LOVE BEYOND WEALTH

d it first. It wasn't a breakup, but it felt close enough. They'd both agreed to give each other

ply Alex had become entwined in her life-how much she needed his steady presence

she had always done when things went wrong: she threw herself into her work. The charity gala season was in full swing, and there was

urrounded her. Socialites, business moguls, celebrities-people who lived in the same world she had been raised in, where wealth and status were everything. And yet, for all their affluence, there wasn't a single person in the room s

tanding alone near the bar, swirling a glass of wine she hadn't touched. The event was a success-people were talking about the millions raised for children's education, her name once again attached to a good cause. And yet, none of

ow. "Thanks, Mom." Her mother glanced at her, her smile faltering slightly. "You don't seem yourself, darling. Is something bothering you?" Ellie hesitated. There was

s further. Instead, she offered a soft smile and gave Ellie's hand a squeeze. "You've done good work tonight. That's what matters." As her mother walked away, Ellie'

should have been thrilled. But despite his success, Alex felt a constant, dull ache inside-one that no amount of work could ease. His thoughts always drifted back to Ellie. He missed her more than he cared to admit. He missed her laugh, her stubbornness, the w

orking for everything he had, and Ellie had grown up in a life of luxury and privilege. As much as he hated it, he wasn't sure if love could bridge that gap. His shop had become his sanctuary, a place where he could focus on something concrete.

't know if it was too soon-or if it was already too late. Part of him wanted to believe that they could still make it work. That maybe, with time, they could figure out a way to be together despite everything. But another part of

ed to grow. Ellie continued hosting charity events and attending social functions, trying to distract herself from the pain of missing Alex. But no matter how busy she kept herself, she couldn't stop thinkin

killing her. One afternoon, while sitting at her desk reviewing plans for another gala, Ellie's phone buzzed with a message from Cassandra. Cat

. I'll be there. Later that evening, as Ellie stepped into the upscale club her friends frequented, she felt the familiar sense of detachment wash over her. The music was loud, the drinks were flo

d. Eventually, Cassandra noticed her quiet mood and leaned in. "Ellie, you've been so distant lately. Is everything okay?" Ellie hesitated, her eyes flickering to the faces of her friends. She knew they wouldn't understand. Not r

s were always kind of... mismatched, don't you think? You need someone who's more on your level." Ellie's chest constricted. She knew Cassandra didn't mean to hurt her, but the words stung all the same. "Maybe," she whispered, though she didn't believe it. As the night dragged on, E

phone. He thought of Ellie, of all the things left unsaid between them, and the gnawing ache in his chest only