**A Choice Made by Fate**
“Katie, maybe it’s time we stop lying to each other?” Mark stepped so close to the woman that she could feel his breath on her skin.
“Mark, you know he’s my husband!” Katherine cried out nervously, having repeated those words too many times that evening.
“So what if he is? We deserve happiness! Tell me the truth—Lenny is my son, isn’t he?” With that, Mark gripped her shoulders.
Katherine bowed her head and wept, no longer ashamed of her tears…
…Katie and Oliver had grown up in the same building, knowing each other since childhood. Their parents’ flats were on the same landing. The families weren’t particularly close, but they maintained warm, neighbourly relations.
A deep friendship between the neighbours would’ve been unlikely. Katie’s parents worked at the symphony—cultured, lively people who often entertained guests. Katie herself attended music school and dreamed of following in their footsteps, dedicating her life to music.
Oliver’s family was the opposite. His mother worked as a shop assistant at the local supermarket, his father as a mechanic in a factory. Despite their different upbringings, Oliver and Katie remained friends. First as toddlers in nursery, then sitting together in primary school.
Katie’s parents didn’t discourage her friendship with the boy next door, but they never saw him as a potential son-in-law. Oliver’s parents, however, were pleased—they often joked that the two were “betrothed,” seeing Katie as a promising match for their son.
…One September morning in Year 8 changed Katie’s life forever. As the class settled for their first assembly, their form teacher walked in—not alone, but with a handsome new student.
“Good morning, everyone! This is Mark, your new classmate.” Their teacher, Mrs. Thompson, gestured to an empty desk.
Mark immediately caught the girls’ attention—his tailored blazer, swept-back hair, and dazzling blue eyes made him stand out. Katie noticed him too, though she hesitated to approach him.
Weeks later, returning to music school, Katie was lost in thought when the door suddenly swung open. Startled, she stepped back—only to see Mark standing there.
“Oh—hi!” she stammered.
“Hi,” he replied with that bright smile.
“You go to music school too?”
“Yeah, just finished my lesson.”
“I’ve got music theory next,” she sighed.
Before Mark could reply, her friend Lucy barged in, grabbing her arm.
“Katie, move it! We’ve got three minutes before the Dragon gets us!” Lucy hissed, referring to their notoriously strict teacher.
Mark grinned, but Lucy dragged Katie inside before they could speak again.
During the lesson, Katie couldn’t focus—her mind was on Mark.
“Miss Bennett, I expect your full attention,” the teacher scolded.
“Sorry,” she mumbled.
After class, as she walked home, she heard footsteps behind her.
“Katie, wait!”
She turned—Mark had been waiting for her.
They walked together, talking about music. Mark shared stories of his old life, his dreams of becoming a musician. Katie realised then—she was falling for him…
…For two years, they grew closer, while Oliver watched bitterly. By Year 11, Katie and Mark knew they were in love—but Oliver was always there, lingering between them.
“Katie, come to the disco tonight?” Oliver asked.
“Not tonight. Mark and I have tickets to the symphony.”
“Why him and not me?” Oliver scowled.
“You’d hate it. Next weekend, we’ll go dancing—you, me, and Mark.”
Oliver agreed reluctantly.
After school, Oliver went to trade college while Katie and Mark stayed on. Those were her happiest days—sitting beside him, walking home together.
One night, after the symphony, they shared their first kiss. They vowed to marry after graduation, study together, and never part…
But their parents had other plans.
“Marry Mark? Have you gone mad?” her mother shrieked.
“You need to focus on your career first,” her father insisted.
Mark’s family was just as opposed.
“No wedding at eighteen! You’ll study where your grandmother taught—end of discussion!”
Forced apart, they tried writing at first. But when Mark’s family moved away, they lost touch.
Years later, at a music competition, they reunited—older, wiser, but still in love. One stolen night together rekindled everything.
“I’ll move to you after graduation,” Katie whispered.
Mark hesitated. “I can’t… I’m engaged. Her name’s Toni—she’s pregnant.”
Devastated, Katie returned home, numb.
Oliver found her like that.
“Cheer up. Let’s go out.”
A month later, Katie discovered she was pregnant—with Mark’s child. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him, not when he was starting a family.
Then Oliver proposed.
“Marry me, Katie?”
“Alright,” she said softly.
They wed, and in time, she gave birth to Lenny…
…Fifteen years passed. Katie never forgot Mark—until he reappeared, divorced and desperate to reclaim her.
Their affair tore her in two.
“Let’s run away—take our son with us,” Mark begged.
“I don’t know…”
But fate decided for her. Mark never returned—he died in a car crash.
“Katie, you’ve been distant. What’s wrong?” Oliver asked one evening.
“Remember how you wanted a girl? Maybe it’s time.”
Oliver’s voice cracked. “Yeah… let’s try.”
It took three years, but eventually, little Alice was born.
Katie keeps Mark’s memory close. One day, she’ll tell her daughter about her first love.
But for now, she finds peace in the life she’s built.
Or perhaps—she’s simply made her choice.
A choice made by fate.
