So, get this I picked an ordinary girl just to wind up my posh parents, but the secret she was keeping knocked me for six.
It all started in the most petty way, Ill admit. Both my mum and dad were forever going on about me settling down, especially now I was nearing thirty. Theyve got this family company and apparently, if I wanted any chance of taking over the reins, I needed to show some maturity translation: a wife, a mortgage, the whole lot.
Dad calls me into his study one evening all mahogany panels and old books. Hes sat behind his desk, looking like hes about to offer me shares in the Bank of England. Listen here, Henry, he begins, giving me that serious chat look. Your mother and I think its time you grew up.
I laugh it off. Grew up? You mean, get married?
He nods, deadly earnest. Exactly. We need someone responsible running things one day, not someone treating life like an endless stag do.
Mum, ever the diplomat, just shakes her head. Your father built this from nothing, Henry. We cant hand it over to a lad whos never grown out of student life.
Honestly, I was fuming. They wanted a wife? Fine, Id give them one. But not the upper crust, groomed-for-greatness type they were hoping for. Id bring home someone so unimpressive by their standards theyd have to question whether this arranged marriage carry-on was such a good idea.
Thats when I met Daisy.
She was volunteering at this community fun day in a less-than-glam part of Manchester. No makeup, hair tied back, wearing a prim little dress that probably cost a tenner. Not a Gucci logo in sight. And she had this calmness about her. Like nothing fazed her.
I went over and said hi. She just nodded. Nice to meet you, Henry, she said, not even blinking.
Intriguing.
So, Daisy, where are you from? I ask, trying (and failing) to sound casual.
Oh, just a quiet little town near the Peaks. Nothing exciting, she says, with a shy grin. Theres something guarded in her eyes.
Perfect.
Daisy, I lean in, lowering my voice, What do you think about marriage?
She raises an eyebrow. Sorry, what?
I know its mad, but I need a fiancée. Ive got my reasons, but youd have to play along for a bit.
She actually laughs, eyes twinkling like shes in on the secret joke. Funny you say that. Ive been considering a shot at marriage myself. Treat it like a bit of fun.
Really? So we have a deal?
She studies me, then shrugs. Alright, Henry. But only on one condition.
Whats that?
No questions about my past. Just let me be the small town girl. Thats all your family needs to know. Can you promise that?
Absolutely, I say, hand on heart.
The first time I brought her round for Sunday roast, my parents faces were a picture. Mum, with her pearls and perfect set, was stunned silent. Dad scowled at her plain dress and spent half the time glaring over his spectacles.
Daisy, is it? Welcome. Lovely, um, frock, my mum said with a pursed smile.
Dad couldnt hide his disappointment. Henry, this isnt quite what we had in mind.
I grinned back. Shes perfect for me, Dad. Down-to-earth, not impressed by all this palaver.
Daisy played her part like a pro, polite but unbending, always a step removed from the chitchat. My parents were absolutely livid. But sometimes, Id catch a glimmer in her eyes like she was enjoying the whole spectacle even more than me.
You sure you want to keep this going? shed ask one night as we left my parents place.
Ive never been more certain, I laughed. Theyre losing the plot, Daisy. Its brilliant.
She smiled, almost too softly. Glad I could help.
I was too caught up with my dads outrage to notice much else.
Until the charity gala.
This was the big event chandeliers, white linen, the works. Daisy turned up on my arm in a simple dress, looking almost out of place among all the glitter. Which was exactly what I wanted.
Tonights the grand finale, I whispered.
She nodded. I know the plan.
All evening, she was polite, quiet, giving the bare minimum to every small talk ambush. My parents shot daggers across the room, but kept their lips sealed.
Then the mayor wobble-walks up all smiles.
Daisy! What a surprise! he beams, giving her a huge handshake.
My parents jaws just about hit the floor. The mayor knows Daisy?
She managed a small grin. Nice to see you, Mr Mayor.
Remember that childrens hospice your family funded? People still talk about that generosity, he said, almost bowing.
She nodded, ever modest. Were just glad to help. Thats what matters.
He left us standing there in total silence. Mum finally turned to me, panic in her voice. Henry what was that?
Before I could answer, our family friend, Mr. Barton, nearly choked on his Champagne. Daisy! Youre back in town? I had no idea!
Daisy just laughed. Didnt tell too many people, Mr. Barton. Im here for my wedding, she winked at me.
He looked at me, dead serious. Henry, you do realise youre marrying Daisy Charity Queen Sutton? Her family are some of the most significant donors in the North West!
Now, Id heard the name. Everyone had. It just didnt click until right then.
Later, I pulled Daisy aside. So Charity Queen?
She sighed. My family run the biggest charitable foundation in the region. I hate the fuss that comes with it. I was trying to do my own thing for once.
Why didnt you say so?
For the same reason you didnt tell me your whole plan, she said. Everyone wants to use my name for something. I wanted to get away from it all. When I met you, I thought maybe we could both help each other.
I realised then Daisy wasnt some shy, ordinary girl. She was sharp, independent, and stronger than Id realised.
While Id been busy making a game out of it all, shed been quietly escaping her golden cage, even if just for a little while. Shed agreed to this charade to run from her world, same as me.
A few days later, at another family event, I caught her looking lost in thought.
Whats up? I asked.
She smiled. Didnt know youd be good at this. I think youre braver than you give yourself credit for.
She laughed quietly. Im not doing this for them. Im doing it for me.
That was pretty much the moment I realised everything had changed. What started as a silly joke now felt real. I started to actually admire her. Maybe even fancy her for real.
Daisy, I whispered, maybe its time we told them the whole truth.
She nodded. Wed finished pretending.
The next day, we asked my parents to sit down with us. As we prepared to lay it all out, I felt a strange, calm certainty. No nerves I was just ready to be honest, and move forward. This time, with Daisy by my side, for real.
