A Broken Hearts Hope: The Road to New Beginnings
“Emma, it’s over between us,” said James coldly. “I want a real familychildren. You can’t give me that. Ive filed for divorce. You have three days to gather your things. If you leave, let me know. Ill stay at my mothers until I prepare the flat for the baby and its mother. Yes, dont look so shockedmy new love is expecting! Three days, Emma!”
Emma stood silent, feeling the ground slip away beneath her. What could she say? For five years, they had tried for a child, but three pregnancies ended in heartbreak. The doctors assured her she was healthy, yet each time, something went wrong. Emma lived carefully, even more so during her pregnancies. The last time, she fainted at work, and the ambulance arrived too late
The door slammed behind James, and Emma, exhausted, collapsed onto the sofa. She hadnt the strength to pack a single thing. Where could she go? Before the marriage, shed lived with her aunt, but she had passed, and the flat had been sold by her cousin. Return to the village of Ashford, to her grandmothers house? Rent somewhere? And her job? Questions swirled in her mind as time slipped away.
In the morning, the door opened, and her mother-in-law, Margaret Whitmore, strode in.
“Not asleep? Good,” she said sharply. “Ive come to ensure you take nothing that isnt yours.”
“Ive no interest in your sons old socks,” Emma frowned. “Would you like to count my belongings?”
“How rude youve become! You were so meek before. I told James after the first loss youd never bear a child.”
“Is that why youre here? Then keep quiet and watch.”
“Why are you taking the tea set?” Margaret snapped.
“Its minefrom my aunt, a memory of her.”
“Itll look empty here without it!”
“Not my concern. At least youll have a grandchild.”
“Take only whats yours!”
“The laptop, the coffee maker, and the microwave were gifts from colleagues. The car was mine before the wedding. Your son has his own.”
“You have everything but cant give him a child!”
“Thats none of your business. Perhaps it was Gods will.”
“Arent you sorry? Maybe you did it all on purpose?”
“Dont be absurd. Even thinking of it pains me.”
Emma glanced aroundher things were vanishing. Her brush, her makeup, her slippers Shed forgotten something important. Margarets presence grated on her. Then she rememberedthe porcelain cat, a keepsake from her grandmother. Inside was a hidden compartment with earrings and a ringworth little but precious to her. James had called it worthless. Had he thrown it away? Emma stepped onto the balcony.
“What are you doing out there?” Margarets voice cut in. “Hurry, take your things and go!”
She found the cat, untouched. Now she could leave.
“Here are the keys. Goodbye. I hope we never meet again.”
Emma went to the office. She was on leave but requested a holiday.
“Were here for you,” her boss said. “But its hard without you. Will three weeks suffice? Stay in”
Emma closed her eyes, feeling Pauls hand gently squeeze hers, knowing that after all the pain, her new life was just beginning.
