**A Journey to Happiness: A Fresh Start for Two Lovers**
Emily was travelling to meet the man she loved, soaring on the wings of joy. At last, her son had finished secondary school and been accepted into university. Now, she and her husband could finally live together after so many years of waiting.
The very day she sent her son off to his studies, she bought a bus ticket and set off for James. Their marriage had only lasted two years, but they had known each other as if it had been a lifetime.
Their relationship hadnt been easy. It had been slow to start, fraught with hardship, yet fate had promised them a future togetherat least, Emily was certain of it.
They had met eight years ago. Back then, she was still healing from her divorce from her first husband and kept everyone at arms lengthuntil she met James. Even with him, she had been hesitant at first. He had worked hard to prove he wasnt like her ex, William.
For six months they dated before deciding to move in together. James had come to live with her, as his tiny flat wouldnt have fit the whole family. Emily had a ten-year-old sona well-behaved boy, though he hadnt immediately warmed to his stepfather.
After three years together, James began talking about marriage, but Emily wasnt keen.
To her, those legal papers seemed pointless. More than that, they didnt shield anyone from betrayal, whether man or woman.
She was happy as things wereshe didnt want change.
At first, James had accepted her stance, but eventually, it wasnt enough. He wanted Emily as his wife in every sense. He gave her an ultimatum: either they married, or they parted ways.
Emily resented his insistence and decided it was better to walk away. And so they didfor half a year.
During that time, James moved to another city where an old friend had offered him a well-paid job. He rarely returned home, only visiting his parents every couple of months. And on one of those visits, he saw Emily again.
She was strolling through the park, appearing utterly carefree, as if life couldnt be betteruntil her eyes met his.
In her gaze, he saw exactly what he felt in his own heart. She still loved him. And she couldnt hide it.
They rekindled their relationship, but this time, it was long-distance. Sometimes she visited him; other times, he came to her. Every meeting was carefully planned, yet each was filled with warmth and passion.
They usually saw each other once a month, sometimes twice. James had often asked her to move in with himhe had managed to buy a two-bedroom flat in his new city, though he was still paying off the mortgage.
Emily longed for it with all her heart, but she couldnt uproot her life so suddenly. Her son was a teenager who needed attention. Her mother was ill and required care. For over two years, Emily had fought to nurse her back to health, but at last, she had improved.
*”Shell live a good while yet!”* the doctor had cheerfully declared upon discharging her.
Margaret Thompson no longer needed her daughter by her side, but Alex was in his final years of school. He didnt want to change schools and begged his mother to wait until he graduated. She had no choice but to compromise.
The summer before Alex started sixth form, Emily and James finally married. Seeing how much happiness it brought him, she regretted not agreeing soonerbut what was the use crying over the past?
Now, they werent just meeting up. Their relationship could have been called a weekend marriageif not for the hundreds of miles between them.
And now, Alex had been accepted into university. Emily was proud of her son and, at last, realised she could focus on her own life. She hadnt told James she was moving inshe wanted to surprise him.
He had guessed it might happen, but he didnt know the exact date.
Emily packed her suitcase, boarded the bus, and set off for him. She wanted this day to be etched into his memory forever. In her mind, she was already dressed in lace lingerie, scattering rose petals on the freshly made bed, preparing a delicious dinner, waiting for her beloved to return from work.
She dreamed of these details as the bus carried her forward. She was certain James would be thrilledbut instead, the surprise was waiting for *her*.
She unlocked the door to his flat with her keyand froze in shock. A pair of blue eyes stared straight at hera beautiful young woman with fiery red hair.
*”Who are you?”* Emily demanded.
*”Im Jessica. Ohyou must be Emily. Im sorry, Ill leave right away!”*
*”Leave? What do you mean? Who are you?”* Emilys voice cracked with anger.
*”Please, dont be upset. Im your husbands girlfriend.”*
*”What? His girlfriend?”*
Emily closed the door quietly, leaving behind all she had believed was hers, determined to carve a new pathalone.
