In Love with The Rival

012

Facing the Storm

As the weeks went by, the media frenzy surrounding their relationship only intensified. Speculation about their future filled tabloids, while online comments ranged from supportive to harshly critical.

One afternoon, Emma scrolled through social media, her heart sinking at the negativity directed toward them. “Joe, look at this. People are saying terrible things. It’s so unfair.”

Joe sat beside her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as she leaned against him. “People are always going to have opinions. We can’t control that. What matters is how we feel about each other.”

Emma sighed, her voice trembling slightly. “But I don’t want this to overshadow what we have. I’m scared it will ruin everything.”

“It won’t,” Joe said firmly, lifting her chin so she met his gaze. “We’ve come too far to let this tear us apart. Just focus on us. The good moments. Those are what count.”

With Joe’s
words echoing in her mind, Emma took a deep breath and nodded. She appreciated his unwavering support, even when the external noise threatened to drown out their happiness.

“I guess it’s just hard to ignore sometimes,” she admitted, leaning into him. “Especially when I read things that aren’t even true.”

Joe sighed, the frustration evident on his face. “I get it. But remember, those opinions don’t define us. We know what’s real. We know what we have together. And I’m not going anywhere.”

With his reassurance, Emma felt a flicker of hope spark within her. “You’re right. We’ve fought to be together, and I refuse to let this negativity take that away from us.”

“Exactly. So let’s make a pact,” Joe suggested, a playful grin breaking across his face. “Anytime we feel overwhelmed by the noise, we have to remind each other of the good. Let’s list out our favorite moments together.”

“Deal,” Emma said, returning his smile. “I love that idea.”

“Okay, you go first,” Joe said, leaning back against the couch, eager to hear her thoughts.

Emma thought for a moment, her face lighting up. “That night we ran from the paparazzi. I’d never felt so alive, laughing with you as we ducked into that alley. It was like something out of a movie.”

Joe chuckled, his eyes sparkling with the memory. “That was definitely one of my favorites too. I loved how we turned a stressful situation into an adventure. Okay, my turn. Remember our coffee date? How we talked for hours without even realizing it?”

“Of course! It was so easy to talk to you,” Emma said, her voice softening at the memory. “I felt like I’d known you forever.”

“Exactly! And every moment since then has just felt… natural. Like we fit together,” Joe added, a warmth spreading in his chest as he watched her face light up.

They continued to share their favorite moments, each one drawing them closer together as they reminisced about the laughter, the stolen kisses, and the quiet moments that had defined their time together.