**A Journey to Happiness: A Fresh Start for Two Lovers**
Emma was travelling to meet the man she loved, practically floating on wings of joy. At long last, her son had finished school and been accepted into university. Now, she and her husband could finally live together after years of waiting.
The very day she sent her son on his way, she bought a bus ticket and set off to meet John. They had only been married for two years, but they knew each other as if it had been a lifetime.
Their relationship hadnt been easy. It had started rough, endured hardships, but fate had promised them a future togetherat least, Emma was certain of it.
They had met eight years ago. Back then, she was still healing from her divorce from her first husband, unwilling to let anyone closeuntil she met John. Even with him, she had been guarded at first. Hed had to work hard to convince her he wasnt like her ex, William.
They dated for six months before deciding to move in together. John had come to live with her because his tiny flat wouldnt have fit the whole family. Emma had a ten-year-old son, a well-behaved boy who hadnt immediately warmed to his stepfather.
After three years of living together, John started talking about marriage, but Emma wasnt keen.
She saw no point in paperworkit wouldnt protect her from betrayal, whether she was the wife or the husband. She was happy as things were and didnt want change.
At first, John had accepted her view, but eventually, he realised it wasnt enough for him. He wanted Emma to be his wife in every sense. He gave her an ultimatum: marry him, or they would part ways.
Emma hadnt liked his insistence, so she decided it was better to split up. And so they didfor six months.
During that time, John had moved to another city where a friend had offered him a well-paid job. He rarely returned home, only visiting his parents every couple of months. It was during one of those visits that he ran into Emma again.
She was strolling through the park, looking as though life was treating her wonderfullycarefree and happy, until her eyes met his.
In her gaze, he saw exactly what he felt in his own heart. She still loved him. And she couldnt hide it.
They resumed their relationship, but this time, long-distance. Sometimes she visited him; other times, he came to her. Every meeting was carefully planned, yet each one was full of warmth and passion.
They usually saw each other once a month, sometimes twice. John often suggested she move in with himhed managed to buy a two-bedroom flat in his new city, though he was still paying off the mortgage.
Emma would have loved nothing more, but she couldnt uproot her life so suddenly. Her son was a teenager who needed attention, and her mother was ill, requiring care. For over two years, Emma had worked to nurse her back to health, but at last, her condition had improved.
Live long! the doctor had cheerfully told her upon discharge.
Margaret hadnt needed her daughters constant care anymore, but Alex was starting his final years at school. He didnt want to switch schools and begged his mother to wait until he finished. She had to compromise.
The summer before Alexs last year, Emma and John finally married. Seeing the joy it brought him, she regretted not agreeing soonerbut what was the use in crying over the past?
Now, they werent just meeting up. Their relationship couldve been called a weekend marriage, if not for the hundreds of miles between them.
And now, Alex had been accepted into university. Emma was proud of her sonand realised she could finally arrange her own life. She hadnt told John she was coming to live with him; she wanted it to be a surprise.
He had suspected it might happen, but he didnt know exactly when.
Emma packed her suitcase, boarded the bus, and set off to him. She wanted this day to be etched in his memory forever. She could already picture ither in lace lingerie, rose petals scattered on the freshly made bed, a delicious dinner waiting, and her love coming home from work.
She dreamed of all these details as the bus rolled on. She was sure John would be thrilled by her surprisebut instead, the surprise was waiting for her.
She unlocked his flat with her keyand froze in shock. A pair of bright blue eyes stared back at hera stunning young woman with fiery red hair.
Who are you? Emma asked.
Im Vanessa. Ohyou must be Emma. Sorry, Ill leave right away!
Leave? What do you mean? Who *are* you? Emma snapped.
Please, dont be angry. Im your husbands girlfriend.
What? His *girlfriend*?
Emma shut the door quietly, leaving behind all she had believed was hers, determined to carve a new pathalone.
**Lesson learned:** Love can blind us to the truth. Sometimes, the happiest endings are the ones we write for ourselves.
