Out of sheer desperation, she agreed to marry the wealthy mans son who couldnt walk And a month later, she noticed
You must be pulling my leg, Emily said, gaping at William Harrington with wide eyes.
He shook his head.
Afraid not. But Ill give you time to mull it over. Its not exactly your run-of-the-mill proposal. I can guess whats going through your mind. Weigh it up, think it through properlyIll pop back in a week.
Emily watched him leave, utterly flummoxed. His words rattled around in her head like loose change in a tin.
Shed known William for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and a few other ventures. Emily worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He was always decent to the staff, friendly even. All in all, a good bloke.
The pay was decent, so there was no shortage of applicants. About two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Emily was sitting outsideher workday nearly done, a rare moment to herself.
Suddenly, the service door swung open, and William appeared.
Mind if I join you?
Emily shot up.
Of coursewhy even ask?
No need to jump to attention. 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 sick of the cold and rain.
Suppose youre right.
Meant to askwhy are you cleaning? Sarah offered to move you to the till, didnt she? Better pay, easier work.
Id love to. But the shifts dont workmy daughters little and gets poorly. When shes fine, the neighbour watches her. But when shes poorly, I have to be there. So Sarah and I swap when needed. Shes been a lifesaver.
Ah Whats wrong with the little one?
Oh, dont ask The doctors arent sure. She has these episodescant breathe, panics, all sorts. The proper tests are private. They say she might grow out of it. But I cant just sit and wait
Hang in there. Itll sort itself out.
Emily thanked him. That evening, she found out William had given her an unexpected bonusno explanation, just handed over the envelope.
She didnt see him after that. And now, today, hed turned up at her flat.
When Emily spotted him, her heart nearly leapt out of her chest. And when she heard his proposalit got even worse.
William had a sonOliver, almost thirty. Seven of those years hed spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors did their best, but he never walked again. Depression, withdrawal, barely speakingeven to his father.
So William had a plan: marry his son off. Properly. To give him a reason to live, to fight. He wasnt sure it would work, but he was willing to try. And Emily seemed perfect for the role.
Emily, youll want for nothing. Your daughter will get every test, every treatment she needs. Its a one-year arrangement. After that, youre freeno matter what. If Oliver improvesbrilliant. If notyoull be generously compensated.
Emily was speechlessoutrage bubbling up inside her.
As if reading her mind, William said softly:
Emily, please, help me. Its a win-win. I doubt Oliver will even lay a finger on you. And life will be easieryoull be respected, legally married. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Just one thingnot a word to anyone about this.
Wait, William Does Oliver even agree?
The man gave a sad smile.
He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him its for the business, for my health The important thing is hes married. Properly. Hes always trusted me. So its a white lie for a good cause.
William left, and Emily sat there, stunned. Anger simmered inside her. But his blunt honesty took some of the sting out of it.
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 wasnt even over when the phone rang:
Emily, quick! Sophies having one of her episodes! A bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!
She arrived just as the paramedics pulled up.
Where were you, Mum? the doctor asked sternly.
At work
It was a severe episode.
Should we take her to hospital? Emily asked timidly.
The doctor, new to Sophies case, sighed.
Whats the point? They wont do much. Just stress her out. You need a proper specialistin London.
Forty minutes later, the paramedics left.
Emily picked up the phone and dialled William.
Im in. Sophie just had another episode.
The next day, they left.
William himself came for themwith a young, clean-shaven man in tow.
Emily, just bring the essentials. Well get the rest.
She nodded.
Sophie eyed the car with wide eyesbig and gleaming.
William crouched in front of her.
Like it?
So much!
Fancy sitting up front? Best view in the house.
Can I? Really?
The girl glanced at her mother.
If the police see, theyll fine us, Emily said sternly.
William laughed and swung the door open.
Hop in, Sophie! And if anyone tries to fine uswell fine them right back!
The closer they got to the house, the more Emilys nerves frayed.
God, why did I agree? What if hes odd, aggressive?
William noticed her unease.
Emily, relax. The weddings not for a week. You can back out anytime. And Olivers a good lad, sharp as a tack, but something broke in him. Youll see.
Emily stepped out, helped Sophie down, and froze, staring at the house. It wasnt a houseit was a proper mansion. And Sophie, unable to contain herself, squealed:
Mum, are we living in a fairy tale now?!
William laughed, scooping her up.
Do you like it?
So much!
Right up until the wedding, Emily and Oliver only met a handful of timesat dinner. The young man barely ate or spoke. He just sat there, physically present but miles away. Emily studied him. He was handsome, though pale, like he hadnt seen sunlight in years. She sensed he carried pain, just like her. And she was grateful he never mentioned the impending marriage.
On the wedding day, it felt like half of London was fussing over Emily. The dress arrived the day before. When she saw it, she sank into a chair.
How much did this cost?
William grinned.
Emily, best not to ask. Look what else Ive got.
He pulled out a tiny replica of the wedding dress.
Sophie, fancy trying it on?
Her daughter shrieked so loudly they covered their ears. Then came the fittingthe little princess strutted around, glowing.
At one point, Emily turned and saw Oliver. He stood in the doorway, watching Sophie. In his eyesthe ghost of a smile.
Sophie now had the room next to theirs. Their bedroom. Not long ago, Emily couldnt have imagined ending up here.
William suggested a honeymoon at the country estate, but Oliver shook his head.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay put.
The bed was enormous. Oliver kept his distance, made no moves. And Emily, whod planned to stay alert all night, unexpectedly dozed off quickly.
A week passed. They started talking in the evenings. Oliver was whip-smart, dryly funny, obsessed with books and science. He made no attempt to get closer. Gradually, Emily relaxed.
One night, she woke with a joltheart racing.
Somethings wrong
She bolted to Sophies room. Just as she fearedher 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 William rushed in.
Ill call Dr. Matthews myself.
The ambulance arrived swiftlyparamedics in crisp uniforms, state-of-the-art kit. Then the family doctor turned up. They talked at length after the episode passed. Emily sat with Sophie. Oliver stayed close, holding her hand.
Emily, he asked quietly, has she always had these?
Yes Weve been to hospitals, done every test, but nothing helped. Thats why my ex told me not to ruin his life with it.
