A Journey to Happiness: A Fresh Start for Two Lovers
Emily was travelling to meet her beloved, or rather, soaring on the wings of joy. At last, her son had finished secondary school and been accepted into university. Now, she and her husband could finally live together after years of waiting.
The very day she sent her son off to his studies, she bought a coach ticket and set off to meet John. Their marriage had only lasted two years, but they knew each other as if it had been a lifetime.
Their relationship had never been easy. It began with difficulty, weathered many storms, but fate promised them a future togetheror so Emily was certain.
They had met eight years ago. Back then, she was just healing from her divorce from her first husband and kept everyone at arms lengthuntil she met John. Even with him, she had been hesitant at first. He had to work hard to convince her he wasnt like her ex, William.
For six months, they dated before deciding to move in together. John had moved into her place because his tiny flat wouldnt have fit their makeshift familyEmily had a ten-year-old son. The boy was well-behaved, though he didnt immediately warm to his stepfather.
After three years of living together, John began talking about marriage, but Emily wasnt at all enthusiastic.
She saw no point in paperwork. Besides, it didnt protect anyone from betrayal, whether man or woman.
She was happy as things wereshe didnt want change.
At first, John had accepted her view, but later realised it wasnt enough for him. He wanted Emily to be his wife in every sense. Eventually, he gave her an ultimatum: marry or part ways.
Emily disliked his persistence and decided it was better to separate. And so they didfor half a year.
During that time, John had moved to another city where a friend offered him a well-paid job. He rarely came homeonly once every couple of months to visit his parents. And on one of those visits, he saw Emily again.
She was strolling through the park, seemingly carefree, until their eyes met.
In her gaze, he saw exactly what he felt in his heart. She still loved him. And she couldnt hide it.
They rekindled their relationship, but this time long-distance. Sometimes she visited him; other times, he came to her. Every meeting was carefully planned, yet always full of warmth and passion.
They usually saw each other once a month, sometimes twice. John had often asked her to move in with him. He had bought a two-bedroom flat in his new city, though he was still paying off the mortgage.
Emily would have loved nothing more, but she couldnt uproot her life so suddenly. Her son was a teenager, needing attention. Her mother was ill, needing care. For over two years, Emily had worked tirelessly to nurse her back to health, and at last, her condition improved.
“Youve got years ahead!” the doctor had cheerfully said upon discharging her.
Margaret no longer kept her daughter tied down, but Alex had started his GCSEs. He didnt want to change schools and begged his mother to wait until he finished. She had to compromise.
The summer before Alex began sixth form, Emily and John finally married. Seeing how much joy it brought him, she regretted not saying yes soonerbut what use was dwelling on the past?
Now they werent just meetingtheirs could have been called a weekend marriage, if not for the hundreds of miles between them.
And now, Alex had been accepted into university. Emily was proud of her son and realised she could finally arrange her personal life. She hadnt told John she was moving inshe wanted to surprise him.
He suspected it might happen, but he didnt know the exact date.
Emily packed her suitcase, boarded the coach, and left for him. She wanted this day to be etched into his memory forever. She could already picture herself in lace lingerie, scattering rose petals on the freshly made bed, preparing a delicious dinner, and waiting for her love to return from work.
She daydreamed about every detail on the long ride, certain John would be thrilled by her surprisebut instead, the surprise awaited her.
She unlocked the door to his flat with her keyand froze in shock. A pair of blue eyes stared back at hera stunning young woman with fiery red hair.
“Who are you?” Emily demanded.
“Im Victoria. Oh, you must be Emily. Sorry, Ill leave right away!”
“What do you mean, leave? Who *are* you?” Emily snapped.
“Please, dont be angry. Im your husbands girlfriend.”
“What? His *girlfriend*?”
Emily closed the door quietly, leaving behind everything she thought was hers, determined to forge a new pathalone.
