**Happiness with a Hint of Sorrow**
Emily, a sweet, slightly plump girl with unruly blonde curls escaping her braids, had been hopelessly in love with Daniel from the parallel class since primary school. The only trouble was, he never noticed her.
Daniel was the most handsome boy in schooltall, with sharp features, olive skin, and an athletic build beyond his years. Every girl, from the youngest to the sixth-formers, adored him. Even some of the female teachers couldnt resist stealing glances.
He was clever but no bookworm. Rumours swirled that he planned to study at Oxford or Cambridge after graduation. Daniel neither confirmed nor denied them. There were whispers, too, about his conquestshow many hearts hed broken. And why wouldnt he? Who could resist him? Certainly not Emily.
By the time sixth form arrived, Emily had lost weight, grown taller, and stopped braiding her hair. One day, as she walked down the corridor, Daniel stopped dead in his tracks, watching herher slender figure, long legs, the cascade of golden waves over her shoulders. Her heart leapt in her chest. *He noticed me. Finally.*
“Hey, Thompson,” he said, voice rougher than usual.
Emily smiled, nodded, and walked past like a queen. Where had that confidence come from? But no matter how much she adored Daniel, she refused to fall at his feet. She knew she had competition.
From that day on, Daniel couldnt rest. He lingered near her, walked her home, asked her to the cinema. But Emily remained aloof.
Soon, the whole school could see the smouldering looks he gave her. The air between them crackled whenever they crossed paths.
Everything changed at the Christmas ball. He danced with her twice, then insisted on walking her home. That night, under the frosty stars, he confessed he loved herthat she was all he thought about. Melting with happiness, she finally agreed to see him.
Emily lived with her strict, overworked mother, a single parent who worked as an accountant. Seeing her daughter bloom into beauty, she warned her daily about honour, virtue, and the dangers of young love.
Spring arrived, and with it, their passion flared. Hidden from prying eyes, they kissed until they were dizzy, aching with desire. One reckless afternoon at her househer mother at workthey crossed the line. After that, they couldnt stop.
But then school ended. Emily planned to study at a local teaching college, while Daniels parents sent him to London. The thought of parting was agony.
“Em, come with me,” he begged. “Mum and Dad will send money. Well get a flat, live together”
Emily tried to convince her mother, but she refused. So she packed a suitcase, took half her mothers emergency savings, left a note, and slipped onto Daniels train. She believed in their love.
They enrolled in different universities but shared a rented flat. Emily, used to running a home alone, happily played the doting wife, cooking and cleaning.
When his parents called, Daniel lied, saying he lived with a mate. Emily tried calling her mother onceonly to be screamed at and told never to come home if she got pregnant. She was heartbroken, but Daniel was all she needed.
She trusted his experience when he assured her nothing would go wrong. But two months later, she learned she was pregnant.
A child wasnt part of their plans, but the doctor warned herwith her blood type, an abortion could leave her sterile.
Daniel took the news bravely. Their love was still fiery.
“Well manage. Worst case, Ill switch to part-time and get a job,” he promised.
“But were not married,” she whispered.
“Who cares? Plenty of couples dont bother. Em, a weddings expensivewe need every penny for the baby.”
She agreed. He loved her. That was enough.
Morning sickness ravaged her. She grew thin, palebut Daniel swore shed never looked more beautiful.
At Christmas, neither went home. Daniel spun his parents a tale about research. But one day, they showed up unannounced.
His mother demanded Emily leave. His father lectured Daniel about ruined futures. Then Daniel dropped the truthEmily was expecting.
Chaos erupted. His mother shrieked about abortions before clutching her chest. His father called an ambulance. Later, calmer, they laid down terms: theyd keep sending moneyif Daniel stayed in school and didnt marry her.
They were sure the young lovers would crumble under parenthoods strain.
Emily gave birth to a healthy boy that summer. Uni was impossible nowshe took leave, then another. The baby was too young for nursery. She took a job as a cleaner, working evenings while Daniel studied and watched their son.
She forgot how women still looked at him. They never went out togethershe assumed it was because of the baby. Not because he was ashamed of her.
When little Paul started nursery, Emily returned to her studies. But he was always sickshe switched to distance learning. By the time Daniel graduated and got a job, she tentatively brought up marriage.
He scoffed. “Why bother? Its just a piece of paper.”
She hadnt seen his adoring looks in months. She knew shed gained weightmeant to diet, never did.
Then she found lipstick on his shirt. A work party, he said. She said nothing.
She aced her first exam that summer. The sun was shining, Paul was at nurseryshe decided to walk home.
Then she saw him. Arm in arm with a leggy blonde. Only when Emily blocked their path did he notice her.
“Emily?!”
“Dan, whos this?” The blonde smirked.
“Im his wife,” Emily said.
“Wife? Youre not even married.”
Before Emily could answer, they walked off. Daniel muttered theyd talk at home.
Home, she sobbed until he returned at dawn. He packed his things and left. Pride kept her from begging.
She failed her next exam.
“Why enrol if you dont care?” the professor asked.
Tears hit the desk.
“Something wrong?”
“My husband left me. Ive got a son no way to pay rent.”
“Youre not from London?”
She shook her head.
“Come.” He led her to an empty room. “Wait here.”
An hour later, he returned.
“Emily, I understand. My fiancée left me for my best friend. Im not I just want to help. Ive a big housemove in. Two rooms for you. No rent. Just cook sometimes.”
“I wont pressure you. We can marry if you likeits just status. Paul would have a father, even if only on paper.”
“You dont know me.”
“I read people well. Think about it.”
A week later, with rent due and Daniel gone, she agreed.
Professor Jamess house was spacious. Paul adored him immediately. He played with the boy, took him to the park, fetched him from nursery while Emily studied.
James never pressured her, though she caught his longing looks. She grew prettier again. On weekends, they explored Londonsomething Daniel had never done.
Then one day, they saw him.
Emily pretended not to, but Daniel called out. James took Paul to feed ducks.
“Youre even lovelier,” Daniel said. “Thats your *husband*? Hes old enough to be your dad. Em, Ive missed you. I still love you”
“Love me? You didnt even look at Paul. You left us with nothing. He may be older, but he cares for us.”
She turned away.
“Pauls father?” James asked. “Emily, I meant what I saidif you want to go back”
“No. Ive decided.”
Her feelings for Daniel hadnt diedonly pride stopped her from running after him.
That night, she went to Jamess room. He was gentle, but it wasnt the same as with Daniel. She endured it.
She never regretted her choice. Daniel would always have women chasing him. James was steady, reliable. Hed never abandon her or Paul.
Let people talk. She had a husband. Paul had a father. The rest didnt matter.
