The Journey to Happiness: A Fresh Start for Two Lovers
Emily was travelling to meet the man she loved, carried 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 years of waiting.
The very day she sent her son off to his studies, she bought a bus ticket and set off to join James. They had only been married for two years, yet it felt as though they had known each other forever.
Their relationship hadnt been easy. It had started slowly, weathered many storms, but fate had promised them a future togetheror at least, Emily was certain of it.
They had met eight years earlier. Back then, she was just recovering from a painful divorce and kept everyone at arms lengthuntil James came along. Even with him, she had been hesitant at first. He had to work hard to convince her he wasnt like her first husband, William.
For six months they dated before deciding to move in together. James had relocated to her place, as his tiny flat would have been too cramped for 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 papers seemed pointless. More than that, they offered no protection against betrayal, whether you were a man or a woman.
She was happy as things were and didnt want change.
At first, James had accepted her stance, but eventually realised it wasnt enough for him. He wanted Emily to be his wife in every sense. He gave her an ultimatum: either they married, or they parted ways.
Emily resented his pressure and decided it was better to walk away. And so they didfor six long months.
During that time, James had moved to another city, where a friend offered him a well-paid job. He rarely came home, only visiting his parents once every couple of months. On one such visit, he ran into Emily again.
She was strolling through the park, seemingly carefree and contentuntil their eyes met.
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 him. He had managed to buy a two-bedroom flat in his new city, though he was still paying off the mortgage.
Emily longed to say yes, but she couldnt uproot her life so suddenly. Her son was a teenager who needed her attention. And her mother was ill, requiring care. For over two years, Emily had nursed her back to health until, at last, she improved.
“Youve got many years ahead!” the doctor had cheerfully declared upon discharging her.
Margaret hadnt kept her daughter tied down for long, but Alex was starting his GCSEs. He didnt want to change schools and begged his mother to wait until he finished. She had no choice but to compromise.
The summer before Alex began sixth form, Emily and James finally married. Seeing the joy it brought him, she regretted not agreeing soonerbut what was the use in dwelling on the past?
Now, they were no longer just meeting occasionally. Their relationship could have been called a weekend marriage, if not for the hundreds of miles between them.
And now, Alex had been accepted into university. Emily was proud of her sonand realised she could finally arrange her personal life. She hadnt told James she was moving in, wanting to surprise him.
He had suspected it might happen but didnt know exactly when.
Emily packed her suitcase, boarded the bus, and set off to join him. She wanted this day to be unforgettable. Already, she pictured herself in lace lingerie, scattering rose petals on the freshly made bed, preparing a delicious dinner, and waiting for her beloved to return from work.
She daydreamed about every detail during the bus ride, certain James would be thrilled. But instead, the surprise was waiting for her.
She unlocked his flat with her keyand froze in shock. A pair of blue eyes stared back at hera stunning young woman with fiery red hair.
“Who are you?” Emily demanded.
“Im Victoria. Ohyou must be Emily. Sorry, Ill leave right away!”
“Leave? Who *are* you?” Emilys voice sharpened.
“Please, dont be angry. 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.
Sometimes, the greatest love stories end not with a happy ending, but with the quiet strength of letting go.
