A fate for love

Chapter 1: New beginnings

Elina's Point of View

Many things have changed over the past eight years. Emma turned 17, and will be a high school senior. I've never had to worry about her studies; she's always been at the top of her class, focused, obedient, sweet, and lovely.

Following Jiya's recommendation, I started therapy, which has helped me tremendously. I realized that I couldn't control whether someone stayed in my life. It was hard to accept at first, but I'm slowly healing.

Lately, I've been focusing on finding happiness for both myself and Emma. We have our movie nights every Saturday so she can relax. Recently, Emma has been talking about joining a special batch for her entrance exams and senior year. I promised her we'd discuss it tonight and decide together.

Third Person's Point of View

"Congratulations, Elina!" Yumi exclaimed, handing Elina a bouquet and a promotion letter. Elina smiled, taking the letter. "Thank you for believing in me," she said. Yumi waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, I just did what I was supposed to do. The head office wanted someone hardworking and dedicated to lead the team, and you came to mind immediately," she said, making Elina smile. "They also loved your work, which is why you've been promoted to the main branch as the manager of the creative unit," Yumi continued as the others cheered.

"To the main branch?" Elina asked, her smile faltering. Yumi nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, to the main branch at Vence! They were impressed by your previous work and want you to join them," she exclaimed. Elina gulped. 

(An: Vence is a hypothetical name for the state)

"Aren't you happy?" Yumi asked, noticing Elina's hesitation. Elina nodded with a forced smile.

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Elina took one last look at the promotion letter before tucking it into her bag, barely noticing where she placed it. She waited outside Emma's school, planning to take her home after her extra class. Lost in thought, Elina soon spotted Emma emerging, book in hand, chatting with her friends. Elina called out, "Emma!" and waved. Emma smiled and walked over with her friends.

"Are you doing well, Sam and Ava?" Elina asked. Sam nodded with a smile, while Ava made a sulking face. "I'm not doing fine, especially not after these extra classes," Ava grumbled. Elina laughed and patted Ava on the back. "Only I know the stress of having two nerdy friends," Ava huffed, making Emma and Sam shake their heads. Elina laughed again. "Okay, come to my place, and I'll make your favorite cupcakes to lift your mood," she said. Ava's eyes widened as she gave Elina a thumbs up. "You're the best!" she exclaimed, making everyone laugh.

As they walked home, Emma read her book. Elina shook her head and took the book from her, placing it in her bag. "Mom," Emma whined. "Tell me what you want to eat," Elina said, ignoring the complaint. Emma sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue. "It's a treat; you can choose anything," Elina said, raising her brows. "Fried chicken!" Emma exclaimed. Elina nodded, "Okay, fried chicken it is!" She took Emma's hand, and they ran, laughing together.

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Seated in a small restaurant, Elina asked, "How was school today?" Emma pouted, "It was fine, but I couldn't get a cent because of math!" Elina nodded, "It's alright, you can still improve." Emma sighed, "Everyone's already getting into coaching classes. Renna's mom booked her special online classes from a famous institute!" Emma continued, her voice tinged with worry. "Mom, can't I apply there?" she asked, looking at Elina with puppy eyes.

Elina gulped. "They have the best teachers, and I think I'll improve if I study there. Please?" Emma pleaded. Elina tried to divert the topic. "Okay, okay, we'll discuss it later, but let's eat first," she said. Emma pouted, "Fine."

They both started eating. "Wow! This is so good!" Emma exclaimed. Elina smiled, "I know, right?" She then said, "By the way, I have a surprise for you." Emma frowned, trying to guess. "What is it?" she asked. Elina laughed, "Let's finish our meal first, and then I'll tell you while we have ice cream." Emma nodded excitedly, "Okay! I wonder what it is," she said, making Elina laugh as she motioned her to eat.

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Elina came out of the store with ice cream for herself and Emma. Before handing it to Emma, she reached into her bag. "And here's your surprise!" Elina said, pulling out a book. 

Emma's eyes widened in surprise. "OMG! Really?!" she exclaimed. 

Elina smiled, "I noticed how badly you wanted this book, but it was out of stock." Elina finished speaking and Emma hugged her, "Thank you so much!" Emma said as she began flipping through the pages. 

Elina shook her head, "At least read it at home. Now, eat the ice cream—" Elina couldn't complete as Emma interrupted. "What's this?" she asked with a frown as she pulled out a piece of paper from the book. 

Elina's heart raced. Before she could take it back, Emma read it and looked at Elina with wide eyes. 

"A promotion letter?!" she asked. Elina nodded slowly. Emma smiled, "That's amazing news! And you didn't even tell me you became the manager! That's not fair, Ms. Elina!"

Elina sighed, "I was thinking of declining the promotion and the move to the main branch." Emma scrunched her eyebrows, "But why?! It was your dream to lead a team!" she asked.

Elina explained, "It's in Vence, and you'll be a high school senior with your entrance exams coming up." 

Emma shook her head, "Don't worry, Mom. I can do it. The best part is that the coaching I was talking about is in Vence, so I can take offline classes!"

Elina frowned, trying to understand. "What?" she asked. Emma closed her eyes and nodded as she assured Elina, "Mom, don't worry about my studies. Just let me take the coaching there. Everything else is settled!" 

Elina tried to speak, "But can we manage it?" 

Emma nodded her head as she spoke, "We can do it. Moreover, I have a session break. So, we can complete everything there." she completed and then pouted as she continued "Though I'll miss Sam and Ava a lot, but I can meet them after our entrance exams." she completed speaking and smiled.

Elina looked at her worriedly, "Are you sure?" Emma nodded, "100 percent!" 

Elina slowly nodded with a smile, "Fine then." 

Emma smiled to herself, thinking, 

How could I let you not choose your dream again for me?

-To be continued