Dear Journal

January 30th

Dear Journal,

Today, I went for a run, something I hadn't done in a while. The morning air was crisp, and as I pounded the pavement, I felt a rush of energy that made me feel wonderfully alive. It was a feeling I couldn't quite explain, a mix of physical exhilaration and an underlying sense of optimism that seemed to have taken root in my heart.

May is coming over tonight, and I can't wait to see what she's been working on. Her designs have been growing more confident, and more reflective of her unique style, and I'm eager to see her latest creations. The anticipation adds an extra spring to my step as I jog through the park.

Of course, with all things in my life, all good things must come to an end.

Taking a short break, I found a quiet spot to catch my breath. That's when I saw her—my ex, Emily.

Oh, Joy.

She was standing a little way off, talking animatedly on her phone. There was a time when I could stare at her for hours, just admiring her with a gentle smile on my face. Now I couldn't stand the sight of her.

I was about to turn away when I caught a snippet of her conversation. Mother always said I was a bit nosy, unfortunately she's right.

Allow me to set the scene. It's an interesting one, I can still feel my hands trembling as I recall her words.

"Yes, I'm telling you, Alexander and that girl, May, are totally sleeping together. She's just some wannabe who doesn't deserve him." She scoffs, putting out her cigarette as whoever is on the other line responds.

My stomach twisted at her words, and I felt a mix of anger and white, hot fury.

How dare she?!

I can take it if someone talks shit about me but May has worked too damn hard to reach this position. Did all her hard work and sacrifice mean nothing?

She stopped talking abruptly when she noticed me, her expression a mix of surprise and guilt.

"Alex, I didn't see you there," she said, a forced smile playing on her lips. She cut the phone call but I couldn't less.

I felt my feelings for her evaporate right then and there. All that warmth was replaced with something unnaturally cold. I hope that she knew that what she just said was slander. I just happen to have a very dedicated team of lawyers who would like to sink their fangs into her. She escaped me once when she betrayed me but I'm no fool to give a second chance.

Emily had always been too jealous, too controlling, and too greedy. I once mistook that as a form of ruthless ambition.

James and her truly deserve each other.

"Clearly," I replied, keeping my tone even. "Mind if I join the conversation? I'm curious to hear more."

She hesitated, then shrugged, the smile fading. "Look, I'm just concerned about you." She smiled and stood chest to chest to me as if she had chosen another man over me. "Alex. Darling. May isn't in your league. She's not right for you."

Her perfume made me want to gag.

"And you are?" I raised an eyebrow. "What makes you the judge of that? What do you even know about her?"

Emily crossed her arms, her demeanor defensive. "She's a nobody. Just a pity case that James plucked up to mentor. You need someone who can match your status and your success. She won't be here for much longer anyway."

I couldn't help but laugh, though it was tinged with bitterness. "You know, Emily, it's interesting to hear you talk about someone else's worth. Have you ever considered evaluating your own?"

She glared at me, her face reddening. "How dare you, Alex. She's using you—"

"Alexander," I said. "My name is Alexander Lyon. I suggest you stop calling me so familiarly."

"You'll regret this."

"Oh, I certainly won't." I took a step closer, keeping my voice calm. "You can slander me, I can take but she has nothing to do with your little tantrum. May is talented, passionate, and honest—three things I value deeply. If you can't see that, it says more about you than it does about her."

Emily huffed, her frustration palpable. "Fine. Do what you want. But don't say I didn't warn you."

As she walked away, I felt a strange sense of clarity. Emily's words, meant to undermine May, only reinforced my belief in her.

Her attempt to sow doubt had backfired spectacularly.

Now I know who made May cry. Emily had it out for May, I knew it was only a matter of time before James got involved himself.

It seems I would have to speed up my plan. James won't let her go and Emily will drive her to the very brink. May is strong and capable but nobody was there to look out for her.

I needed to find a way to show her that I was the better option.

Tonight, when May arrives, I'll focus on what truly matters—her talent, her vision, and the connection we're building.

And then...well, you'll just have to find out.

Much to do,

- Alexander