Emily stepped quietly into the flat and began taking off her coat and shoes, doing her best not to wake her mum. She barely stifled a groan as she slid off her new heels, her feet blistered and sore.
Home so early? Couldnt stand the wedding? Didnt enjoy yourself? Mum appeared in the hallway, peering at her.
And why arent you asleep? Waiting up to interrogate me? Emily shot back, more harshly than she meant to.
Mum pursed her lips and retreated. Guilt pricked at Emilys conscienceher mum had clearly been awake waiting for news, and all shed done was snap. Emily crept into the front room, sat down on the sofa and put an arm gently round her mum.
No need for the flattery. You dont want to talk, dont talk. Ill hear it all from Claires mum anyway, Mum huffed, half-amused, half-wounded.
Mum, Im sorry. Im just knackered, and my feet are killing me. The hotel was amazing, easily fifty people or moreloud and lively, you know? Emily began, softening.
And Claire looked absolutely stunning in her dress. The groomwell, hes a sight too Emily continued, ticking off memories of the night.
So why did you leave before everyone else? Mum cut her off.
Oh Mum, everyone was so posh and puffed up, walking about like prize turkeys. Honestly, I just didnt fit in. And besides, Ive got to be up early tomorrow.
Up for what? Tomorrows Sunday, Mum said, eyeing her.
Ill tell you in the morning. I need a shower, Emily replied, planting a kiss on her mums cheek before heading to her room.
She tossed her plain dressso modest and cheap-looking versus the other guests’ fineryonto the bed with a grimace. In the bathroom, she scrubbed her back, remembering the sweaty, hefty man’s hands during that forced dance.
Hed asked her for a dance, brushed aside her polite refusals, and then clung to her, pressing her against his large stomach. His damp palms on her back made her skin crawl. All the while her shoes bit into her heels, and she barely managed the whole song.
Afterwards, he plopped into the chair next to her and kept topping up her glass. No one seemed to notice or care. Even her oldest friend, the bride, was busy flitting about with her new husband and their guests.
The only friendly face was the mysterious man shed glimpsed a couple of timesbut he hadnt tried to rescue her from her persistent admirer. Seizing a chance, Emily feigned needing the loo, then slipped out, hailed a cab and went straight home.
No, she didnt want a wedding like that for herself. Rehearsed, staged, everyone sticking to their assigned role. Emily had felt like an extrasomeone to pad out the crowd.
She struggled to fall asleep, the sound of laughter, clinking glasses and party chatter still echoing in her head. Briefly, she wondered about the man whod quietly watched herIf only hed asked me to dance, not that fat toad. Enough of that, she scolded herself. Turning over, she finally drifted off.
Warm September faded into cold, rainy October. Claire returned from her honeymoon and invited Emily round to share stories.
Emily was curious to see how the well-off lived, but she couldnt arrive empty-handed. After classes, she popped into a bakery and bought Claires favourite cakes. As she left, she collided with a man in the doorway. He stepped back, making way for her.
Its you! he said suddenly.
Emily looked up and recognised the enigmatic man from her friends wedding. She froze in surprise.
Dont block the door, lets step aside, he laughed, gently guiding her out of the way.
You vanished from the wedding, like Cinderella. Didnt even catch your name, he grinned, showing off bright, even teeth.
But I didnt lose a shoe, smiled Emily.
Heading home? I can give you a lift, he offered.
Actually, Im off to see Clairethe bride. Given up on your cake run? Emily asked, eyebrow raised.
Running into you was enough excitement for the day. Lets go, he motioned towards his SUV and gave her a hand.
Shed never ridden in such a big, comfortable car. He drove confidently, never asking for directions. Suddenly, Emily felt nervous.
I know where Claire lives. Her husband and I are business partners and old friends, he clarified, noticing her apprehension.
As they drove, he shared bits of his lifehis name was Edward, recently divorced, and he had a golden retriever.
Hes wealthy, successful, charming. All those things Mum always wanted for me, Emily thought with a mix of irony and curiosity.
That evening, Mum was waiting when Emily got home.
