You wouldnt believe the drama that unfolded with Joanna at work. All the girls were whispering behind her back, saying shed managed to charm an older, wealthy man. Honestly, you know how people can be the talk never ends. The man, Richard, is fifteen years Joannas senior and the managing director of the company she works for.
Shes hardly through the door and already engaged, theyd say, all huddled around their cups of tea in the break room.
From rags to riches, that one.
Couldnt be more spot on!
Joanna always tried to keep their relationship under wraps. She and Richard actually started seeing each other before she even knew he was her soon-to-be boss. She interviewed for the role blind, not realising whose company she was applying to, and landed the job based on her CV and experience. Richard always swore he didnt interfere it was HR who made all the decisions. Eventually, Joanna found out the truth, but asked Richard to keep things private. Of course, you know what they say: secrets have a way of coming out. Before you could blink, everyone knew about Joanna and Richards romance, and the gossip just exploded not even the office cat was left out of the loop.
Joanna never thought of herself as some beauty queen and was confident she got the position on merit. But of course, the grapevine had its own opinion.
Barely two years since Elizabeth passed, and Richards already ready to remarry?
Elizabeth had owned the company before and was Richards wife for a decade, before she died tragically, leaving him the business and her fortune. Suddenly, Richard was the most eligible widower in town. At first, he was completely closed off, still in deep mourning which, of course, made him all the more attractive to some.
Hes so loyal,
Like a swan, the ladies would swoon, watching him mope around.
In truth, Richard wasnt some heartthrob. He drew interest for his bank account more than his looks. But Joanna, of course, didnt fall for him for the money.
Their meeting was right out of a sitcom he rammed his shopping trolley into her at Waitrose, tearing her tights and scuffing up her new suede pumps. And then he snapped at her for supposedly jumping the queue. But Joanna wasnt about to be rattled. She put him straight, to the point that he ended up paying for her shopping and then chasing her across the shopping centre to apologise.
Im so sorry, really its been a hell of a day. Please, let me at least help with your bags, he pleaded.
No need, thank you. Ive got my car, Ill manage fine, she replied coolly.
She didnt even own a car but waited for him to leave before heading to the bus stop. In a twist of fate, Richard drove by and saw her waiting.
Come on, jump in.
No, Ill be alright, thanks.
Ill just sit here until you get in. I wont budge, Richard insisted, blocking the pavement with his car until even the others at the bus stop were telling Joanna to get in and let him go.
So, she gave in. And it turned out, Richard was actually quite decent when he wasnt shouting or crashing trolleys into her feet. Joanna thought theyd probably get on, but Richard clearly had more than friendship in mind. Hed convinced himself he could never find anyone to fill his late wifes shoes, but suddenly, there was Joanna so different from Elizabeth, in looks and in manner.
There was just something about her that got under his skin. Soon, he was turning up at her flat each day, waiting for her outside. Eventually, Joanna caved and agreed to go out with him, and before long she took the job at his company, though whether that was fate or coincidence, who really knows?
Richard didnt care what the others in the office said he was openly, unapologetically happy. He never spoilt Joanna with expensive gifts, but he was always attentive and she liked that about him. Plus, she couldnt deny she enjoyed the big flat in Kensington, the classy car, and the comfortable life he offered. In no time at all, Joanna moved her things in and was introduced to Richards mum, Pauline Harper.
Pauline was a quiet soul who doted on her son. After his wife died, hed brought his mother to live with him. Shed cook, iron his shirts, look after the house the lot. When Joanna moved in, Pauline didnt stop her routines, and Joanna was honestly happy to let her get on with it; she had no interest in running the household herself. Everything was going swimmingly until Richard decided to propose.
One thing really bugged Joanna, though: Richard still wore his wedding ring, even after Elizabeths passing.
I still feel that bond with Elizabeth, he confessed, and that unsettled Joanna. She asked him to take the ring off.
Alright if it bothers you, Ill do it, Richard said, looking lost.
Youre not married anymore; otherwise its like Im dating someone elses husband, she explained, and he understood. He put the ring away, and soon forgot all about it at least for a bit. When Richard finally decided to propose, he took out a box from the safe, thinking Joanna would be delighted.
