Thames Dynasty: A Designer's Love

An Ocean Between

At 2 AM, the only light in her studio was her desk lamp, which lit the structural engineer's report, causing Emily to gaze. The technical terminology described what she already knew: the original design for Riverside's cantilevered terrace needed major change because of unforeseen problems with the century-old basis.

A calendar notice on her phone said, "Video call with James - 7 AM London / 8 AM Paris." Five hours hence. Knowing sleep would be elusive with the design concerns on her thoughts, she massaged her eyes.

Two months into their separation, the first rhythm they had set had started to wane. While the Riverside difficulties called even more of hers, James's growing duties around Europe took more of his time.

Emily had two hours of restless sleep and a fast shower before her laptop finally chimed with the incoming call. Finding James in what seemed to be a Parisian hotel suite, early morning light streaming through beautiful windows, she clicked to connect.

Greeting him, he remarked, "You look exhausted," his face betraying worry.

Emily said, tilting her camera to reveal the design changes scattered over her desk, "Structural problems with Riverside." Without strengthening that would endanger the historical features, the old foundation cannot sustain the whole extension.

James moved closer to his monitor. How important are the changes?

Emily confessed, her voice showing professional letdown, "I have to cut the cantilever by almost thirty percent." It alters the whole river silhouette.

James murmured softly, "I'm sorry," knowing just what this meant for her design concept. How does the customer view it?

Emily smiled at him wearily. James, you're the customer. Your opinion?

My wonderful fiancée will, in my opinion, find a way to maintain the core of her design while fulfilling the structural needs.

Their discussion turned to James's development in Europe, possible sites in Paris, Milan, and Madrid. His lively descriptions showed how thrilled he was about the growth prospects.

He went on, "The Barcelona site has particularly encouraging potential." The structure is a former bank from the nineteenth century with amazing architectural features.

Emily remarked, really happy for him despite her weariness, "It sounds perfect." "Your mother must be thrilled with your progress."

James's expression momentarily darkened. Though she's been inquiring when you would come, she is. I believe she wants you to participate more in the family company.

Emily tightened a little. James, I run my own company. One that is now quite difficult.

I understand, he said fast. I told her that. Speaking of your company, has your team advanced the Singapore proposal?

The possible customer wishes me physically engaged on-site for the first three months of development, Emily stated. Starting next month, it would mean moving temporarily.

Is Singapore? James was obviously surprised. That would place us on opposite sides of the globe.

Emily sighed, "I know." The timing could not be worse. Still, it's a remarkable chance—a sustainable urban development project with the potential to change the studio's worldwide reputation.

James's phone buzzed before he could answer. I apologize; I have to take this. The Milan developer is.

Emily watched as James moved away from the camera and nodded her comprehension. Their talks more and more featured these interruptions—urgent calls, changing calendars, professional obligations that couldn't wait.

His face had much cheered as he came back. Emily, you won't believe who I just met yesterday—Michel Dupont.

Emily said, combing her recollection, "The name rings a bell."

James said excitedly, "He worked with your grandfather in Paris throughout the 1980s." His whole collection of William's preparatory sketches from their collaborative endeavors. Your name came up, and he straight away linked it.

For a time, Emily lost her weariness. European designs by my grandfather? Those are new to me.

"I've arranged for us to visit his studio when you come to Paris next week," James added. He is looking forward to see you.

Emily was really moved by the kindness of this gift. James had looked for this link to her family's legacy in spite of their hectic schedules and distance.

She gently remarked, "That's great." Thanks.

James's face became more grave. I still have anything to inform you. The board wants me to stay in Europe for an extra three months. The properties in Barcelona and Milan call for more thorough talks than expected.

Another three months? Emily said again, unconcealing her letdown. That would imply nearly a year apart.

Not quite apart. James said, "You might work on Riverside remotely and maybe base yourself here, visiting more often."

Emily replied, "You know that's not possible." The Singapore project would take me in the opposite direction completely, Emily said. Riverside is at a crucial point.

James said cautiously, "Maybe you should think about delaying Singapore." "Just until we get used to these modifications."

Emily experienced a flash of annoyance. Why should I be the one to delay my chance? By the way, your mother called yesterday. She said that 'successful men need spouses who see the need of supporting their husbands' professions.'

James said, massaging his brow, "She shouldn't have said that." She doesn't speak for me, Emily. You understand that.

Should I? Emily questioned, her weariness and tension finding release. It seems like I'm supposed to plan my whole career around yours. The loyal architect fiancée, waiting patiently as you conquer Europe.

James's face grew a little more serious. That is not just. I have never requested you to sacrifice your job for my own.

Emily said, "Not expressly, no." James, the expectation is there, nevertheless. From your family, from the business—even from you, that I delay Singapore.

James said, "I'm looking for a solution that suits us both." You're complicating this unnecessarily.

Really? Emily inquired softly. Am I just accepting the truth of our circumstances, then? Two driven people whose jobs are dragging them in opposing ways.

The quiet that came after was thick with unsaid worries. At last, James exhaled.

Let's not do this via video. We'll speak correctly when you arrive next week, he remarked. Emily, we will find a solution. United.

"I wish so," she said, rather doubtful. I ought to leave. In two hours, I have a site meeting.

Emily, who had just unlinked, looked at her black screen and pondered when precisely their carefully built equilibrium had started to tip. She still loved James. But their practical problems remained unsolved even with love.

Her phone pinged with a text from Becca: "Singapore clients moved deadline for decision. Need answer by end of week." Answer required by end of week.

Emily came back to the Riverside structural designs after putting down her phone. Finding beautiful answers to challenging design issues has always been her pride. Her biggest difficulty so far, however, was proving to be balancing her career goals with her personal life.

James stood at the window of his Parisian hotel room staring out over the rooftops of the city, his reflection weak against the brightening sky. Emily's annoyance had surprised him—not because it was reasonable, but because it reflected his own unvoiced worries.

His phone rang with his mother's name showing. Victoria had been phoning more often recently, constantly asking about Emily in ways that seemed more like evaluation than real care.

He turned down the call, wanting time to reflect. The reality was, with this European expansion he had been so concentrated on proving himself that he had not really thought about what it meant for their long-term relationship. How would they create a life together if both their professions called for worldwide travel and focus?

James remembered Michel Dupont's studio brimming with graceful drawings by William Chen—designs produced far from home but nonetheless related to his fundamental idea. Maybe there was a lesson about keeping one's fundamental values while adjusting to different settings.

Not to London, but to Singapore, he grabbed his phone and started looking up flights. He had to know what that world could provide them both if Emily's path might lead there. He had to witness all conceivable permutations of their destiny before he could promise anything about it.

Certainly, Blackwood Hotels valued the European growth. But Emily was absolutely vital to his existence. There has to be a design solution that fit both.