Emily had never trusted her husband. Thats why she always knew she could only rely on herself. And so, their married life unfolded.
Her husband, **James**, was as handsome as a portrait. He had this incredible charmthe life of every party. He drank in moderation, never smoked, and had no interest in football, fishing, or hunting. In short, he was **”a proper gentlemanfit for a palace.”**
Because of all these qualities, Emily knew deep down that her husband found comfort elsewhere. Men like him were rare, and the **”huntresses”** made themselves known without hesitation
The one thing that gave her peace was Jamess unconditional love for their son, **William**. He devoted all his free time to him, never tiring of fatherhood. Emily clung to the hope that this love would be enough to keep their family together.
At school, the kids called Emily **”Ginger”** because of her fiery red hair and the freckles scattered across her face.
Her mother, a stunningly beautiful woman, had drilled into her since childhood:
**”Emily, love, youre like the ugly duckling. Forgive me for saying it, but you need to face the truth. And who else will tell you straight if not your own mother? Maybe no man will want to marry you, so youll have to rely on yourself. Study hard, build a career. And if a decent man comes along, dont be picky. Be a loyal, obedient wife.”**
Those words stayed etched in Emilys mind forever.
After acing her A-levels, she went to university. Thats where she met her future husband. She never understood what drew such a striking man to her. Later, **James** confessed she was the only woman hed ever dared approach. Emily didnt wear makeup, dressed plainly, and had no idea how to flirt.
When she realised a man like him was seriously interested, she took charge. She couldnt let such a gift from fate slip away! She was the one who proposed to James. The poor bloke was stunned, but Emily reassured him:
**”Ill be a gentle, obedient, and faithful wife. Love will come in time.”**
James hesitated at first but eventually agreed. His mum, **Margaret Whitmore**, played a big part in his decision. When he first introduced Emily, Margaret eyed her with clear disapproval. Her son was a **”rare gem”**any woman would be lucky to have him! And here stood this pale, freckled girl.
The first meeting with her future mother-in-law did *not* go well.
Emily noticed Margarets reluctance but refused to give up. A few days later, she visited her alone. She had to save her future marriage! This time, Margaret served tea, and Emily seemed slightly less insignificant.
Emily promised shed be a loyal wife to James till the end of her days. That argument outweighed all her **”imperfections.”**
Margaret was a lonely woman. Her husband had left her for another woman but returned a year laterbroken and exhausted. Yet, his family wanted nothing to do with him. Margaret spent her life wondering if she shouldve forgiven him. But she knew the sting of betrayal would never fade.
Raising James alone had been a struggle. So **Margaret agreed to the marriage.** She figured this woman would wait for her son, no matter what storms life brought.
A year later, their son **William** was born. The spitting image of his dadwhich delighted his grandmother.
**James adored his son**, devoting himself to him completely. William became the centre of his world.
But love for his wife? That never came.
Emily didnt feel passion for James either. Their relationship was peaceful but dull. She washed and ironed his shirts, cooked his meals, kissed his cheek before bed. James gave her his entire salary, bought her flowers on her birthday, kissed her every morning before work. It was all more **routine** than real love.
Five years later, **James finally found love.** Just not at home.
Her name was **Charlotte**a woman of mesmerising, almost unreal beauty. James couldnt resist her. For six months, they met in secret, until Charlotte gave him an ultimatum:
**”I wont be your mistress. Marry me, or were done.”**
James was torn. He didnt want to lose Charlotte, but his son meant just as much. At that moment, Emily barely crossed his mind.
When **William** turned five, **James** packed his bags and left.
Emily remembered her mothers words. As a child, theyd seemed cruel. Now, she understood shed survive without drama. Sure, part of her heart was brokenbut she wouldnt drown in despair.
As he left, James only heard his wifes calm voice:
**”If you change your mind, the doors always open. But dont take too long. William loves you.”**
James spent ages torn between his son and Charlotte.
Emily left **his toothbrush** in the bathroom. Every time he visited William, **James** noticed it. Once, he took it with himbut next time, a new one sat in its exact spot
Years passed.
Emily finally accepted **James was never coming back.**
She decided it was time to stop waiting. **On holiday, she had a brief flingno strings attached.**
Nine months later, **William got a little sisterMargaret.**
One evening, the doorbell rang.
**”Thats my daddy!”** the little girl squealed.
Emily opened the door.
**James stood on the doorstep.**
**”Can I come in?”**
**”Come in.”**
Two weeks later, Emily called her friend:
**”You wanted to know my daughters middle name? RememberMargaret Louise!”**
