LOVE BEYOND WEALTH

s. It was an exclusive art exhibition at a high-end gallery in Che

f society, where art exhibitions were more about being seen than actually appreciating the art.But this time wa

stiff posture and tight expression that he wasn't comfortable. She reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You

ring crowd of New York's elite, milling about with champagne flutes in hand, their designer clothing perfectly tailored, their laughter high and sharp. Alex hesitate

feel Alex's growing discomfort. He wasn't here for the art. He was here for her. As they reached the main hall, a familiar voice called out her

thinly veiled curiosity. "Cassie, hey," Ellie greeted her, trying to keep her tone light. Cassandra's gaze flicke

shed for her, extending his hand with a polite smile.Cassandra took his hand gingerly, her eyebrows archin

should I call it? The working class?"Ellie's heart sank, heat rushing to her cheeks. She shot Alex an apologetic glance, but he was already retreating, his face tightening as the wo

he even appreciate something like this?" She gestured vaguely at the art arou

erstand art to know when I'm being judged." The group fell silent for a moment, Cassandra blinking in surprise at his boldness. Serena stifled a laugh, and Olivia's smirk only deepened. "Well," Cassandra said, recovering quickly, "y

."No, it's fine," Alex said, his tone clipped. He met Cassandra's g

lie, for that matter. "Cassandra raised her hands in mock surrender,

she said, her voice strong, "is someone who's real. Someone who doesn't hide behind money or status. Maybe tha

feel, Ellie, then I suppose we'll just leave you to it." Without another word, the trio turned and walked away, their

the hurt was clear in his eyes. "It's fine, Ellie. I didn't expect them to welcome me with open arms. I knew this would happen.""

how much we try to pretend it doesn't matter, it does. People are going to judge us. They're going to question why someone like you is with someone like me.""I don't care," Ell