A Lonely Heart
Young Emily came to work as a secretary at a construction firm right out of school. She hadn’t been able to go to university—her father had been too ill, and her mother was long gone, having passed away during childbirth. Her father raised her alone, though she had always loved languages, especially French. She took extra lessons in school and even attended evening courses to perfect it, hoping it might one day prove useful.
**A Hopeless, Secret Love**
The first time Emily saw her boss, William Hartley, she froze. He strode into the reception area one morning, greeted her politely, paused just a moment to take in the new face, then disappeared into his office.
“Blimey,” she thought, flustered. “What a handsome man.” Then she caught herself. “Wait—what am I thinking? He’s my boss, older, and married.”
William was in his early forties—tall, striking, with a velvety voice, blue eyes, and a charming smile. Later, he called her into his office to give instructions, and though she nearly drowned in his gaze, she managed to nod and keep her composure.
Back at her desk, she slumped into her chair, heart racing.
“No, this won’t do. I’m here to work. He’s married, and everyone says he adores his wife, Claire.”
William was devoted to Claire, and it showed. They had no children, but their love was mutual. The women in the office often gossiped.
“What does he even see in her? She’s plain, dresses frumpily, and hasn’t given him kids—while he’s such a catch.”
They weren’t entirely wrong. Claire was unassuming, dressed simply, and paled beside her husband’s charm. But to William, no other woman existed. Many had tried to flirt, tempt, or lure him—yet he remained stone-faced, indifferent.
Emily listened to the chatter and quietly loved him. Alone, she dreamed he might one day notice her.
“We’ll be together, and I’ll give him children. Not that I’d break up his marriage—but I could have his baby. God, how I love him!”
William became her impossible dream. He never noticed, treating her only as a reliable employee—though once, on her birthday, he gave her flowers. That small gesture made her heart soar.
**A Chance Encounter**
Twenty years later, Emily spotted him on the street and barely recognized him. Gray-haired, shuffling like an old man, none of his former charm remained. Her heart pounded, her mouth went dry—but he walked right past, oblivious.
She longed to chase after him, to confess she still loved him—but she stood frozen, whispering aloud,
“Good Lord, what’s happened to him? He doesn’t deserve this.”
“Ever since he buried his wife two years ago, he’s been lost,” an elderly woman nearby said. “I check on him sometimes. Lives alone, drinks his pension away.”
Emily’s chest tightened.
“And you, dear—who are you to him?”
“No one,” she sighed, walking off.
The encounter haunted her. That night, memories flickered behind her closed eyelids. Her one true love had returned—broken, but still hers.
**A Business Trip to France**
Three years into her job, William announced, “Emily, we’re going to France. You speak the language—I’ll need your help with negotiations.”
He had no idea how her heart leapt. She imagined nights alone with him.
The trip went smoothly, and on their last evening, William suggested celebrating at a restaurant. He rarely drank, but that night, he did. She helped him back to his room, where he suddenly pulled her close.
“Thank you, darling,” he murmured, kissing her fiercely.
She melted, powerless, though it stung when he whispered, “Claire, my love.”
By dawn, she slipped away. The next morning, he knocked on her door, shamefaced.
“Emily, I’m so sorry. Last night—it shouldn’t have happened.”
She forced calm. “Don’t worry, Mr. Hartley. It was just a mistake. No one will know.”
**A Secret, and a Resignation**
Back home, Emily couldn’t forget that night—especially when she discovered she was pregnant.
“God, I’m carrying his child,” she thought, elated. But she knew what she had to do.
That evening, she handed in her resignation.
William frowned. “Why? You’re excellent at your job.”
“I’m getting married. Moving away.”
“Ah! Well, congratulations. I’ll arrange a bonus for your hard work.”
She’d hoped he’d stop her—but no.
Her father, though ill, supported her. When her son, James, was born, he became her joy. Years passed, her father passed—and then, at seventeen, James prepared for university.
That’s when she saw William again—broken, alone. Guilt gnawed at her.
**No One Should Die Alone**
She knocked on his door. A disheveled man answered, reeking of booze.
“Emily?” he rasped. “Claire’s gone… I can’t bear it.”
The flat was a mess—bottles, unwashed dishes, stale air.
She snatched a glass from his hand. “Enough. You’re not alone—you have a son. And me.”
William stared. “A son?”
She told him everything.
The next evening, she returned with James. William had cleaned up, dressed smartly—almost his old self.
James extended a hand. “Hello, Dad.”
Tears rolled down William’s face as he fell to his knees before Emily.
“Thank you,” he choked. “For loving me… for our boy.”
She helped him up. “It’s never too late.”
Now, they live together. James studies medicine, William has found purpose again, and Emily finally has the love she waited for.
“Life’s about the present,” William often says. “You taught me that, my dear. Thank you.”
