The Firs

ce became evident far sooner than she had anticipated. The quiet night by the lake had felt like a fresh start

d doors of her childhood home, she could feel the tension in the air. Her mother greeted her with a strained smile, bu

rsation was stilted at best, with her parents asking superficial questions about school and wor

n't ta

e fixed on her with an intensity that made Emily's stomach tighten. "I've been

She had promised herself that she wouldn't

The boy who, from what I understand, has no prospects, no family

kground. He's hardworking, intelligent, and

everything we've worked for-your education, your reputation, your future-for someone who can't offer you

ervously between them, clearly torn between her lo

n. "I'm choosing to live my life on my own terms. I love Jacob, and I'm not going t

ls, Emily. It doesn't secure your future. And it certainly

y times before, and she was sick of it. "Maybe not," she said, her voice steady d

d. "You think love is going to solve everything, but you have no idea what it's like out there. You've lived a privileg

is not 'nothing,' Dad. He's everything to me. And I'm not going to l

ed with anger. "If you continue down this path, you're going t

"I'd rather have nothing and be with someone I love than live the

lding. For a long moment, the room was silent, sa

ngerous. "If you walk out that door and continu

y, but hearing the words from her father's mouth still sent a chill down her spine.

Emily knew what she had to do. She couldn't live under the weight of her father's c

ut resolute. "But I won't give up Jacob. I love h

, and without another word

ting. Emily's mother reached out, her

she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "

out of the house, leaving behind

who had shaped her world, the man who had always been a looming presence in her life. But for the first time, she was free

he weight of her decision pressing heavily on her shoulders. She had no i

at had happened. She expected him to feel guilty, to blame himself for the rift between her

s voice filled with love and admiration

her heart. "It was the hardest thing I've ever done," she admitted. "But I coul

and awe for the woman he loved. "We'll figure it out," he said

ght, Emily knew that, no matter what challen

over fear, and that w