Near the end of his workday, Daniel’s phone buzzed with Lily’s favourite ringtone—one she’d set herself. He answered, hearing her voice.
“Dan, I’m at the salon—come pick me up. You know the one.”
“Yeah, I’ll swing by,” he replied before hanging up.
Daniel knew Lily could spend two hours or more at the salon, so after work, he took his time. Waiting outside, he decided to pop into the café next door.
“She’ll call when she’s done,” he thought, settling at a table. A waiter appeared instantly, and he placed a small order.
He finished his food, scrolled through his phone, watched a few videos—still no sign of Lily.
“I wonder how much she’s dropping at the salon today,” he mused, though it wasn’t his money. Lily paid for her beauty treatments—or rather, her dad did. A wealthy businessman, he funded her lavish lifestyle.
They’d been dating seven months, sometimes staying at his modest two-bed flat. But when she got bored, she’d retreat to her parents’ massive three-storey country house. An only child, Lily wanted for nothing.
She’d introduced Daniel to her parents. Her mum hadn’t warmed to him—just an ordinary IT guy, twenty-seven, nothing special. But Lily must’ve said something because the snide remarks stopped. Still, he knew he didn’t fit in.
Lately, Daniel had realised Lily wasn’t wife material, but he hadn’t called it off. Her dad had made things clear:
“Make my daughter happy, and I’ll make you happy. But if she’s miserable…” The unspoken threat hung in the air.
Lily was beautiful but spoiled. Daniel didn’t get why she spent hours at the salon when she was already stunning. She was witty but headstrong, arrogant—probably from growing up rich. Yesterday, she’d announced:
“Dan, we’re flying to the Maldives in ten days. Dad’s paying. I need a break.”
“But I’ve got work, Lily!”
“Dad’ll sort it.”
Daniel had mixed feelings. After her dad’s talk, marrying her felt like an obligation—not a choice. Lily started grating on him. Every conversation revolved around her dad’s money. Their relationship was strained, but he still planned to propose.
Lost in thought over coffee, a voice snapped him back.
“Daniel? Is that you?” A stranger grinned like an old friend. “It’s me—Tom!”
Recognition hit. “Tom! My childhood mate!” They embraced. “Twelve years, hasn’t it been?”
“You’ve filled out,” Tom laughed, clapping his shoulder. “Look at you—proper respectable now.”
“You too! What brings you here?”
“Meeting my little sister, Emily. She’s at the Royal Academy—final year, performing tonight. Not my scene, so I ducked in here.”
“Emily? How’s she doing?”
“Brilliant. Got in on pure talent—no connections. Who’d have thought, eh? Our little Em.”
“I’d love to see her.”
“No problem. She’ll call in forty. The Academy’s close—we could head over together if you’re free. You here alone?”
“Waiting for Lily. She’s at the salon.”
“Perfect! We’ll all meet up.”
As Tom left, memories flooded back—summers at his gran’s, next door to Tom and Emily’s place. Their family ran a little B&B with cottages for holidaymakers. Lakes, woods, rivers—idyllic.
Daniel had spent every summer there for ten years, until uni. Then his gran passed, and the house sold.
“God, the times we had,” he smiled to himself. Fishing, campfires, guitar songs under the stars. And Emily—his first crush. That skinny, dark-haired girl. Wonder how she turned out?
“Smirking at nothing? Weirdo.” Lily’s voice snapped him back.
“Finally. Just thinking good thoughts.” He scanned her, searching for salon changes.
“Well? How do I look?”
“Nice.”
“Nice? This ‘nice’ cost a fortune. Manicure, facial—flawless, right?”
“Stunning as ever,” he obliged. She always was.
“Good. We’re expected at mine tonight—guests are coming.”
“Can’t. Meeting old friends—Tom and his sister. They’ll be here soon.”
Lily pouted, ready to argue, when Tom returned with Emily.
“Daniel!” Emily flung her arms around him, kissing his cheek. “Look at you—all grown up!”
He was stunned. She was radiant, soft—he didn’t want to let go.
“Hello.” Lily’s icy tone cut in.
“Oh—Lily, this is Tom and Emily.”
“Charmed,” Tom grinned.
They chatted eagerly while Lily sat silent, oozing disdain.
“Remember lazing under the apple tree? Swimming in the lake?” Daniel sighed.
“Ugh, rather be under a parasol in the Maldives. Dad’s pool’s bigger than your muddy pond,” Lily sneered.
“Any fish in the Maldives?” Tom teased.
“In the restaurants, where civilised people eat,” she shot back.
Later, as they parted, Emily asked, “You’ll visit, won’t you?”
“Absolutely. This weekend.”
When Daniel mentioned the trip, Lily declared, “Fine, I’ll come. But it’ll be dull.”
“Why bother? Mosquitoes, no signal—you’ll hate it.”
“Better bring bottled water. Doubt they’ve got proper plumbing.”
“Pack a portaloo and microwave while you’re at it,” he muttered.
At the cottage, Tom’s family welcomed them. They dined under the apple tree—bliss. Later, barbecuing, Daniel was content—until Lily whined:
“Dan, the grass itches. Dan, the meat smells funny. Dan, a mosquito bit me. Ugh, sun’s in my eyes.”
Tom and Emily ignored it.
“Relax, Lily. Enjoy nature—or go inside.”
“It’s stuffy.” But she hid from bugs.
“Fishing at the lake. Coming?” Daniel asked later.
“No. I’ll nap.”
By the water, Daniel asked, “Emily, seeing anyone?”
“Not lately. Why?”
“You’re gorgeous. And talented.”
Tom laughed. “She knits, sews, makes killer dumplings.”
“Lily’s beautiful too—just can’t cook. But she’s great at spinning tales.”
Tom patted his back. “You’ll learn to cook. Won’t starve.”
Daniel grimaced. Marrying Lily meant endless takeout.
The weekend flew. Exchanging numbers, they said goodbye.
In the car, Lily huffed. “Never dragging me back there. Maldives next week—can’t wait.”
“Actually… I’m not going.”
“Try that, and you’ll lose me.”
“Not going.”
Silence. Secretly, Daniel thought:
I’d rather have apple trees and fishing. I don’t want to marry her—glad I realised now. And her dad? Not scared.
Dropping Lily off, she glared. “Changed your mind?”
“No. I’m going back to the country. We’re not right for each other.”
“Forget me then. Bye.” She flounced off.
Relieved, Daniel dialled Emily.
“I’ll be there in two days. We’ll figure it out.”
“Alone?” Her quiet hope made his heart leap.
“Yeah. Just me.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting.”
Humming, he turned the key—then his phone rang. Lily’s dad. He ignored it. No mood-spoilers today.
