Out of sheer desperation, she agreed to marry the wealthy mans son who couldnt walk And a month later, she noticed something strange.
You cant be serious, Emily whispered, her eyes wide as she stared at Edward Harrington.
He shook his head.
Im afraid I am. But Ill give you time to consider. Its an unusual arrangement, I know. I can guess what youre thinking. Weigh your options carefullyIll return in a week.
Emily watched him leave, stunned. His words swirled in her mind, refusing to settle.
Shed known Edward for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and several other businesses. Emily worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He was always kind to his staff, speaking warmly to everyone. A decent man, by all accounts.
The pay was good, so there was never a shortage of applicants. Two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Emily sat outsideher workday nearly over, a rare moment of quiet.
The service door creaked open, and Edward stepped out.
Mind if I join you?
Emily jumped to her feet.
Of coursewhy even ask?
No need to stand on ceremony. Sit, I dont bite. Lovely day, isnt it?
She smiled and sat back down.
Spring always feels like a gift after winter.
Because were all sick of the cold.
Maybe youre right.
Ive been meaning to askwhy stay as a cleaner? Margaret offered to move you to the till, didnt she? Better pay, easier hours.
Id love to. But my daughtershes young, and she falls ill so often. When shes well, the neighbour watches her. But when shes poorly, I have to be there. Margaret and I swap shifts when needed. Shes been a godsend.
I see Whats wrong with the little one?
Oh, dont ask The doctors dont really know. She has these episodesstruggles to breathe, panics, all sorts. The proper tests are private. They say she might grow out of it. But I cant just wait
Hang in there. Itll sort itself out.
Emily thanked him. That evening, she found Edward had authorised a bonusno explanation, just handed to her discreetly.
She didnt see him again until now, standing in her tiny flat. Her heart nearly stopped when she opened the door. And when she heard his proposal, it lurched again.
Edward had a sonJames, nearly thirty. Seven of those years hed spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors had done all they could, but he never walked again. Depression, withdrawal, barely speakingeven to his father.
So Edward had an idea: marry his son off. Properly. Give him a reason to live again. He wasnt sure it would work, but he had to try. And Emilyshe seemed perfect.
Emily, youll want for nothing. Your daughter will have every test, every treatment. Im proposing a one-year arrangement. After that, you leaveno matter what. If James improvesbrilliant. If notyoull be well compensated.
Emily was speechlessoutrage choked her.
Edward sighed. Emily, please. Its mutually beneficial. I doubt James will even touch you. And your life will be easierrespectable, legally married. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Just dont breathe a word of this to anyone.
Wait Does James even agree?
The man smiled sadly.
He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him I need thisfor the business, for my health The important thing is hes married. Properly. Hes always trusted me. So this is a necessary lie.
Edward left, and Emily sat frozen, anger simmering. But his honesty took the sting out of the offer.
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, too.
Her shift hadnt even ended when the phone rang:
Emily, quick! Sophies having one of her fits! A bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!
She arrived just as the paramedics pulled up.
Where were you, love? one asked sternly.
At work
The episode was severe.
Should we take her to hospital? Emily asked timidly.
The paramedic, new to their case, shook his head.
Wont do much good. Theyll just upset her. You need proper specialistsLondon, maybe.
Forty minutes later, they left.
Emily picked up the phone and dialled Edward.
I accept. Sophie just had another episode.
The next day, they left.
Edward himself came for themaccompanied by a clean-shaven young man.
Emily, just bring the essentials. Well buy the rest.
She nodded.
Sophie eyed the car with wide eyesbig, gleaming.
Edward crouched before her.
Like it?
So much!
Fancy sitting up front? Best view in the house.
Can I? Please?
The girl looked at her mother.
The police wont like it, Emily said firmly.
Edward laughed and swung the door open.
Hop in, Sophie! If anyone complains, well sort them out!
The closer they got to the house, the tighter Emilys chest grew.
God, what have I done? What if hes strange, cruel?
Edward noticed her tension.
Emily, relax. The weddings a week away. You can back out anytime. And James is a good lad, clever, just broken inside. Youll see.
Emily stepped out, lifting Sophie down, then froze. The house wasnt a houseit was a manor. Sophie squealed with delight:
Mum, are we living in a palace now?!
Edward laughed, scooping her up.
Do you like it?
So much!
Before the wedding, Emily and James met only a few timesat dinner. He barely ate, barely spoke. Just sat there, miles away. Emily studied him. Handsome, but pale, like he hadnt seen the sun in years. She sensed his pain mirrored hers. And she was grateful he never mentioned the marriage.
On the wedding day, a flurry of people surrounded Emily. The dress arrived the night before. When she saw it, she sank into a chair.
How much did this cost?
Edward smiled.
Emily, best not to ask. Lookheres something else.
He produced a tiny replica of the wedding dress.
Sophie, shall we try it?
Her daughter shrieked with joy, twirling like a princess.
Emily turnedand saw James. He stood in the doorway, watching Sophie. A ghost of a smile touched his lips.
Sophie now slept in the room next to theirs. Their bedroom. Just weeks ago, Emily couldnt have imagined this.
Edward suggested a honeymoon in the countryside, but James shook his head.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay home.
The bed was enormous. James kept his distance, made no moves. Emily, expecting to lie awake all night, fell asleep almost instantly.
A week passed. They began talking in the evenings. James was sharp, witty, well-read. He never pushed. Slowly, Emily relaxed.
One night, she woke with a starther heart pounding.
Somethings wrong
She rushed to Sophies room. Just as she fearedanother episode.
James, help! Call an ambulance!
He was at the door in seconds, phone in hand. Moments later, a bleary-eyed Edward hurried in.
Ill ring Dr. Whitmore myself.
The ambulance arrived swiftlysmartly dressed, modern equipment. Then the family doctor. They conferred after stabilising Sophie. Emily sat with her daughter. James held the girls hand.
Emily, he asked softly, has she always been like this?
Yes So many hospitals, so many tests. Nothing helped. Thats why her father leftdidnt want the hassle.
Did you love him?
Once. Feels like a lifetime ago
So you agreed to Dads plan
Emily blinked in surprise.
James smiled.
Dad thinks I dont know. But Ive always seen through him. I worried who hed drag into this. Then I saw youand I was surprised. Youre not the sort to do this for money. Now it all makes sense.
He met her eyes.
Emily, dont cry. Well fix this. Sophies strong. She hasnt given upunlike me.
Why did you? Youre clever, kind, handsome
He smirked. Be honestwould you have married me if things were normal?
Emily thought, then nodded.
Yes. Loving
