To this day, Daniel remains a single man. He had been serious about getting married, but he never quite understood the logic of his fiancée.
When he proposed to Emily, they’d been together for nearly a year. The initial whirlwind of passion had settled, and Daniel realised she was the one he wanted by his side, the one whose voice and presence he couldn’t imagine life without.
“Emily, marry me,” he said firmly, kneeling on one knee with an open ring box in hand, the diamond glinting inside, and a grand bouquet of flowers in the other.
Emily wasn’t entirely surprised—she’d sensed something like this was coming—but she was still taken aback and, of course, delighted.
“Of course, darling, of course,” she agreed without hesitation.
Emily was a beautiful woman, but Daniel was no slouch either. Tall, athletic, with a sharp haircut and a preference for smart casual wear.
“I want you to have a daughter who looks just like you,” Daniel smiled.
“Absolutely, anytime,” Emily laughed.
Wedding preparations began. Daniel hadn’t realised just how much went into it.
“Emily, this is madness,” he groaned as she dragged him from shop to shop. “I never imagined it’d be this much hassle.”
Apparently, you couldn’t just get engaged, hand over a ring, sign the papers, and be done. No, there were veils, shoes, dress fittings, ribbons, stockings—the list was endless.
Eventually, Emily settled down. With the wedding still weeks away, Daniel finally relaxed—until she came home from work one evening and dropped a bombshell.
“Dan, my boss is sending me away for a week—training out in the countryside. A bit of time apart might be good, test our feelings before the big day.”
“Fantastic timing,” Daniel grumbled. “Doesn’t he know we’re getting married soon?”
“He knows, but it’s not like I’m leaving on the wedding day. Three weeks to go. Besides, this means a promotion and a pay rise. We could use the money.”
“While I’m gone, Lucy will keep an eye on you,” she added after a pause.
“Oh, brilliant. Just what I needed—your Lucy everywhere,” Daniel snapped. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Trust you or not, leaving you unsupervised would be reckless. Lucy’s got you covered.”
Lucy, Emily’s best friend since school, was the maid of honour. Daniel couldn’t stand her. Not that she wasn’t attractive—blonde, stunning figure—but she was always around. Emily dragged her everywhere, and it drove Daniel mad. She’d even stay over, sleeping in the spare room.
Daniel had joked once, “Hope Lucy won’t be joining us on our wedding night.”
At the airport, Daniel saw Emily off—Lucy tagging along, as usual. They said their goodbyes, and Daniel drove Lucy home, dropping her off on the way.
Three days passed. With too much free time, Daniel rang his mates, who invited him fishing. He jumped at the chance—beers, the lads, a proper blokes’ weekend.
“Who knows when I’ll get another chance like this?” he thought before drifting off.
But on Thursday evening, Lucy called.
“Dan, everything alright?”
“Perfect,” he replied.
“Need anything? I could—”
“No, I’m fine. Grown man, remember?”
“Alright, don’t bite my head off. Actually, I need a favour.”
He tensed. “What favour?”
“Our mutual friend with Emily—Sarah—is celebrating her birthday at a country pub. My car’s in the shop. Fancy giving me a lift? Emily said it’s fine.”
Daniel groaned inwardly. He’d rather be fishing.
“Come on, Dan,” Lucy pleaded. “Everyone’s paired up, and I’ve got no one. You know I’m not seeing anyone.”
“Shame,” he said dryly.
“Later. Just say yes, please? Emily will love that you’re under my watch.”
Reluctantly, he agreed.
Daniel almost called Emily to complain but thought better of it. After all, she’d asked Lucy to babysit him.
The party was Friday at six. At five, Lucy—glammed up, smelling divine—hopped into his car. Against his will, he softened.
“Fine. An evening with a beautiful woman isn’t the worst punishment.”
At the pub, Lucy clung to his arm as they entered. Daniel knew no one; Lucy knew everyone.
Out of place, he sat quietly until Lucy handed him champagne.
“Drink up, relax.”
“Lu, I’m driving.”
“Oh, one glass won’t kill you.”
Under the table’s amused eyes, he downed it. One became two, then more. By the end, he was drunk.
“Dan, you’re smashed,” Lucy cooed. “Don’t worry, I booked a room.”
He barely remembered stumbling in. He woke at dawn, head pounding, to the sound of the shower.
The room had one bed.
The door opened—Lucy stepped out, dripping wet, naked.
Daniel froze.
She took his hands, pressed them to her shoulders. What happened next was a blur.
They drove home in silence, both satisfied. Finally, Daniel spoke.
“Lu, what do we tell Emily?”
“The truth.”
“She’ll be furious—especially at you. You were supposed to watch me.” He smirked. “Admit it, you planned this.”
“Typical. Blame the woman.”
Emily returned on Sunday. Daniel met her with flowers, but her kiss was cold. They barely spoke on the drive.
At home, as he set down her bag, Emily slapped him hard.
“I set Lucy up to test you. Wanted to see if you were loyal.”
“Did I pass?” he asked bitterly.
“No. You’re just like the rest. I need a real man.”
Daniel was furious. No man claimed to be a saint, but this was cruel.
Why the charade? Had she ever wanted to marry him?
Three years on, he’s still single, wary of women. Emily, too, remains unmarried.
