The Illusion of a Prince Shattered…
He was not the prince of her dreams…
Emily had met Daniel just after he returned from military service. He looked like he had stepped straight from the pages of a fashion magazinetall, athletic, with striking green eyes and dark, wavy hair. Beside him, Emily seemed ordinary, though pretty in her own way: fair hair, a slender frame, a gentle smile. She couldnt believe her luckout of all the girls, he had chosen her.
“What does he see in you?” her friends whispered. “Men like that dont stay long. Hell leave you.”
But Emily only smiledshe believed in their love. They went to films, dances, met with friends. Daniel didnt compliment her looks, but he was always by her side, and his touch left her breathless. When she first brought him home, her mother, Margaret Wilson, frowned. Later, in private, she murmured to her daughter:
“Handsome men belong to other women, dear. Theyre rarely faithful. Wait before marryingtest him. He seems… too polished.”
Emily was hurt. She trusted Daniels feelings; she didnt want to hear doubts. But her mother had planted a seed of unease in her heart.
Slowly, Daniel changed. First, it was the gym, then swimming, then new friends. Emily, desperate to stay close, joined his workouts, but she felt awkward among the toned, glamorous girls. Daniels eyes wandered toward them, and she left early, swallowing tears.
“Youre as fragile as a doll,” he laughed once when she caught a cold after swimming. “Better stay home with your books.”
His words stung, and she remembered her mothers warning. She felt him slipping away. More outings alone, no calls, no invitations, no care. Then, suddenly, he vanished. No replies, no explanations.
“Hes not calling?” her mother asked.
“No,” Emily whispered, turning her face to the wall.
“Up you get! Were going to the salon!” Margaret ordered. “A new hairstyle is the first step to a new life. Then well sew you a dressyouve got the skill.”
They bought fabric; Emily sketched designs, trying to forget. Whispers of Daniels new loves reached her, but she endured. When, weeks later, she appeared at a dancein her new, radiant dressall eyes turned. She was noticed.
A quiet, unassuming man named Thomas began to court her. He was no beauty, but his eyes held only warmth for Emilysteady and true. Within a month, he asked for her hand.
“Now thats a man,” her mother said. “If he loves, he commits. What do you say?”
“I accept,” Emily replied softly.
“Do you love him?”
“How could I not? Hes kind, hardworking, loyal. Im all he needsand only me.”
Their wedding was warm, full of heart. Emily and Thomas started from nothing: their first chair, their first plate. A year later, their daughter was born; three years after, a son. Family, love, happiness.
She rarely thought of Daniel. Only occasionally did she hear storieshow he left his wife, ran off with a mistress, now drifting from place to place. Emily would smile:
“What was between us? Just a chapter of youth. Let him be happy, if he can.”
At home, her children and husband waited. And her motherwise, kind, the dearest of all. The one who had saved her from true heartbreak. The one who had led her to quiet, lasting joy.
Mother… always stay close. Without you, life isnt half as bright.
