Marina never trusted her husband. Therefore, she had to rely solely on herself. That was how their married life had turned out.
Her husband, James, was as handsome as a painting. Moreover, he had incredible charisma and was the soul of any company. He drank moderately, did not smoke, and was indifferent to football, fishing, and hunting. In short, “a perfect gentleman – fit for a palace.”
Because of all these positive qualities, Marina was well aware that her husband sought comfort outside their home. After all, men like him were rare, and “hunters” always found their prey.
The only thing that reassured her was that James adored their son, Adam. He devoted all his free time to the boy and simply could not get enough of him. So, Marina believed that this boundless fatherly love was enough to keep their family together.
…At school, Marina’s fiery red hair and freckles covering her face earned her the nickname “Ginger.”
Her mother, a renowned beauty herself, had told her from childhood:
— Marina, my dear, you are like the ugly duckling. Forgive me for the comparison, but you must accept this bitter truth. And who else will tell you this straight to your face, if not your mother? A man may never take you as his wife, so you will have to rely only on yourself. Study hard and focus on your career. And if a good man comes along—do not play hard to get. Be a faithful and obedient wife.
These words remained with Marina for life.
After graduating high school with honors, she entered university. That was where she met her future husband. She could not understand what had attracted such a desirable young man to her. Later, James admitted that she was the only girl he was not afraid to approach. Marina did not wear makeup, did not dress brightly, and did not know how to flirt with men.
When Marina realized that such a handsome young man was genuinely interested in her, she decided to take matters into her own hands. After all, she could not let fate’s gift slip away! She proposed marriage to James herself. The young man was taken aback by such a bold suggestion, but Marina reassured him:
— I will be a gentle, obedient, and faithful wife. And love will come with time.
James hesitated at first but eventually agreed. His mother, Margaret Lawson, played a significant role in his decision. When James first brought his future wife home, Margaret looked at her with obvious disapproval. Her son was a true gentleman, a perfect catch! Any woman would be lucky to marry him! And here was… a freckled plain Jane.
The first meeting with her future mother-in-law did not go well.
Marina noticed Margaret Lawson’s dissatisfaction, but she was not going to give up. A few days later, she visited her alone. After all, she had to save her future marriage! Margaret received her, offered her tea. This time, Marina did not seem quite as unattractive to her.
Marina promised to be James’s faithful wife until the end of her days. This argument outweighed all her “flaws.”
Margaret was a lonely woman. Her husband had left her and their son for another woman, only to return a year later—exhausted and broken. But his family no longer wanted him. Margaret spent her whole life wondering whether she should have forgiven him. Yet, she knew that the pain of betrayal would have lingered forever.
Raising a son alone had been incredibly difficult. So Margaret decided to bless James’s marriage to Marina. She understood that this girl would wait for James no matter what—through all life’s challenges.
…A year later, the couple had a son, Adam. He was the spitting image of his handsome father, which delighted Margaret.
James adored his son, doting on him like a devoted moth drawn to a flame. Adam became his life’s purpose.
However, his love for his wife never blossomed.
Marina, too, never felt passionate about James. Their relationship was calm and routine. She washed and ironed his shirts, prepared meals, kissed him on the cheek at night. James gave his entire salary to his wife, brought her flowers on her birthday, kissed her goodbye every morning, and rushed to work. It all felt more like a ritual than love.
After five years, James found true love. But not in his family.
Her name was Isabella, a woman of extraordinary beauty, enchanting and ethereal. James could not resist her charms. For six months, they met in secret, until Isabella finally gave him an ultimatum:
— I will not be your mistress. Either marry me, or we part ways.
James was torn. He did not want to lose Isabella, but his son was just as dear to him. At that moment, he did not think about Marina at all.
When Adam turned five, James packed his bags and left.
Marina often recalled her mother’s lessons. As a child, they had seemed harsh, but now she understood that she would survive without tragedy. Of course, a piece of her heart was broken, but she would not cry endlessly or fall into despair.
Before leaving, James heard his wife’s calm words:
— If you change your mind, the door is always open. Just don’t take too long. Adam loves you.
James wavered between his son and Isabella for a long time.
Marina kept his toothbrush in their bathroom. Every time he visited his son, it stood there, silently reminding him of home. One day, he took it with him, but the next time he came, he found a new one in its place…
Years passed.
Marina’s friends urged her to find a new husband, but she only sighed and remained silent.
Twelve years had gone by. James stopped visiting Adam. The boy was now graduating from high school.
Marina finally accepted that James would never return.
She decided it was time to stop waiting. During a vacation, she had a brief, commitment-free romance.
Nine months later, Adam had a little sister—Emily.
Marina’s friends were shocked, but she glowed with happiness.
One evening, the doorbell rang.
— It’s my dad! — Emily exclaimed.
Marina opened the door.
Standing on the threshold was James.
— May I come in? — he asked hesitantly.
— Come in.
Emily ran up to him:
— Are you my dad?
Marina nodded with tears in her eyes.
James lifted the little girl into his arms:
— Hello, my little sunshine!
Then he took Marina’s hand and kissed it.
— Thank you… Will you forgive me?
Marina sighed deeply:
— You were “away” for 17 years. But now, we need a father.
Adam stood aside, silently smiling.
Two weeks later, Marina called her friend:
— You once asked about my daughter’s middle name? Remember this—Emily Jameson!
