Emily was crying bitterly, quietly murmuring to herself:
“What’s going to happen now, Mum? Oh God, how embarrassing… The entire village will gossip and make fun of me since the groom didn’t show up at the wedding.”
“I’d rather the ground swallow me up than face everyone.”
“Don’t cry, my dear Emily, we’ll sort something out,” her mother, Mary reassured her daughter as her own mind raced with ideas. Suddenly, she had a bright idea.
“John!” she called out to the neighbor. “Let’s head to the train station for the morning arrival.”
“No problem at all,” replied John. “For you, Mrs. Smith, I’d pluck a star from the sky.” Mary climbed into the front seat of the car and made herself comfortable.
“Now, we’re off to find Emily a groom,” she declared seriously.
John looked at her in surprise. “Are you serious? Do you really think you’ll find someone willing?”
“Why not? I’ll pay him well, and everyone loves money.” Mary walked with purpose toward the platform as the train arrived. She approached two handsome young men, exchanged a few words with them, and within a minute, led them to John’s car.
“John, let’s head to the store,” she said.
“We need to buy suits for the groom and the best man.”
“Do they have the required documents?” John smirked.
“Everything’s in order!” Mary assured. “This is my future son-in-law, David, and his witness, Edward.”
“Look, the groom’s here!” the guests chorused. “Hooray! Finally!”
Emily bounded excitedly out of the house, only to stop short: two completely unfamiliar men were stepping out of John’s car. Her mother hugged her and took her aside:
“This is David. Either you marry him now and quietly divorce later, or you’ll face shame and gossip for the rest of your life. Choose quickly.”
Emily couldn’t utter a word; she simply nodded, and in a moment, a smile shone on her tear-streaked face.
The wedding was a success, celebrated by the entire village until morning. David played his part so well, Emily was astounded. Once the guests dispersed, Emily reached for David’s hand, surprised at the gentleness with which she said, “Thank you. You really saved me.” And, in a serious tone, she added: “Don’t worry, the divorce will be swift.”
“I don’t plan to get a divorce,” David stated confidently. “In fact, I’d like to get to know you better.”
Emily hadn’t expected this.
“Well, I never!” she exclaimed. “One swore eternal love and vanished, and a complete stranger wants to spend his life with me…”
“How can you say I’m a complete stranger?” David said, slightly hurt. “I liked you from the moment I saw you, Emily.”
“But you…” the bride started angrily, but the young man cut her off.
“From today on, I’m your husband. You know, my mum always worried I’d never marry or find my own path. I always told her my destiny would find me. Seems I was right. Do you think I’d just let this go? You don’t have to answer right away; give it some thought.”
And Emily did think. She thought for nearly 25 years, during which they raised three kids and lived in harmony with David. Meanwhile, Mary could hardly believe that what could have been a scandal for the village turned into a lifelong happiness for her daughter.