And where have you been? I was starting to worry.
Stopped by Claires. Mum, you should see her place now To Mums delight, Emily described the impressive house and Claire, tanned from her recent honeymoon.
Howd you get there? Its right out in Silver Birches, isnt it? Mum asked, referring to the area everyone in their town called Millionaires Row with a touch of mockery.
A friend gave me a lift, Emily answered reluctantly, knowing shed just invited a thousand more questions.
You met him at the wedding? Is he one of them? Did you give him your number?
Yes, Mum, I shoved it into his hand, Emily replied irritably.
No need to snap. A smart man noticed you, but youre liable to tell him to bugger off, knowing you, Mum teased.
I didnt. I gave him my number. Satisfied? Are we done? Emily retorted, voice tight with annoyance.
Whats up with you? Why the attitude?
Im tired of the questions. Do you want to get rid of me that badly?
Dont talk nonsense! I just want you to have a good life, marry someone decentlike your friend has. Not just anyone. Or do you fancy living hand to mouth?
Mum, when have we ever been just scraping by? Emily asked, eyes narrowing.
Well, maybe that was a bit dramatic. But honestly, darling, dont you like him just a little?
Mum, please! Im not looking to marry anyone right now.
Emilys mobile buzzed, saving her from more grilling. Edward was calling.
I thought Id ring straightaway, not string it out. What are you up to Sunday?
Nothing much. Ill be prepping for Mondays lessons, she replied.
All day? Its meant to be lovely weather. Fancy a horse ride? Ever been? No? Ill pick you up at eleven, then, he insisted.
Emily agreed before realising theyd somehow shifted from Mr and Miss to first names.
Shed only really seen old working horses at her grans village and had always been a bit wary, but the ride was exhilarating.
Edward wooed her with practiced charm, slowly introducing her to his world of means and influence. He had a knack for conversation, doors seemed to open for him everywhere, and Emilythough aware of the age gapcouldnt help but enjoy his attention.
The next weekend, he showed up at their flat with flowers and a cake. Emily was self-conscious about their tiny place: worn-out rug, peeling wallpaper. Edward didnt comment. He smiled, joked, listened carefully, and won Mum over in minutes.
Sweeter than a dream, Mum sighed later. If he proposes, promise me youll think about it?
Mum, weve only met a few times! Theres no proposal, Emily huffed, but deep down she couldnt help but wonder.
But Edward did propose just before New Years, with a diamond ring.
Oh thank goodness, Mum said, clutching her chest, Ill be able to sleep soundly now. Emily just shook her head.
Their wedding was held just outside town in early March, with the first real warmth of spring, icicles melting on the eaves, the air full of hope and new beginnings. Emily insisted on a simple do, avoiding excessive fuss. Edward accepted her wish. After the wedding, Emily moved in with him.
At least now Ill have someone interesting to talk to, Claire said, delighted theyd be neighbours again. Everyone else only cares about their spa days and next shopping trip. I doubt any of them have finished a single book.
Claire was expecting now, and Emily tried to settle into her new life. But Edward never let her go anywhere alone. Each morning, his driver took her to university; after classes, Edward picked her up himself. One day, a lecture was cancelled and Emily decided to walk home in the sunshine.
Spring had finally arrivedbuds fattening on the trees, fresh green peeking through winters hold. An old classmate, Tom, caught her up, and they stopped for coffee. Emily savoured the simple conversation; shed missed it. She might have lacked for nothing materially, but she had never felt more isolated. Her group at university had grown distant too.
Whats on your mind? Tom asked softly.
I need to get home, Emily replied, voice flat.
Is he keeping tabs on you? Tom asked seriously.
No, I just need to go.
When she arrived, Edward was waiting for her.
Where have you been? he asked, his tone icy.
At uni.
Liar. The lecture was cancelled, but you didnt phone the driver. Why? Off to meet your lover?
Hes not a lover, hes just a friend from class, Emily faltered, taken aback by his tone. Hed never spoken harshly before. His eyes had turned cold, like chips of stone.
