Three days had passed since Elijah and I had shared that magical night together, our love growing stronger with each passing moment. I was back to my routine, working at the cozy coffee shop, surrounded by the familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle hum of conversation.
As I expertly crafted drinks for our customers, Mike, my colleague, was busy handling the register and managing the pastry case. The morning rush had subsided, leaving us with a brief lull before the lunch crowd arrived.
That's when she walked in – a woman I had never seen before. Her presence commanded attention, exuding an aura of sophistication and refinement. Her sleek, designer handbag and impeccable attire hinted at a life of luxury.
She glided across the room, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor, and settled into a table by the window. I noticed her gaze sweep the room, taking in the cozy atmosphere, before focusing on me.
As I finished serving the other customers, I made my way to her table, order pad and pen in hand. "Welcome to our coffee shop. What can I get for you today?"
She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Please, sit down," she said.
I hesitated for a moment before taking a seat across from her. Up close, her scent was intoxicating – expensive perfume that whispered of wealth and privilege.
"I'm Mrs. Sutton," she announced.
My heart skipped a beat. Elijah had mentioned his mother, but I hadn't expected to meet her, especially not here.
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Sutton," I stammered.
Mrs. Sutton's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze scrutinizing me. "Likewise," she replied.
Her tone was polite, but I detected a hint of disapproval beneath the surface. Her expression, while composed, seemed to hold a subtle tension.
"What brings you here today?" I asked.
Mrs. Sutton leaned back in her chair, her eyes never leaving mine. "I wanted to meet you," she said. "Elijah's told me a lot about you."
I sensed a hint of skepticism in her voice. "Really?" I replied.
"Yes." Her eyes locked onto mine. "He seems quite taken with you."
I smiled. "I care deeply for him too."
Mrs. Sutton's expression remained neutral, but I detected a flicker of concern in her eyes.
"I'm sure you do," she said. "But I have to admit, I'm a bit surprised."
"Surprised?" I repeated.
"Yes. Elijah's always been drawn to a certain...type of woman," she explained.
I sensed a subtle criticism in her tone. "And what type is that?" I asked.
Mrs. Sutton's smile was tight-lipped. "Someone from his own social circle, perhaps. Someone with a similar background and upbringing."
I felt a sting from her implied disapproval. "I understand," I said.
But Mrs. Sutton wasn't finished. "I want to make one thing clear: Elijah's future is already mapped out. He has certain...obligations."
I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Obligations?"
"Yes. Family expectations," she clarified.
I realized that Mrs. Sutton was issuing a subtle warning – a reminder that Elijah and I came from different worlds.
"You're worried that I'm not good enough for him," I stated.
Mrs. Sutton's expression softened slightly. "I'm worried that you're not suited for the life Elijah will lead."
I took a deep breath. "I understand your concerns, Mrs. Sutton. But Elijah and I care for each other. We'll make our own decisions."
Mrs. Sutton's eyes narrowed. "I hope you understand the implications."
"I do," I replied.
The air was thick with tension as we sat there, the silence between us heavy with unspoken words.
Mrs. Sutton's expression transformed, her eyes flashing with disdain and contempt. She reached into her designer handbag, pulled out a wad of cash, and threw it onto the table with a contemptuous flick of her wrist.
"That's for your trouble," she said, her voice dripping with condescension and scorn. "Now, listen carefully, because I'm only going to say this once."
I felt a surge of indignation at her tone, but I remained silent, sensing the storm brewing. The cash on the table seemed like a cheap bribe, an insult.
"You're not suitable for my son," Mrs. Sutton declared, her voice cold and calculated. "You're not from our world, and you never will be. You're just a...gold digger, looking to snag a wealthy husband."
The words stung, each one a precise dagger to my heart. I felt my face heat with anger, but I kept my cool.
"That's not true," I protested, my voice firm but controlled. "I love Elijah, not your family's money."
Mrs. Sutton's laughter was icy, a cold, mirthless sound. "Don't play dumb," she spat. "I know exactly what you're after. You think you can waltz into our lives, charm my son with your...charms, and then leech off our family's wealth?"
Her venomous tone made my skin crawl. The implication was clear: I was a manipulative, opportunistic woman.
"I love Elijah for who he is," I insisted, my voice rising. "Not for your family's wealth or status."
Mrs. Sutton's expression twisted in disgust. "Love? You don't even know what that word means. You're just a social climber, looking to elevate your status."
The words cut deep, each one a painful reminder of my own insecurities. But I refused to back down.
"I know what love means," I said, my voice firm. "And I know Elijah loves me too."
Mrs. Sutton's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You're a fool," she said. "You think you can handle the pressures of our world? The scrutiny, the expectations?"
I took a deep breath, my heart pounding. "I'll face those challenges with Elijah," I said. "Together."
Mrs. Sutton's face turned red with rage. "You'll ruin Elijah's life," she spat. "You'll drag him down with your...your..."
She searched for words, her anger rendering her almost incoherent.
"Leave my son alone," she warned, her voice low and menacing. "He deserves better than someone like you."
The words hung in the air, a toxic cloud of disdain and rejection. I felt my heart ache, but I stood firm.
"I won't leave him," I said, my voice firm. "Elijah and I care for each other. We'll make our own decisions."
Mrs. Sutton's eyes flashed, but she stood, gathering her belongings. "This isn't over," she hissed, her voice dripping with malice.
As she stormed out of the coffee shop, I felt shaken, but resolute. I knew Elijah loved me, and I wouldn't let his mother come between us.
The door swung shut behind her, leaving me reeling. The cash on the table seemed like a tainted thing, a symbol of Mrs. Sutton's contempt.
I pushed it away, my heart heavy with emotion. This was far from over.