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I take a deep breath, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "Apparently, word of our success with the Hawthorne account has spread. I've been getting calls from headhunters, Grayson. Big companies, offering me...well, offering me the moon and stars."
His eyes widen, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Amara, that's...that's incredible. I'm not surprised in the least, but still. Wow."
I nod, biting my lip as I try to wrap my head around the magnitude of the offers. "It's...it's a lot to take in, Grayson. I mean, I love my job here. I love working with you, building something together. But these opportunities...they're the kind of thing I've always dreamed of."
Grayson is quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he takes my hands in his. "Amara," he says finally, his voice low and earnest, "I want you to know that, no matter what you decide...I support you, one hundred percent."
I blink, surprised by the certainty in his tone. "Really? Even if...even if it means leaving Winthrop Industries? Leaving...leaving us working together?"
He smiles, his eyes soft with understanding. "Amara, my love...your happiness, your success...that's what matters most to me. And if that means spreading your wings and taking on new challenges, in new places...then I will be right there beside you, cheering you on every step of the way."
I feel a rush of emotion wash over me, so strong it takes my breath away. "I...I don't know what to say, Grayson. I mean, the idea of leaving this place, these people...it's scary. But the idea of staying, of not taking a chance on myself...that's even scarier."
Grayson nods, his expression full of love and understanding. "I know, baby. And I won't lie, the thought of not seeing your beautiful face every day at work...it kills me a little inside. But more than that...I want to see you shine, Amara. I want to see you reach for the stars and grab them with both hands."
I take a shuddering breath, my decision crystallizing in my mind with a sudden, stunning clarity. "Okay," I whisper, a small smile playing at the corners of my mouth. "Okay. I'm going to do it, Grayson. I'm going to take the leap."
He whoops with joy, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around in a dizzying circle. "That's my girl!" he exclaims, his face split wide with a grin. "I am so, so proud of you. You're going to take the world by storm, I just know it."
I laugh, feeling lighter than I have in weeks, months...maybe ever. "I couldn't do it without you. Your love, your support...it means everything to me."
He sets me down gently, his hands coming up to cup my face with a tenderness that steals my breath. "I will always, always be your biggest cheerleader, Amara Jeffries. No matter where your path may lead. Because I know, without a doubt...that you were meant for greatness. And I can't wait to watch you soar."
As we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, I feel a sense of peace wash over me, a bone-deep certainty that, no matter what the future may hold...Grayson and I will face it together, hand in hand and heart to heart.
And as I take a deep breath and prepare to take the first step into this new chapter of my life...
I know that, with him by my side...
Anything is possible.
24
GRAYSON
The shrill ring of my phone pierces the air, jolting me out of my contented reverie. I glance at the screen, my heart sinking as I see my mother's name flashing insistently.
"Grayson, darling," Mother purrs, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
I sigh, already feeling a headache brewing behind my eyes. "Hello, Mother. To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected call?"
There's a pause, a delicate clearing of the throat. "Well, my dear, I was rather hoping we could discuss your...situation with Amara."
I feel my hackles rise, a defensive growl building in my chest. "And what exactly do you mean by 'situation', Mother? Amara and I are engaged. We're building a life together. I fail to see what there is to discuss."
She tuts, a sound of mock sympathy that grates on my last nerve. "Oh, my precious angel. I know you think you're in love, but really...do you honestly believe that this girl is the right fit for our family? For the Winthrop legacy?"
I clench my jaw, fighting to keep my temper in check. "Amara is the love of my life, Mother. She is kind, intelligent, and compassionate. She makes me happier than I ever thought possible. So yes, I do believe she is the right fit. The only fit."
"But darling," Evelyn presses, her tone turning wheedling, "I think we’ve let this little folly with your co-worker go on long enough. It’s time to get serious. What about Sophia? She comes from such a good family, with impeccable connections. And she's always been so fond of you..."
I let out a bark of laughter, the sound harsh and humorless. "You can't be serious, Mother. That woman is a viper, a manipulative schemer who cares for nothing but her own selfish desires. She would make a terrible wife, and an even worse partner."
"But think of the benefits, Grayson!" Evelyn insists, her voice rising with a note of desperation. "With her by your side, the Winthrop fortune would be secure for generations to come. She understands the demands of our lifestyle, the expectations of our social circle. Can you really say the same for Amara?"
I feel a wave of anger wash over me, hot and fierce. "Enough, Mother. I will not sit here and listen to you disparage the woman I love, or try to sell me on some twisted arrangement with a woman I despise. Amara is my future, my forever. And nothing you say or do will change that."
There's a long, tense silence on the other end of the line. When she speaks again, her voice is cold, laced with a menace that sends a chill down my spine.