We just grabbed a coffee, thats all. Is that such a crime? Emily said, but her attempt at defiance faded into weak apologies.
Youre my wife now. Ive got rivals, competitors, enemies, all just waiting for a slip up. You cant put me at risk like this.
How does coffee with a mate embarrass you? Emily shot back.
Dont you get it? Edward snapped, suddenly looming over her.
Dont speak to me like that, Emily bristled, backing up.
I didnt say you could leave, he hissed, grabbing her arm and yanking her towards him. If you dont listen
What then? Youll lock me up? What, when I become a doctor, youll see enemies and lovers everywhere? Emily tried to wrench her arm free.
She didnt realise what had happened until the ringing in her ears drowned out the world. Blood filled her mouth from a split lip. Edward was shouting, but Emily barely heard him. Eventually, through the fog, his words cut through: Do you understand?
I Emily struggled, Yes, I understand.
He slapped her again before she could react, sending her reeling. She lost consciousness.
She woke later, alone; her whole body shaking with sobs. She managed to stumble upstairs to the bedroom and collapsed, crying into the mattress. When she calmed, she tried to fetch ice from the kitchen but found the door lockedEdward had locked her in without her noticing.
By morning, her face had swollen, her lip ached bitterly, and Edward didnt come. Hed taken her phone as well. She was a prisoner, a bird in a cage. Finally, the door clicked.
Had enough? Edward asked from the doorway.
I hate you! Let me out! Emily cried, tasting blood from her reopened wound. Another slap sent her sprawling across the bed. He locked the door again.
A cleaner always came before lunch. Emily begged her to unlock the door. When the woman saw Emilys face, she gasped.
Hell do something awful if he finds out I let you out, she said, trembling.
Just tell him I asked for water and made a run for it, Emily pleaded, hurrying down the stairs.
You cant go out like that! At least put up your hood, the cleaner advised.
Emily pulled it up and took side streets home, avoiding curious glances. Mum clapped her hands to her face in shock.
How could he? Seemed so proper. Oh, Im sorry, love, I only wanted the best for you. What if he comes here? These doors wont hold.
Dont worry, Mum.
Emily didnt care any more. But she called Tom, asking him to come over.
Tom, now working shifts as a paramedic in London, treated her wounds and called a medical examiner to document her injuries. Then he snapped photos and messaged Edward, warning: if you ever touch her again, the whole internet will know.
Edward disappeared. It was two weeks before Emily could return to campus, once the bruises faded.
The courts granted a swift divorce. That summer, after final exams, Emily and Tom stopped for coffee, and Edward happened to stroll by, engrossed with a new girlfriend. When Edward went to the loo, Emily took a seat beside the young woman.
You should be carefulbetter yet, just leave him. He does horrible things. If you make one mistake, hell do to you what he did to me.
And you are? The girl eyed her warily.
Im his ex-wife. Please, dont let him know we spoke. Get out while you can. Emily left before Edward returned.
Through the café windows, she watched Edward come back, quiz his companion, who just shrugged innocently. She didnt say, Emily breathed, relieved.
What if she tells him? Tom fretted outside.
If only someone had warned me, Emily replied. No one ever said why his last marriage broke down. Not even Claire.
Emily and Tom moved to another city. After further studies, Tom became a surgeon while Emily worked as a cardiologist. They had a son, and Mum never again interfered with Emilys life or choices.
One afternoon, waiting at the hairdressers, Emily flicked through an old magazine and saw a scandalous headline: Businessman Edward Carter Sentenced for Wifes Death.
Outside, Tom ambled along the pavement, pushing the buggy. How lucky I am, she thought, to have Tom, our little Ben, and Mum still healthy. As for money? You only need enough so you can live with yourself.
Ready now! called the stylist, and Emily smiled, feeling, at last, at peace.
—
Sometimes, we chase after what seems perfect without seeing whats beneath the surface. Its better to choose a life where youre respected and loved than one that simply looks impressive from the outside. Because dignity, kindness and simple joythose are worth more than all the diamonds in the world.
