Member-only story
Beyond Blood: The Battle for True Love
From Intruder to Family
Emma looked out from her Manhattan apartment, the city’s lights shimmering like stars that had landed on the earth. A burden pressed down on her heart, and her mind raced in disarray. She realized that the conversation she was about to have with Jake might change everything. Their five-year relationship seemed dangerously on the brink of falling apart, not because of their problems but instead due to an unforeseen obstacle: Jake’s family.
The ringing of the doorbell disrupted Emma’s thinking. She took a deep breath, arranged her hair, and walked to the entrance. Jake remained in place, presenting his usual smile, but Emma noticed the discomfort hidden in his eyes.
“Hello, Emma,” he said as he entered the apartment. “I suppose we have a lot to talk about, don’t we?”
Emma acknowledged him with a nod and gestured for him to sit down on the couch. A clumsy tranquility surrounded them.
“Jake, I… “I’m not certain where to start,” Emma finally confessed, her voice trembling a bit.
Jake held her hand softly. “Why not begin at the beginning?” “What’s bothering you?”
Emma briefly closed her eyes to gather her strength. As she opened them, her words flowed out like a torrent.
