Embers of Betrayal

chapter 47: harsh criticsms

The next morning, newspapers prominently featured the surprising news of Dr. Alexander's engagement to Bernadette Lacuesta, a development that caught the entire city off guard. Dr. Alexander, known as one of the city's most eligible bachelors, was celebrated for his intelligence, charm, and philanthropy. Meanwhile, Bernadette was a figure shrouded in intrigue, with a past marked by an annulled marriage and the killing of her ex husband's paramour though she was acquitted.

Magazine social pages were flooded with opinions, revealing a stark divide in public sentiment. Critics harshly condemned the engagement, questioning why Dr. Alexander would choose to be with someone with such a scandalous history. They speculated about his motives, suggesting everything from a reckless infatuation to a misguided attempt at redemption. For them, the engagement was a blemish on Dr. Alexander’s otherwise spotless reputation.

However, there was also a wave of support for the couple. Many people saw the engagement as a bold declaration of genuine love and destiny, a defiance of societal expectations. They admired Dr. Alexander for looking beyond Bernadette's past, believing that love could indeed overcome any stigma. Supporters celebrated their union as a testament to second chances and the idea that everyone, regardless of their history, deserves happiness.

The engagement of Dr. Alexander and Bernadette became the talk of the town, with some seeing it as a scandal, while others viewed it as a romantic triumph. The debate continued to rage on, reflecting the complexity of love and the varied perspectives on redemption and forgiveness in the eyes of society.

Bernadette woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing incessantly. She hesitated for a moment before reaching for it, a knot tightening in her stomach. As she opened her social media accounts and scanned the headlines, her heart sank. There it was: the news of her engagement to Dr. Alexander splashed across every major newspaper and magazine in the city. The story had taken on a life of its own, stirring up a maelstrom of opinions.

Reading through the comments, Bernadette felt a wave of shame and guilt wash over her. The critics were ruthless, dredging up her past and casting doubt on her character. They questioned her worthiness, painting her as a woman undeserving of someone as esteemed as Dr. Alexander. Her hands trembled as she continued scrolling, her heart aching with every harsh word.

Despite the outpouring of support from some quarters, Bernadette couldn’t shake the feeling of being judged and exposed. She feared that her presence in Dr. Alexander's life might tarnish his reputation and ruin the respect he had worked so hard to earn. The weight of public scrutiny bore down on her, and she began to question whether she was doing the right thing by staying engaged to him.

By midday, she had made up her mind. Bernadette decided to call Dr. Alexander, her voice trembling with anxiety. “Alexander,” she began, her voice barely a whisper, “I think we need to reconsider the wedding. I don’t want to be the reason your name gets dragged through the mud. I don’t want you to suffer because of my past.”

Dr. Alexander listened calmly, his expression unreadable as he absorbed her words. When she finished speaking, he took a deep breath and spoke with unwavering firmness.

“Bernadette, I understand your fears, but I want you to listen to me carefully. I love you for who you are, not for what the papers say about you. Your past is a part of you, but it does not define you. I choose to stand by you, not because I’m blind to the criticism, but because I see beyond it. I see the woman you are now—the woman I want to spend my life with.”

Tears welled up in Bernadette's eyes. She was overwhelmed by his words, by the unconditional love he was showing her. “But... what about the people? The scrutiny?”

Dr. Alexander smiled gently, on the other side

“Let them talk. People will always have something to say, but we know the truth. Our love is stronger than their judgments. If we let them dictate our lives, we’ll never find happiness. I’m with you, Bernadette, every step of the way.”

His reassurance filled Bernadette with a renewed sense of hope and determination. She realized that, despite the storm brewing around them, she had someone who believed in her completely. It was more than she could have ever hoped for. She nodded, a small smile breaking through her tears.

“Thank you, Alexander. For standing by me. For believing in us.”

After Bernadette dropped the call, Dr. Alexander sighed with relief, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. He sat back in his chair, staring out the window as he thought to himself:

"No one and nothing will make us cancel this wedding. I won't let fear or the past dictate our future. Bernadette heard my words—really heard them. That’s all that matters. The world can say what it wants; they don't know her like I do. She’s been through so much, and still, she stands strong.

"I chose her, not despite her past, but because of everything she is. I won't let her think for a second that she's anything less than extraordinary. Our love is real, and it deserves a chance to thrive. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together.

"This wedding will happen. And it will be because we ignored the world, but because we faced it—together."

On the other side, Bernadette sat in the living room, her eyes still glistening with tears. The emotional weight of the morning's news and the harsh words from strangers had momentarily shaken her, but Dr. Alexander’s unwavering support had changed everything. As she replayed his words in her mind, a sense of calm began to settle over her.

She took a deep breath, wiping her tears away, and a small smile formed on her lips. Despite everything, she felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time. His words were more than just comforting; they were a reminder of the strength of their love and the promise of the future they were building together.

"He believes in us," she whispered to herself, feeling a surge of gratitude. "He sees the real me, and he’s not afraid of my past or what people say. He loves me for who I am now, and that's what matters most."

Bernadette stood up, her resolve hardening. She promised herself right then and there that she would be strong, not just for her own sake, but for their love. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Dr. Alexander by her side, she felt ready to face it.

"No more doubting, no more fear," she thought. "I will stand by him, just as he stands by me. In the name of our love, I will be strong. We will weather this storm together and come out even stronger on the other side."

With renewed determination, Bernadette decided to face whatever came their way with courage and faith in the love she and Dr. Alexander shared. She knew that as long as they held onto each other, nothing could break them apart.