hurried away, Elena felt like she was being torn in two. Eddie was her future, the safe choice. But he didn't understand her dreams, her ambitions. And Alfie... Alfie saw her, truly saw her. But choosing him would mean upending her entire life.
Elena didn't have the answers. All she knew was that something had to give. And soon. Because this balancing act couldn't last forever.
As she hailed a taxi to take her home, Elena wondered what Boston would bring. The more she thought about it, the more her head hurt. "Oh damn, go to hell." she cursed, "When you reach the foot of the mountain, there will be a path, won't there?"