Out of sheer desperation, she agreed to marry the wealthy mans son, who couldnt walk And a month later, she noticed something odd.
You must be joking, Emily said, staring at James Whitmore with wide eyes.
He shook his head.
Not at all. But Ill give you time to think. Its not exactly a conventional proposal. I can guess whats going through your mind. Take a weekweigh it properly. Ill come back then.
Em watched him leave, utterly baffled. The words hed just spoken refused to settle in her mind.
Shed known James Whitmore for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and a few other ventures. Em worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He was always polite, treating his staff with warmth. A decent man, by all accounts.
The pay wasnt bad, so there was never a shortage of applicants. About two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Em had been sitting outsideher last few minutes of free time before clocking out.
Suddenly, the service door swung open, and James appeared.
Mind if I join you?
Em sprang to her feet.
Of coursewhy even ask?
No need to jump up. Sit. I dont bite. Lovely day, isnt it?
She smiled and settled back down.
Spring always feels like a gift after winter.
Thats because were all sick of the cold.
Suppose youre right.
Ive been meaning to askwhy stick with cleaning? Sarah offered to move you to the till, didnt she? Better pay, easier hours.
Id love to. But the schedule doesnt workmy daughters still little, and she gets poorly. When shes well, the neighbour watches her. But when shes ill, Ive got to be there. Sarah and I swap shifts when needed. Shes been brilliant about it.
I see Whats wrong with the little one?
Oh, dont ask The doctors arent sure. She has these episodescant breathe, panics, all sorts. The proper tests are all private. They say she might grow out of it. But I cant just wait
Hang in there. Itll sort itself out.
Em thanked him. That evening, she found out James had given her an unexpected bonusno explanation, just handed over the extra cash.
She didnt see him again until today, when he turned up at her doorstep. Her heart nearly stopped when she spotted him. Then he made his proposal, and it got worse.
James had a sonOliver, nearly thirty. Seven of those years had been spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors did what they could, but he never walked again. Depression, withdrawal, barely speakingeven to his father.
So James had an idea: marry him off. Properly. Give him something to live for, to fight for. He wasnt sure it would work, but he had to try. And Em seemed perfect for the role.
Emily, youll want for nothing. Your daughter will get every test, every treatment she needs. Im offering a one-year contract. After that, youre free to leaveno matter what. If Oliver improvesbrilliant. If notyoull be generously compensated.
Em was speechlessindignation choked her.
As if reading her mind, James said quietly, Emily, please. Its mutually beneficial. I doubt Oliver will even touch you. And life will be easieryoull be respected, legally married. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Just one condition: not a word to anyone about our chat.
Wait, James Does Oliver even agree?
The man smiled sadly.
He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him Ive got problemsbusiness, health The important thing is hes married. Properly. Hes always trusted me. So this is a white lie for a good cause.
James left, and Em sat there, numb. Fury simmered inside her. But his blunt honesty took some of the sting out of it.
And if she really thought about it What wouldnt she do for little Sophie?
Anything.
And him? He was a father too. He loved his son just as fiercely.
Her shift hadnt even ended when the phone rang:
Em, quick! Sophies having an episodea bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!
She arrived just as the paramedics pulled up.
Where were you, Mum? the doctor asked sternly.
At work
It was a severe episode.
Should we go to hospital? Em asked timidly.
The doctor, new to their case, waved a tired hand.
Whats the point? They wont help there. Just unsettle her further. You need a proper specialistLondon, perhaps.
Forty minutes later, the paramedics left.
Em picked up the phone and dialled James.
I agree. Sophies had another episode.
The next day, they left.
James himself came for themaccompanied by a young, clean-shaven man.
Emily, just bring the essentials. Well buy the rest.
She nodded.
Sophie eyed the car with wide-eyed wonderbig and gleaming.
James crouched in front of her.
Like it?
Love it!
Want to ride up front? Best view in the house.
Can I? Please!
The girl looked at her mother.
If the police see, theyll fine us, Em said firmly.
James laughed and swung the door open.
Hop in, Sophie! And if anyone tries to fine uswell fine *them*!
The closer they got to the house, the more Ems nerves frayed.
God, why did I agree? What if hes odd, aggressive?
James noticed her tension.
Emily, relax. The weddings not for a week. You can back out anytime. And Olivers a good lad, sharp as a tack. Just a bit broken inside. Youll see.
Em stepped out of the car, helped Sophie down, and froze. The house wasnt a houseit was a proper mansion. Sophie squealed with delight:
Mum, are we living in a fairy tale now?!
James laughed, scooping her up.
Do you like it?
Love it!
In the days before the wedding, Em and Oliver only met a handful of timesat dinner. The young man barely ate or spoke. He just sat there, physically present but miles away. Em studied him. He was handsome, though pale, like he hadnt seen sunshine in years. She sensed he carried pain, just like her. And she was grateful he never mentioned the impending marriage.
On the wedding day, it felt like half of Surrey was fussing over Em. The dress arrived the night before. When she saw it, she sank into a chair.
How much did this cost?
James smiled.
Emily, best not to ask. Herelook at this.
He pulled out a tiny replica of the wedding dress.
Sophie, fancy trying it on?
Her daughter shrieked with joy. The fitting was a spectaclethe little princess paraded around, glowing.
At one point, Em turned and spotted Oliver. He stood in his doorway, watching Sophie. In his eyesthe ghost of a smile.
Sophie now had the room next to theirs. *Theirs*. A month ago, Em couldnt have imagined this.
James suggested a country getaway, but Oliver shook his head.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay put.
The bed was enormous. Oliver kept his distance, made no advances. And Em, whod planned to stay vigilant, fell asleep almost instantly.
A week passed. They began talking in the evenings. Oliver was sharp, witty, well-read. He didnt push for closeness. Gradually, Em relaxed.
One night, she woke with a joltheart racing.
Somethings wrong
She bolted to Sophies room. Just as she fearedher daughter was mid-episode.
Oliver, help! Call an ambulance!
He was at the door in seconds, phone in hand. Moments later, a bleary-eyed James rushed in.
Ill ring Dr. Bennett myself.
The ambulance arrived swiftlysmart uniforms, modern kit. Then the family GP showed up. They conferred after the episode passed. Em sat with Sophie. Oliver stayed close, holding her hand.
Emily, he asked softly, has she always had these?
Yes Weve been to hospitals, done every test. Nothing helped. Thats why my ex told me not to ruin his life.
Did you love him?
Once. But that feels like another lifetime
So you agreed to Dads offer
Em raised an eyebrow.
Oliver smiled.
Dad thinks Im clueless. But Ive always read him like a book. I was scared of who