Hed planned every detail swanky restaurant, live music, a glass of wine with a stunning ring sparkling at the bottom, a real family heirloom.
Joanna nearly choked when she saw it in the wine glass.
Marry me, Richard said, ready to slip the ring onto her finger. But Joanna pulled her hand back.
No.
What do you mean, no?!
Im not going to wear that ring.
But its a family piece! Irreplaceable! Youve no idea how much its worth! Richard was turning red.
I dont care. Im not going to wear jewellery that belonged to your late wife.
Why not?
Because its bad luck, thats why!
Dont be silly.
Next youll be telling me to wear her wedding dress! Your mum told me its still up in the wardrobe somewhere.
The dress we can easily buy new. But the rings theyre unique, priceless. Look how beautiful!
No. I dont want someone elses ring. And I dont want you wearing that one either, Joanna said, nodding at his old ring. You know exactly how I feel about it.
Is that your final answer? he asked, frowning.
Yes. Im sorry, Joanna sighed and got up from the table. That romantic evening was well and truly ruined.
I think we need a break, Richard said.
I think so, too.
And that was that. Joanna left, and Richard didnt try to stop her. The music played on, the food kept coming, but the ring stayed in its box.
At work, Joanna dodged Richard, and he barely left his office, brooding all day. That night she packed a bag and went back to her parents. They welcomed her, urging her to call off the engagement and find someone nearer her own age.
Youre bright, youre beautiful! What do you want with Richard, anyway? Hes so much older, and a widower to top it off!
Joanna didnt answer. She genuinely didnt know what she should do. Richard was a solid marriage prospect on the one hand, but on the other, his nostalgia for his late wife spooked her.
Days dragged by with the weirdest atmosphere. He didnt call, and Joanna simply avoided him. Eventually, she called in sick, feeling genuinely poorly. The whole office was buzzing with rumours about the boss and his pretty young thing breaking it off.
Richard wasnt helping matters either he was a nightmare, grumpy and snappy with all his staff. Even his mum wasnt spared. Pauline tried to chat to him about Joanna, but was met with empty mutterings and a foul mood.
Pauline hated the tension. It was obvious her son was suffering but something was stopping him from making up with Joanna. So, she took matters into her own hands and went round to see Joanna herself.
Mrs Harper?! Joanna was genuinely shocked to see her at the door.
Hello, love. How are you feeling?
Oh, not bad. Just a bit unwell.
Is that why youve moved out for now? To spare me from catching it? Pauline gave her a sharp look.
Sort of, Joanna blushed.
Well, you need to come home. Richards pining without you.
Doesnt much look like it, Joanna muttered, lips tight.
Hes proud, that one. Didnt even tell me what happened. Whats the matter? You two clearly care about each other, Pauline coaxed.
He wants me to wear his late wifes old ring. Thats the problem.
Oh if it wasnt for the ring, would everything else be alright?
I just cant bring myself to wear something that belonged to another woman especially one whos passed away. Jewellery keeps peoples energy, and I cant do it. It needs to be sold, replaced with something new.
I see where youre coming from, honestly. I think Richards just not ready for all this, not yet. Hes still hanging on to Elizabeth. You cant build a new life on old grief, Pauline sighed.
Thats just it. Thank you for coming, Mrs Harper. It was nice to see you.
Pauline left, feeling sad for both of them. Such a little thing to fall out over on the surface but it was clear it ran much deeper.
A week went by, and Joanna had to face returning to work. Dreading running into Richard, she kept her head down. He didnt call once. Upset, she decided to hand in her notice and try her luck somewhere new.
Richard signed the resignation without a word and sat behind his desk sulking, not looking up once.
Youre meant to be a grown man, Richard, but youre acting like a child, Joanna told him as she left.
Youre the one at fault! Nobodys ever said no to me before
Joanna didnt respond. Deep down, she knew shed made the right choice. As Richard signed off on her papers, his old wedding ring caught the light on his finger.
Ive done the right thing. Hell never let go of his wife, she thought, and left to pack her things. And you know what? She felt a weight lift right then. No more doubts just freedom.
Meanwhile, Richard stayed bitter for a long time, never understanding why Joanna hadnt wanted to marry the most eligible widower in town.
