“So, you’re not inviting me to the wedding, love? Ashamed of me, are you?”
Emily had fallen for her classmate, James, during their final year of school. Back then, he’d been an ordinary, unremarkable lad. But after summer break, he’d shot up in height, his shoulders broadened. One day during PE, she twisted her ankle. James carried her all the way to the infirmary in his arms. As she clung to him, she realised how strong and handsome he’d become.
From then on, they were inseparable. Come spring, Emily discovered she was pregnant. After their A-levels, they had a quick wedding. James skipped university, opting instead for construction work. Just before New Year’s, Emily gave birth to a baby girl, Lily. He helped his young wife—pushing the pram while she caught up on sleep, washed clothes, or cooked. But that spring, he enlisted in the army.
Then another blow—Emily’s father left her mother for another woman. Mum couldn’t bear it. She withered away, losing all will to live. Rapid cancer took her within two months. Emily was left alone with the baby. Her mother-in-law visited occasionally, scolding her for letting herself go, for the mess in the flat, for neglecting the child—but never lifted a finger to help.
An elderly neighbour pitied Emily. She asked her to clean her house and run errands for a small wage, even minding Lily in return.
Emily scraped by however she could. When James finally returned from service, it was only to say their marriage had been a mistake—a childish fling, a youthful folly. He accused her of trapping him with the pregnancy. He wanted to study now, move on.
Left alone with little Lily, Emily had no one to turn to—no one to comfort her, help her, share her tears. She wore herself ragged raising her daughter single-handedly. Yet Lily grew into a stunning, clever girl, never short of suitors—though she sent each one packing.
“Don’t you like any of them?” Emily asked once.
“Of course I do—I like Daniel. Michael’s alright too. But they’re just like us, living paycheck to paycheck. I won’t settle for that. I’m beautiful—that’s worth something.”
“Beauty fades, love. I was pretty once too. Look at me now—what happened after you came along?”
“Why compare me to you, Mum? I won’t be having kids anytime soon. First, I’ll marry well—someone rich, successful,” Lily interrupted.
“And where’ll you find that here? In this little town? You can count the wealthy on one hand. Besides, money doesn’t mean happiness. The rich marry for status—they’d never look twice at the likes of us,” Emily argued.
“Which is why I won’t stay. Once I finish school, I’m off to London. More opportunities there. Speaking of—I need a new dress. Shoes. And there’s this lovely coat I saw. I can’t go looking like some beggar.” She pointed to the dress Emily had spent months saving for.
So Emily took on more shifts, coming home exhausted, collapsing into bed. She denied herself everything so Lily could have her way. Neighbours praised her for raising such a clever, beautiful girl alone. Emily brimmed with pride—never mentioning the cost. Yet they grew apart, hardly understanding each other anymore.
After school, Lily left for London, taking Emily’s last pennies. Rarely calling, brushing off her mother’s attempts with hurried excuses—too busy studying, send money. In all her years at uni, she barely visited for two weeks. Then, mid-term of her final year, she suddenly turned up.
“Mum, I’m getting married! His dad’s a businessman—they’ve got this massive house. I’ve got my license, and after the wedding, Oliver’s buying me a car—” Lily gushed.
Emily swelled with joy—her daughter had made it.
“I’m so happy for you, love! When do I meet him? I’ve got nothing to wear—but don’t worry, I’ll ask Helen next door to stitch me something. She works at a boutique. When’s the big day? Will there be time?”
Lily hesitated, avoiding her eyes.
“Mum… I told Oliver’s parents you live abroad—that you can’t come.” Seeing Emily’s stunned face, she snapped, “I couldn’t exactly say you’re a cleaner, that we’re broke! They’d never understand—there’d be no wedding! Why can’t you see that?”
“So, no invite? Ashamed of me?” Emily asked bluntly. “What do I tell people?”
“I don’t care what people think! Did they help when Dad left you? Not one! If you don’t want me stuck in your life—slaving at three jobs—you’ll stay away. Look at you! No teeth, dressed like you’re straight out of the sticks—”
The words stabbed Emily’s heart.
“I never expected this from you. I gave up everything—and you… Sooner or later, Oliver and his family will find out. Then what?”
“They won’t—unless you tell them.”
Emily wept but gave in. The words hurt—but she wouldn’t ruin Lily’s chance. Let her be happy. Before Lily left two days later, they barely spoke. The rift between them yawned wider.
Alone again, Emily crumbled under the strain. Stress spiked her blood pressure, seized her chest. Rushed to hospital in an ambulance, she fretted over forgetting essentials. The driver offered to fetch them after his shift. Grateful, Emily handed him her keys. Nothing worth stealing anyway.
“You live modestly. This flat needs work. Alone? No husband? No kids?” he asked later, bringing her things.
“My daughter’s in London. Getting married…” Before she knew it, she’d spilled her life story to a stranger.
Andrew visited her a few times. When discharged, he even drove her home in the ambulance.
“You’re kind. Modest. My ex always demanded more—a fur coat, diamond rings. Left me for a wealthier man. Miss my son, though. Fancy if I fix this place up? I’m handy—you won’t recognise it after.”
Emily resisted at first—but Andrew wooed her with flowers. After James, no one had looked twice. She remembered—she was only forty. How long could she live like this? She relented. Andrew tore into the renovations, transforming the flat—brighter, even roomier. Emily herself bloomed—smiling more, racing home after work.
He proposed, but Emily hesitated—how would Lily react? She didn’t dare call. Her daughter had made that clear.
Then one evening, the doorbell rang—there stood Lily, suitcase in hand.
“Lily! What a lovely surprise! Staying awhile?”
Her daughter eyed the refurbished flat, Emily’s glow, the men’s jacket on the peg.
“You’re not alone?”
“No, love. You said no calls… Andrew’s good—practical. Look what he’s done with the place! He’ll be back soon—”
“So you’re married now? Or is he just mooching off you for the flat?” Lily sneered.
“Why say that? He’s got his own place!” Emily’s heart sank.
“Honestly, Mum! Are we meant to live here with him?”
Just then, Andrew walked in. He heard enough, turned on his heel.
“Wait!” Emily stopped him at the door. “I’ve lived for you, Lily—denied myself everything. Finally, I’ve met someone decent. He spent his own money here. And I should throw him out? I’m not dead yet! I deserve happiness too. I’ve put up with your nonsense too long. Stay if you like. I’m going with him.”
For the first time, Emily stood firm. She packed her things and left.
Lily sulked—but eventually apologised. Overjoyed, Emily hugged her, tears flowing. Lily admitted she’d met someone—really fallen in love. She didn’t mind her mother remarrying—especially as her own beau had proposed.
“Maybe a double wedding?” Andrew joked. But Emily shook her head.
“Let’s celebrate Lily’s first. We’ll do ours quietly—no fuss.”
“Still putting her first. Time to think of yourself,” Andrew murmured, pulling her close.
“I am. Her happiness is mine. That’s enough.”
Kindness does reap rewards—but for how long? One hopes Lily’s selfishness has faded. Will Emily resist her demands now? Life’s unpredictable—blind motherly love often breeds spoiled tyrants.
