Out of desperation, she agreed to marry the wealthy mans son who couldnt walk And a month later she noticed
You must be joking, Emily said, staring at William Harrington with wide eyes.
He shook his head.
No, Im not. But Ill give you time to think. Its an unusual offer, after all. I can guess whats going through your mind. Weigh it carefullyIll return in a week.
Emma watched him leave, stunned. His words barely registered in her mind.
Shed known William Harrington for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and other businesses. Emma worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He always greeted the staff warmly, treating them with kindness. By all accounts, he was a decent man.
The pay was good, so there was no shortage of applicants. About two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Emma sat outsideher workday nearly done, with a little time to spare.
Suddenly, the service door opened, and William appeared.
Mind if I join you?
Emma jumped up.
Of courseno need to ask!
Why the fuss? Sit down, I dont bite. Lovely weather, isnt it?
She smiled and sat again.
Spring always feels like a fresh start.
After winter, anythings an improvement.
Suppose youre right.
Ive been meaning to askwhy work as a cleaner? Margaret offered to move you to cashier, didnt she? Better pay, easier hours.
Id love to. But my daughters young and falls ill often. When shes well, the neighbour minds her. But when shes poorly, I must be there. Margaret and I swap shifts when needed. Shes been a lifesaver.
I see Whats wrong with the little one?
Oh, its a mystery The doctors arent sure. She has these episodesstruggles to 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.
Emma thanked him. That evening, she discovered William had given her an unexpected bonusno explanation, just handed over the envelope.
She didnt see him again until today, when he turned up at her flat.
Her heart nearly stopped when she opened the door. And his proposal made it worse.
William had a sonOliver, nearly 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 an idea: marry his son properly. Give him a reason to live, to fight. He wasnt sure it would work, but he had to try. And Emma seemed the perfect choice.
Emma, 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 improveswonderful. If notIll compensate you generously.
Emma was speechlessoutrage choked her.
As if reading her mind, William said quietly,
Emma, please, help me. Its mutually beneficial. I doubt Oliver will even touch you. And youll gain respect, a proper marriage. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Justdont breathe a word of this to anyone.
Wait, William 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 lie for his own good.
William left, and Emma sat numb for hours. Fury simmered inside her. But his blunt honesty took some of the sting from the proposition.
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:
Emma, hurry! Sophies having another episode! A bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!
She arrived as the ambulance pulled up.
Where have you been, mum? the doctor asked sharply.
At work
The episode was severe.
Should we take her to hospital? Emma asked timidly.
The doctor, new to the case, sighed.
Whats the point? They wont help there. Just frighten her. You need specialistsLondon, perhaps.
Forty minutes later, the medics left.
Emma picked up the phone and dialled William.
I agree. Sophies had another episode.
The next day, they left.
William himself came for themaccompanied by a young, clean-shaven man.
Emma, just bring essentials. Well buy the rest.
She nodded.
Sophie eyed the car with wonderbig and gleaming.
William crouched before her.
Like it?
Yes!
Fancy sitting up front? Best view.
Can I? Really?
The girl glanced at her mother.
If the police see, theyll fine us, Emma said sternly.
William laughed and opened the door.
Hop in, Sophie! And if anyone tries to fine uswell charge them double!
The closer they got to the house, the more Emmas nerves frayed.
God, why did I agree? What if hes odd, aggressive?
William noticed her unease.
Emma, relax. The weddings a week away. You can back out anytime. And Olivers a good lad, clever, but something broke in him. Youll see.
Emma stepped out, helped Sophie down, and froze, staring at the house. It wasnt just a houseit was a manor. Sophie squealed with delight:
Mum, are we living in a fairy tale now?!
William laughed, lifting the girl into his arms.
Do you like it?
Yes!
Until the wedding, Emma and Oliver met only a few timesat dinner. The young man barely ate or spoke. He sat there, physically present but miles away. Emma studied him. He was handsome, though pale, as if hed avoided the sun for years. She sensed he carried pain, like her. And she was grateful he never mentioned the marriage.
On the wedding day, chaos swirled around Emma. The dress arrived the night before. When she saw it, she sank into a chair.
How much did this cost?
William smiled.
Emma, best not to ask. Herelook at this.
He produced a tiny replica of the wedding dress.
Sophie, shall we try it?
Her daughter shrieked with joy, prancing around like a princess.
Emma turned and saw Oliver in the doorway, watching Sophie. A faint smile touched his eyes.
Sophie now slept in the room next to theirs. Their bedroom. Weeks ago, Emma couldnt have imagined this.
William suggested a honeymoon at the country estate, but Oliver refused.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay home.
The bed was enormous. Oliver kept his distance, made no advances. Emma, whod planned to stay awake all night, fell asleep almost at once.
A week passed. They began talking in the evenings. Oliver was sharp-witted, well-read, fascinated by science. He never pushed her. Slowly, Emma relaxed.
One night, she woke with a jolther heart 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. Moments later, a groggy William hurried in.
Ill ring Dr. Bennett myself.
The ambulance arrived swiftlysmartly dressed medics with modern kit. Then the family doctor came. They conferred after stabilising Sophie. Emma sat with her daughter. Oliver stayed close, holding the girls hand.
Emily, he asked softly, has she always had these?
Yes Weve been to hospitals, done testsnothing helped. Thats why her father left. Said I was a burden.
Did you love him?
Once. But that feels like another life
So you agreed to Dads offer
Emma raised her brows.
Oliver smiled.
Dad thinks Im clueless. But Ive always seen through him. I feared who hed pick. Then I saw youyoure not the sort to do this for money. Now it all makes sense.
He met her gaze.
Emma, dont cry. Well fix this. Sophies strong. She hasnt brokenunlike me.
Why did you break? Youre brilliant, kind
He gave a wry smile. Be honestwould you have married me if things were different?
