**Diary Entry A Twist of Fate**
Out of sheer desperation, I agreed to marry the wealthy mans sona man who couldnt walk. A month later, I noticed something unexpected
You cant be serious, Charlotte whispered, staring at Edward Harrington with wide, disbelieving eyes.
He shook his head. Im afraid I am. But Ill give you time to consider. I know its an unusual proposal. Take a weekthink it through properly, weigh everything. Then Ill return for your answer.
As he left, I stood frozen, his words echoing in my mind like a jumbled puzzle I couldnt piece together.
Id known Edward for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and several other businesses. I worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He was always kind to the staff, warm in his manner. A decent man, by all accounts.
The pay was fair, so there was never a shortage of applicants. Two months ago, after finishing my shift, I sat outside enjoying the rare spring sunshine when the service door swung open. Edward stepped out.
Mind if I join you? he asked.
I leapt to my feet. Of course, sirno need to ask!
He chuckled. Relax, Charlotte. I dont bite. Lovely day, isnt it?
I smiled and sat back down. Spring always feels like a blessing after winter.
True enough, he agreed. Say, why are you still working as a cleaner? Margaret offered to move you to the till, didnt she? Better pay, easier hours.
Id love to, but my daughters young and often poorly. When shes well, the neighbour watches her, but when shes ill, I have to be there. Margaret and I swap shifts when needed. Shes been very kind.
I see Whats wrong with the little one?
I sighed. The doctors arent sure. She has these episodesstruggles to breathe, panics. The proper tests are private, and they just tell me to wait, that she might grow out of it. But how can I just wait?
He patted my shoulder gently. Hang in there. Things will improve.
That evening, I received an unexpected bonusno explanation, just a quiet gesture of kindness.
I didnt see him again until today, when he appeared at my doorstep. My heart nearly stopped when I heard his offer.
Edward had a sonJames, nearly thirty. Seven of those years had been spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors had done all they could, but he never walked again. Depression took hold, and he withdrew, barely speakingeven to his own father.
So Edward had an idea: marry him off. Properly. Give him a reason to live again. He wasnt sure it would work, but he had to try. And he believed I was the right person.
Charlotte, youll want for nothing. Your daughter will have every test, every treatment. Im proposing a one-year arrangement. After that, youre free to leave, no matter what. If James improveswonderful. If notyoull be generously compensated.
Anger flared inside me, but before I could speak, he added softly, Please, help me. Its mutually beneficial. I doubt hed even impose on you. Youd be respected, officially married. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Andnot a word of this to anyone.
Wait Does James even agree?
Edward sighed. He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him its for the familybusiness troubles, my health A necessary lie for his own good.
After he left, I sat numb, torn between outrage and the cold logic of his words.
And then I thought of my little Emily. What wouldnt I do for her?
Anything.
He was a father, too.
Before my shift ended, the phone rang. Charlotte, hurry! Emilys having another attacka bad one!
I raced home just as the ambulance pulled up.
Where were you? the doctor demanded.
At work, I mumbled.
The attack was severe. Should we go to hospital? I asked weakly.
The doctor shook his head. They wont do much. You need specialistsLondon, perhaps.
Forty minutes later, they left.
I picked up the phone. Edward I accept. Emilys had another attack.
The next day, we left. Edward arrived in a sleek car with a clean-shaven assistant. Just bring the essentials, Charlotte. Well buy the rest.
Emily eyed the car with delight. Mummy, its shiny!
Edward crouched beside her. Like it? Want to sit up front?
She gasped. Really? Can I?
I frowned. The police wont allow it.
Edward laughed and opened the door. Hop in, love! If anyone tries to fine us, well fine them back!
As we neared the house, my nerves tightened. What had I agreed to? What if James was cruel, or worse?
Edward noticed. Relax, Charlotte. The weddings a week awayyou can still change your mind. James is a good man just lost.
We arrived, and I froze. It wasnt a houseit was a manor. Emily squealed. Mummy, are we living in a fairy tale now?!
Edward laughed and scooped her up. Do you like it?
Yes!
In the days before the wedding, I barely saw James. At dinner, he barely spoke, lost in thought. He was handsome, though pale, as if hed forgotten the sun existed. I sensed his pain mirrored mine.
The wedding day was a whirlwind. The dress arrived last-minuteso exquisite I nearly fainted.
How much did this cost? I whispered.
Edward smiled. Best not to ask. Look at this.
He produced a tiny matching dress. Emily, shall we try it?
Her shriek of joy was deafening.
At one point, I turned and saw James in the doorway, watching Emily with the faintest smile.
Now, Emily slept in the room next to ours. *Our* bedroom. Id never imagined myself here.
Edward suggested a honeymoon at his country estate, but James declined. Well stay home.
The bed was enormous. James kept his distance, made no advances. Id planned to stay awake all night, but exhaustion claimed me.
Days passed. We began talking in the evenings. James was sharp-witted, well-read, fascinated by science. He never pushed, never intruded. Slowly, I relaxed.
One night, I woke with a joltsomething was wrong.
I raced to Emilys room. Just as I fearedshe was mid-attack. James, call an ambulance!
He was at the door instantly, phone in hand. Minutes later, Edward rushed in. Ill call Alexander myself.
The ambulance arrived swiftlysmartly dressed doctors with modern equipment. The family physician examined her, then took us aside.
Charlotte, James asked quietly, has she always had these?
Yes. Weve been to hospitals, done testsnothing helped. Thats why her father left. He said I was holding him back.
Did you love him?
Once. A lifetime ago.
So you agreed to my fathers offer
I blinked. He smiled.
Father thinks I dont know. But Ive always read him like a book. I feared who hed pick for me. Then I saw younothing like the sort to marry for money. Now it all makes sense.
He met my eyes. Dont cry. Well fix this. Emilys strongunlike me.
Why do you say that? Youre clever, kind
Be honest, he interrupted. Would you have married me if things were different?
I hesitated, then nodded. Yes. Loving you would be easier than loving men who pretend to be heroes. But its not about that. I just cant explain.
He smiled. You dont have to. I believe you.
Days later, I found James struggling with a strange contraption.
A trainer, he explained. I was meant to use it daily after the accident. I gave up. Now Im ashamed. In front of Emily. In front of you.
A knock. Edward peered in. May I?
He froze at the sight of James. Swallowing hard, he turned to me. Tell me was Emilys birth difficult?
Yes. Why?
The doctor thinks the delivery damaged her temporal bone. Its pressing on a nerve.
I sank into a chair. What do we do?
Surgery, Edward said. Theyll remove the pressure. Shell be fine.
Her *head*? Its dangerous
James took my hand. Charlotte, trust him. Shell be well.
How much will it cost?
Edward looked stunned. That
