Seeking Guidance After a Bond Built on Faith

Assalamu alaikum everyone. I've held deep affection for someone since as far back as I can recall, but I always kept it to myself. I never approached her or shared my feelings because I felt I wasn't worthy. The reason? I wasn't the most practicing Muslim; I struggled with sins and felt my faith wasn't on her level. She, however, was profoundly religious and knowledgeable, and has now become an Aalima. About six months ago, we began talking casually. I still didn't confess my feelings, but my care and love slipped out now and then. Over time, we both realized we had developed strong emotions for each other. We only expressed it through conversation and mutual concern, and through her, I experienced an incredible transformation-I left my sins behind and my iman grew stronger. It's like Allah guided me to the right path through her presence. Now, here's my struggle. We love each other deeply, but I'm 2.5 years younger than her. She's sure her family won't approve because of this and our distant family ties, making a future together seem unlikely. We feel forced to part ways, and wallahi, it's heartbreaking. I've promised myself not to return to sin, whether she's in my life or not, but imagining life without her is so difficult. She's going through the same pain, rejecting marriage proposals her family finds, which is causing tension at home. As much as I long to have her in my life, I don't want to create problems for her. But by Allah, my love for her is true. Any advice would mean a lot, and please keep us in your duas.