The Journey to Happiness: A Fresh Start for Two Lovers
Emily was flying toward the man she lovedquite literally on the wings of joy. At last, her son had finished secondary school and been accepted into university. Now, after years of waiting, she and her husband could finally live together.
The very day she sent her son off, she bought a bus ticket and set off for John. Theyd only been married two years, but it felt like theyd known each other forever.
Their relationship hadnt been easy. It started rough, weathered storms, but fate promised them a future togetherat least, Emily was certain of it.
Theyd met eight years ago. Back then, shed just healed from her divorce and kept everyone at arms lengthuntil John. Even with him, shed been hesitant at first. Hed had to work hard to convince her he wasnt like her ex, William.
They dated for six months before moving in together. John came to her place because his tiny flat wouldnt fit them allEmily had a ten-year-old son. A well-behaved boy, though hed struggled at first to connect with his stepdad.
After three years together, John started talking about marriage, but Emily wasnt keen. She thought paperwork was pointless. It didnt protect anyone from betrayal, man or woman. She was happy as things wereno changes needed.
At first, John accepted that. But then he realised it wasnt enough. He wanted Emily as his wife in every sense. Eventually, he gave her an ultimatum: marry or part ways.
Emily hated the pressure and chose to split. For six months, they went their separate ways. John moved to another city where a mate offered him a well-paid job. He rarely visited, only popping by every couple of months to see his parents.
On one of those trips, he bumped into Emily again. She was strolling through the park, looking like life was treating her wellhappy, carefree, until their eyes met. In her gaze, he saw exactly what he felt in his heart: she still loved him. And she couldnt hide it.
They got back together, this time long-distance. Sometimes she visited him, other times he came to her. Every meeting was planned, but each one was full of warmth and passion.
They usually saw each other once a month, sometimes twice. John often asked her to move in with him. Hed bought a two-bed flat in his new city, though he was still paying off the mortgage.
Emily wanted nothing more, but life wasnt that simple. Her son was a teenager needing attention, and her mum was ill, requiring care. For over two years, Emily nursed her back to health until the doctor finally said, Shell pull through!
Margaret Jones didnt cling to her daughter anymore, but Alex was starting his GCSEs. He begged her not to switch schools, so shed compromised, waiting till he finished.
The summer before Alexs A-levels, Emily and John finally married. Seeing how happy it made him, she wished shed said yes soonerbut no use crying over spilt milk.
Now, they werent just meeting up. Their relationship was practically a weekend marriage, if not for the hundreds of miles between them.
And now, Alex had got into uni. Emily was proudand ready to sort her own life out. She hadnt told John she was moving in; she wanted to surprise him.
He probably suspected, but didnt know the date.
Emily packed her suitcase, boarded the bus, and headed toward him. She wanted this day etched in his memory forever. She could already picture itslipping into lace lingerie, scattering rose petals on the bed, cooking a lush dinner, waiting for her love to come home from work.
She daydreamed the whole bus ride, certain John would be over the moon. But the surprise was on her.
She unlocked his flat, stepped inand froze. A pair of bright blue eyes stared back: a stunning young woman with fiery red hair.
Who are you? Emily demanded.
Im Ruby. Ohyou must be Emily. Sorry, Ill leave right away!
Leave? What do you mean? Who *are* you?
Please dont be mad. Im your husbands girlfriend.
His *what*?
Emily shut the door quietly, leaving behind all she thought was hers, determined to carve a new pathalone.
