The illusion of a prince shattered
He wasnt the prince of her dreams
Emily had met Daniel just after hed returned from his military service. He looked like hed stepped straight out of a fashion magazinetall, athletic, with striking green eyes and dark, wavy hair. Next to him, Emily felt plain, even though she was pretty in her own wayblonde hair, a slender frame, and a gentle smile. She couldnt believe her luckout of all the girls, hed chosen her.
What does he see in you? her friends whispered. A man like that doesnt stay for long. Hell leave you.
But Emily just smiledshe believed in their love. They went to the cinema, to dances, met up with friends. Daniel didnt compliment her looks, but he was always by her side, and his touch made her weak at the knees. The first time she brought him home, her mumMary Johnsonfrowned. Later, in private, she whispered to her daughter,
A handsome man is another womans man, love. Theyre rarely loyal. Wait before you marry himtest him. He seems too polished.
Emily was annoyed. She trusted Daniels feelings and didnt want to hear doubts. But her mother had planted a seed of unease in her heart.
Slowly, Daniel changed. First, it was the gym, then swimming, then new friends. Emily joined the workouts just to be near him, but she felt awkward among the attractive, toned girls. Daniels glances strayed toward them, and shed leave early, hiding her tears.
Youre as weak as a doll, he laughed once when she caught a cold after swimming. Better stay home with your books.
The words stung, and she remembered her mums warning. She could feel Daniel growing distantmore outings alone, no calls, no invitations, as if hed forgotten her. Then, just like that, he vanished. Stopped answering altogether.
He hasnt called? her mum asked.
No Emily whispered, turning her face to the wall.
Come on, up you get! Were off to the hairdresser! Mary ordered. A new hairstyles the first step to a new life. Then well make you a dressyouve got the skill.
They bought fabric, Emily sketched designs, trying to forget. Rumours about Daniels new flings reached her, but she held firm. When, weeks later, she appeared at a dancein a new, flowing dress, glowingevery head turned. She was noticed.
A quiet, unassuming bloke named Stephen started paying her attention. He wasnt a looker, but his eyes were only for Emilywarm and sincere. A month later, he asked her to marry him.
Now *thats* a man! her mum said. When he falls, he falls properly. What do you say?
I accept, Emily replied softly.
Do you love him?
How could I not? Hes kind, hardworking, loyal. Im all he needsand only me.
The wedding was warm, full of heart. Emily and Stephen started from scratchtheir first chair, their first plate. A year later, their daughter was born, and three years after that, their son. Family, love, happiness.
She hardly thought of Daniel now. Only occasionally did she hear storieshow hed left his wife, run off with a mistress, and now drifted from place to place. Emily would smile,
What was between us? Just a bit of youth. Let him be happy, if he can.
At home, her children and husband waited. And her mumwise, kind, the dearest of all. The one whod saved her from real heartbreak. The one whod helped her find her quiet, true happiness.
Mum always stay close. Without you, life isnt half as bright.
