When a colleague invited me to her wedding, Id only been at this London publishing firm for just over four months. Id hit it off with Emily from the first day we became friends almost instantly. I hadnt met her fiancé before, but I still accepted the invitation without hesitation, especially since Id been looking for a chance to wear my new dress. Emily had invited a few other workmates as well, so several of us arrived together. That afternoon, we were running a bit late and turned up to find everyone else already seated. We slipped quietly into the reception hall, trying not to draw attention.
There had to be well over a hundred people at the celebration. The venue was beautifully decorated, and the buffet overflowed with British delights roast beef, salmon, pastries, trifles and more. But none of that captured my attention. The moment I first saw Emilys fiancé, I felt completely dizzy. I fell for him then and there head over heels at first sight! Whats more, I could tell the feeling was entirely mutual. All evening, my mind was spinning, my cheeks were flushed, and my heart felt like it might pound out of my chest. I could hardly manage to eat or drink.
At last, I couldnt take it any longer and decided to slip out early. My emotions were all in a whirl, so I rushed home to close myself off and try to collect my thoughts. The next evening, as I was leaving the office, there he was, waiting for me by the main doors. His wife Emily happened to be away on holiday, so she wasnt at work.
He walked up without a word, took my hand, and led me to his car. Without saying a thing, he began to kiss me. I was completely powerless to stop it. We sat there, talking and kissing for hours. Eventually, we wound up back at my flat, and thats where it all began. He told me he was going to leave Emily and marry me. He went home, spoke to his wife, and later that night packed his bags and moved in with me. I never asked him what was said in that conversation.
We got married soon after and bought a little place together. Weve been together for over three years now. Naturally, I resigned from my job straight away. I can only imagine the gossip and judgement I left behind! Emily had been with the company for ages, and I was the newcomer, after all. Its hardly surprising that everyone sided with her. To this day, I have no idea how Emilys life has turned out, since my husband and I have never discussed it.
My husband and I made the decision to start afresh, with a clean slate. I feel truly happy now. Many people predicted our marriage wouldnt last, but here we are, years later, as happy and in love as ever. Going through it all, Ive learnt one thing for certain: I must always fight for my own happiness!
