Emma wanted nothing to do with marriage. But at just 19, she found herself pregnant by a classmate she had been dating for three years. She felt she had no choice; she couldn’t bear the thought of her child growing up without a father.
Although he was older than Emma, he was immaturea perpetual mamas boy. Still, he didnt shirk responsibility; he promised to marry Emma and raise their child together. So, they began planning the wedding.
Emma would have been perfectly content with a simple ceremony, but her relatives demanded a grander event. She couldnt understand why they should spend a small fortune making others happy when those pounds would be better spent preparing for the baby. But nobody listened. Her mother-in-law and sister picked the restaurant, the wedding dress, and the guest list.
When she was sent for a dress fitting, Emma dreaded going. She imagined herself swamped in a gown with countless frills and sparkling gems. Her sister and future mother-in-law werent known for good taste. When her family heard she refused the fitting, they called her ungrateful and were furious. Emma paid them little mind; she had her own worriesfinishing sixth form, sitting exams, and being ready for her babys arrival.
She went to the registry office in a simple white dress, comfortable and elegant. And thats where the real drama began.
The couples families had no idea that Emma intended to keep her surname. Her fiancé knew about it and didnt object. But his mother was livid and began shouting at the guests and the photographers: Why dont you want to take our name?
Emma smiled and stepped aside. Tomorrow would bring morethe wedding in her husbands village, surrounded by his extended family. She knew she had to save her nerves.
The marriage lasted only a few years. Jack turned out to be a terrible husband and an absent father. Every weekend, he sat at his computer, ignoring Emma and their child. When she could no longer put up with it, Emma packed her bags and left.
Her mother-in-law was appalled at the turn of events. But at last, Emma felt freefinally happy and able to live life on her own terms.
