**Diary Entry**
Out of sheer desperation, I agreed to marry the wealthy mans son who couldnt walk And a month later, I noticed something.
You cant be serious, Emily said, staring at Edward Whitmore with wide eyes.
He shook his head. Im afraid I am. But Ill give you time to think. The offer isnt exactly conventional. I can imagine whats going through your mind. Weigh it carefullyIll return in a week.
Watching him leave, Emily felt utterly bewildered. His words wouldnt settle in her mind.
Shed known Edward Whitmore for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and several other businesses. She worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He was always kind to the staff, warm in his manner. A decent man, by all accounts.
The pay was fair, so there was never a shortage of applicants. Two months earlier, after finishing her shift, shed been sitting outsideher break almost over, a rare moment of quiet.
The service door opened, and Edward appeared. Mind if I join you?
She stood abruptly. Of courseno need to ask.
No need to jump up. Sit down, I dont bite. Lovely weather.
She smiled and sat again. Spring always feels like a gift after winter.
Because were all sick of the cold.
Suppose youre right.
Ive been meaning to askwhy work as a cleaner? Margaret offered to move you to cashier, didnt she? Better pay, easier hours.
Id love to, but the shifts dont suit my daughter. Shes young, gets poorly often. When shes well, the neighbour watches her. But when shes ill, I have to be there. Margaret and I swap when needed. Shes been kind.
I see Whats wrong with the girl?
The doctors arent sure. She has these episodesstruggles to breathe, panics. The proper tests are private. They say she might grow out of it. But I cant just wait
Hang in there. Itll sort itself out.
That evening, she found Edward had given her an unexplained bonusno fanfare, just handed over.
She didnt see him again until today, when he showed up at her flat. Her heart nearly stopped when she saw him. Then his proposal made it worse.
Edward had a sonJames, nearly thirty. Seven of those years hed spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors did all they could, but he never walked again. Depression, withdrawal, barely speakingeven to his father.
So Edward had an idea: marry him off. Properly. Give him a reason to live, to fight. He wasnt sure itd work, but he had to try. And Emily seemed the perfect fit.
Youll want nothing. Your daughter will have every test, every treatment. A one-year contract. After that, youll leaveno matter what. If James improvesbrilliant. If notyoull be generously compensated.
Outrage choked her.
As if reading her mind, Edward said softly, Emily, please. Its mutually beneficial. I doubt James will touch you. Youll be respected, officially married. People wed for convenience all the time. Just dont breathe a word of this.
Waitdoes James agree?
Edward smiled sadly. He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him its for the business, for my health The point is, hes married. Properly. He trusts me. So its a lie for a good cause.
After he left, Emily sat numb, indignation simmering. Yet his blunt honesty took the sting from the proposal.
And if she thought about it What wouldnt she do for little Lily?
Anything.
And him? He was a father too. He loved his son.
Her shift wasnt over when the call came:
Emily, hurry! Lilys having an attack! A bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!
She arrived as the ambulance pulled up.
Where were you, Mum? the doctor asked sternly.
At work
The attack was severe.
Should we go to hospital? she asked timidly.
The new doctor waved a tired hand. Whats the point? They wont help there. You need specialistsLondon, perhaps.
Forty minutes later, they left.
Emily picked up the phone and dialled Edward.
I agree. Lily had another attack.
The next day, they left. Edward arrived with a clean-shaven young man.
Emily, pack only the essentials. Well buy the rest.
She nodded.
Lily eyed the carbig and gleaming.
Edward crouched before her.
Like it?
Very!
Fancy sitting up front? Best view.
Can I? Really?
The girl looked at her mother.
If the police see, well get fined, Emily said sharply.
Edward laughed and opened the door.
Hop in, Lily! If anyone tries to fine us, well fine them back!
The closer they got to the house, the more nervous she became.
God, why did I agree? What if hes odd, aggressive?
Edward noticed her tension.
Emily, relax. The weddings a week away. You can back out anytime. And James is a good man, clever, but something inside him broke. Youll see.
Stepping out, Emily froze. It wasnt a houseit was a manor. Lily squealed:
Mum, are we living in a fairy tale now?!
Edward laughed, lifting her. Like it?
Very!
Before the wedding, Emily and James met only at dinners. He barely ate, barely spokepresent but far away. She studied him. Handsome, though pale, as if sunlight had long forgotten him. She sensed he lived with pain, like her. And she was grateful he never mentioned the marriage.
On the wedding day, chaos swirled around her. The dress arrived the night before.
How much did this cost?
Edward smiled. Best not to dwell on it. Lookheres something else.
He presented a tiny replica of the dress.
Lily, want to try it?
Her squeal was deafening. The little princess paraded, beaming.
Then Emily turnedJames stood in the doorway, watching Lily. A ghost of a smile touched his eyes.
Lily now slept in the room next to theirs. *Theirs.* A month ago, shed never have imagined this.
Edward suggested a country retreat, but James refused.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay home.
The bed was enormous. James kept his distance, made no advances. Emily, whod planned to stay alert, fell asleep almost immediately.
A week passed. Evenings brought conversation. James was sharp-witted, well-read, fascinated by science. He made no move toward her. Gradually, she relaxed.
One night, she woke with a jolt.
Somethings wrong
She rushed to Lilys roomanother attack.
James, help! Call an ambulance!
He was there instantly, phone in hand. Edward arrived moments later.
Ill call Henry myself.
The ambulance came quicklysmartly dressed medics, modern kit. Then the family doctor arrived. They spoke at length after the attack passed. Emily sat with Lily. James held the girls hand.
Emily, he asked quietly, has she always been like this?
Yes Hospitals, testsnothing helped. Thats why her father left.
Did you love him?
Once. Feels like another life
So you agreed to Dads offer
She blinked in surprise.
James smiled. Dad thinks I dont know. But Ive always read him like a book. I worried who hed find. Then I saw younothing like the sort to do this for money. Now it all makes sense.
He looked at her.
Emily, dont cry. Well fix this. Lilys strongshe hasnt broken. Unlike me.
Why did you? Youre clever, handsome, kind
He smirked. Be honestwould you have married me otherwise?
She thought, then nodded.
Yes. Loving you would be easier than loving men who play at being heroes. But its not just that. I just cant explain.
James smiled. No need. For some reason, I believe you.
Days later, she found him working on an odd contraption.
A trainer, he explained. After the accident, I was meant to use it daily. I gave up. Now Im ashamed. In front of Lily. In front of you.
A knockEdward peered in.
May I?
Come in, Dad.
Edward froze at the sight. He swallowed, turning to Emily.
Tell me was Lily
