The lecture hall buzzed with whispers as Jeremy slipped into the back row of Professor Martinez's Constitutional Law class. Harmony felt her cheeks warm as several students turned to stare, but Jeremy just winked at her, settling in quietly with his laptop.
"As I was saying," Professor Martinez continued, a slight smile playing at her lips, "the interpretation of fundamental rights often comes down to how we define human dignity." Her eyes met Harmony's. "Ms. Carson, would you care to elaborate on that in the context of the Thompson case?"
Harmony straightened in her seat, conscious of Jeremy's presence behind her. "The Thompson case challenged our traditional understanding of dignity by arguing that it's not just about freedom from interference, but about recognition of individual autonomy and identity." Her voice grew stronger as she continued. "The court ultimately held that dignity includes the right to be accepted as we are, imperfections and all."
"Excellent analysis," Professor Martinez nodded. "
Jeremy's proud smile warmed Harmony's heart more than any academic praise could. After class, he wrapped an arm around her waist as they walked across the sunny campus quad.
"That was brilliant," he murmured, kissing her temple. "I love watching you in your element."
"Even when that element is dusty law books and endless citations?"
"Especially then." His phone buzzed for the third time that morning. Jeremy glanced at it, his jaw tightening slightly.
"Your mother again?"
"She'll survive without an immediate response." But his accent was crisper, more clipped – a tell Harmony was learning meant stress. "Right now, I just want to—"
"Jeremy Crawford!" The sharp voice cut across the quad like a blade. Elizabeth Crawford's face filled Jeremy's phone screen, FaceTime apparently bypassing his attempts to avoid her. "When exactly were you planning to explain why you're missing crucial board meetings?"
Jeremy's grip on Harmony tightened protectively as he answered. "Mother, I told Father I needed some time—"
"Time?" Elizabeth's laugh was brittle even through the small speaker. "The Harrisons are threatening to pull their investment, the merger is hanging by a thread, and you're playing college student in Boston?"
"I'm not playing anything," Jeremy's voice was quiet but firm. "I'm building a life with someone I love."
"Love?" Elizabeth's perfectly made-up face filled the screen as she leaned closer. "Oh, is this her then? The girl you're throwing everything away for?"
"Mother—"
"Hello, dear," Elizabeth's smile didn't reach her eyes. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced. Though I've heard so much about you from Sarah."
Harmony felt Jeremy tense beside her. "Mrs. Crawford, I—"
"Elizabeth, please. We should be familiar, shouldn't we? Since you've apparently convinced my son to abandon his responsibilities." Her voice dripped honey-coated venom. "Tell me, what exactly are your intentions with my son?"
"That's enough." Jeremy's voice was sharp. "I'll call you later, Mother."
"The board meets on Friday," Elizabeth said quickly. "Your father can only cover for you so long, Jeremy. Choices have consequences."
The screen went dark. Jeremy closed his eyes briefly, his shoulders tight with tension.
"I'm sorry," he started, but Harmony touched his cheek gently.
"Don't be. She's worried about you."
"She's worried about the company," Jeremy corrected. "About her perfect plan falling apart." He pulled Harmony closer. "But I meant what I said. I'm building a life here. With you."
"Even if it costs you everything?"
"You are everything." He kissed her softly. "The rest is just... details."
They walked to the campus coffee shop where Alex was waiting, his books spread across their usual table. His smile was warm but his eyes were concerned as he took in Jeremy's tense expression.
"That bad?"
"Mother dearest sends her love," Jeremy said dryly, pulling out a chair for Harmony. "Along with the usual guilt and manipulation."
"The board meeting?" Alex asked carefully.
"Can wait." Jeremy's tone made it clear the subject was closed. "What can't wait is lunch. I'm starving, and I believe I was promised the best clam chowder in Boston."
Jeremy's phone buzzed again in his pocket. This time, he didn't even check it.
Sometimes love meant choosing your own path, even when the way ahead was uncertain. Sometimes it meant facing storms together, trusting that your heart had chosen true.
Later that evening, Jeremy and Harmony found themselves in the Carson's backyard garden. The fairy lights Harmony's father had strung across the old oak tree cast a gentle glow, making the moment feel almost magical. They sat on the wooden swing that had been there since Harmony was a child, Jeremy's arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Jeremy asked softly, noticing her distant expression.
Harmony leaned into him, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne. "I was just thinking about your mother's words. About consequences."
"Hey," Jeremy turned to face her, his blue eyes intense in the dim light. "Whatever consequences come, we'll face them together."
"But your company, your family's legacy..."
"Are important," he acknowledged, his fingers intertwining with hers. "But not more important than this. Than us." He touched the silver bracelet on her wrist, the key charm catching the light. "Besides, who says I can't have both? Build something new while keeping what matters from the old?"
"How?"
"I've been thinking about opening a Boston office," he said carefully. "Crawford Technologies could benefit from an American presence, and there's a growing tech scene here."
Harmony's heart skipped. "You'd do that? Move your whole life here?"
"My life is wherever you are," he said simply. "The rest is just geography." His thumb traced gentle circles on her palm. "Unless... you'd rather come to London?"
The question hung in the air between them, full of possibility and uncertainty. Harmony thought about her law school dreams, her family, the life she'd built here. "I don't know," she answered honestly. "It's all happening so fast."
"We have time," Jeremy assured her, leaning down to kiss her."No pressure, no rush. We'll figure it out together." He said, as he continues to kiss her. The kiss was soft, tender, full of promises neither of them needed to voice.