Out of sheer desperation, she agreed to marry the wealthy mans son who couldnt walk And a month later, she noticed
You cant be serious, Emily said, staring at James Whitmore with wide eyes.
He shook his head.
Im afraid I am. But Ill give you time to think. Its not an ordinary offer, after all. I can imagine whats going through your mind. Weigh it carefullytake a proper think. Ill return in a week.
Emily watched him leave, utterly bewildered. His words wouldnt settle in her mind.
Shed known James Whitmore for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and a few other businesses. Emily worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He always greeted the staff kindly, spoke to them warmly. By all accounts, he was a decent man.
The pay was fair, so there was no shortage of applicants. About two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Emily sat outsideshe had a bit of time before clocking out.
Suddenly, the service door opened, and James appeared.
Mind if I join you?
Emily jumped up.
Of courseno need to ask!
Why stand on ceremony? Sit down, I dont bite. Lovely day, isnt it?
She smiled and sat back.
Spring always feels like a gift after winter.
Thats because everyones had enough of the cold.
Suppose youre right.
Ive been meaning to askwhy work as a cleaner? Sarah offered to move you to cashier, didnt she? Better pay, easier work.
Id love to. But the hours dont suitmy daughters young and falls ill often. When shes well, the neighbour watches her. But when shes poorly, I have to be there. Sarah and I swap shifts when needed. Shes been a godsend.
I see Whats wrong with the little one?
Oh, dont ask The doctors arent sure. She has these fitscant breathe, panics, all sorts. Proper tests are private. They say she might grow out of it. But I cant just wait
Hang in there. Itll sort itself out.
Emily thanked him. That evening, she found out James had given her an unexpected bonusno explanation, just handed over.
She didnt see him again until today, when he turned up at her flat.
Her heart nearly stopped when she spotted him. And when she heard his proposalit skipped another beat.
James had a sonOliver, nearly thirty. Seven of those years hed spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors did all they could, but he never walked again. Depression, withdrawal, barely speakingeven to his father.
So James had an idea: marry his son off. Properly. Give him a reason to live, to fight. He wasnt sure it would work, but he had to try. And Emily seemed the perfect fit.
Emily, youll want for nothing. Your daughter will have every test, every treatment. Im offering a one-year arrangement. After that, youre freeno matter what. If Oliver improvesbrilliant. If notyoull be well compensated.
Emily was speechlessindignation gripped her.
As if reading her mind, James said softly,
Emily, please, help me. Its mutually beneficial. I doubt Oliver will even touch you. And life will be easieryoull be respected, properly married. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Just one thingnot a word to anyone.
Wait, James Does Oliver agree?
The man smiled sadly.
He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him Ive business troubles, health worries The important thing is hes married. Properly. Hes always trusted me. So this is a white lie for a good cause.
James left, and Emily sat numb for ages. Anger simmered inside. Yet his blunt honesty took some of the sting from the offer.
And if she really thought about it What wouldnt she do for little Sophie?
Anything.
And him? He was a father too. He loved his son just as fiercely.
Her shift hadnt even ended when the phone rang:
Emily, quick! Sophies having one of her fits! A bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!
She arrived just as the ambulance pulled up.
Where were you, Mum? the doctor asked sternly.
At work
The episode was severe.
Should we go to hospital? Emily asked timidly.
The doctor, new to the case, waved a tired hand.
Whats the point? They wont help there. Just upset her more. You ought to go to Londonsee proper specialists.
Forty minutes later, the medics left.
Emily picked up the phone and dialled James.
I agree. Sophies had another episode.
The next day, they left.
James himself came for themwith a clean-shaven young man in tow.
Emily, just bring the essentials. Well buy the rest.
She nodded.
Sophie eyed the car with wonderbig and gleaming.
James crouched before her.
Like it?
Very much!
Fancy sitting up front? See everything better.
Can I? Please!
The girl looked at her mother.
If the police see, theyll fine us, Emily said sharply.
James laughed and opened the door.
Hop in, Sophie! If anyone tries to fine uswell fine them back!
The closer they got to the house, the more Emilys nerves frayed.
God, why did I agree? What if hes odd, aggressive?
James noticed her unease.
Emily, relax. Theres a week before the wedding. You can back out anytime. And Olivers a good lad, clever, but something inside him broke. Youll see.
Emily stepped out, helped Sophie down, and froze, staring at the house. It wasnt just a houseit was a proper mansion. Sophie squealed with delight:
Mum, are we living in a fairy tale now?!
James laughed, scooping her up.
Happy?
So happy!
Until the wedding, Emily and Oliver barely spokejust a few dinners. The young man hardly ate, barely talked. He sat there, body present, mind miles away. Emily studied him. He was handsome, though pale, as if hed avoided the sun for years. She sensed he, like her, carried pain. And she was grateful he never mentioned the coming marriage.
On the wedding day, it felt like half of London buzzed around Emily. The dress arrived the day before. When she saw it, she sank into a chair.
How much did this cost?
James smiled.
Emily, best not to ask. Look what else Ive got.
He produced a tiny replica of the wedding dress.
Sophie, fancy trying it on?
Her daughter shrieked so loud they covered their ears. The fitting was a joythe little princess paraded about, radiant.
At one point, Emily turned and saw Oliver. He stood in his doorway, watching Sophie. A faint smile touched his eyes.
Sophie now slept in the room next to theirs. Their bedroom. A month ago, Emily couldnt have imagined this.
James suggested a honeymoon at the country house, but Oliver shook his head.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay home.
The bed was massive. Oliver kept his distance, made no advances. Emily, whod planned to stay alert all night, fell asleep surprisingly fast.
A week passed. They began talking in the evenings. Oliver was sharp, witty, loved books and science. He made no move to bridge the gap. Slowly, Emily relaxed.
One night, she woke with a startheart racing.
Somethings wrong
She rushed to Sophies room. Her fears were confirmedher daughter was mid-episode.
Oliver, help! Call an ambulance!
He was at the door in seconds, phone in hand. A minute later, a bleary-eyed James hurried in.
Ill ring Alexander myself.
The ambulance arrived swiftlydoctors in smart suits, modern kit. Then the family GP came. They conferred after the episode passed. Emily sat with Sophie. Oliver stayed close, holding the girls hand.
Emily, he asked quietly, has she always had these?
Yes Weve been to hospitals, done every testnothing helped. Thats why my ex said I was ruining his life.
Did you love him?
Maybe. Feels like forever ago
So you agreed to Dads offer
Emily raised her brows.
Oliver smiled.
Dad thinks Im clueless. But Ive always read him like a book. I feared who hed pick for me. Then I saw youyoure not the sort to do this for money. Now it all
