IslamicAnswers.com: Islamic Advice

I was in a relationship for 3 years and love him to death, we have been through a lot together. We wanted to get married and I decided to tell my parents about him. My parents said that they will never accept it and if I want to marry him, they would have nothing to do with me as he is from a different sect but is still a Muslim. They said they will never accept it.

Since this happened we broke things off, as my parents asked of me. I miss him like crazy and I haven't been happy since. I spoke to him recently and he said he still would get married to me if I can get my parents to come round.

In the time I stopped talking to him. A friend of mine who loves me and wants to get married is in the picture. He is also of the same sect.  I know my parents will accept him with open arms. However I don't know if I will be completely happy with this guy as I still love my ex too much and can't think of spending my life with anyone else, but I can't go against my parents will. I am really lost, sad and have started hating everything and everyone.

Is it fair to marry my friend for everyone else's happiness? Or if I please them, will I grow to love him one day? Is there anyway I can still marry my ex?  Will parents come around?

Thanks for your advice in advance.

-BrokenStar