Determined to Be Happy No Matter What
In her final year at university, Emily fell in lovenot with just any boy, but with a handsome, confident man whom all the girls on campus admired. Because William came from a wealthy family.
Emily was pretty and bright, but she and William were from different worlds. Her parents were working-class, and though she knew their backgrounds didnt align, love swept her doubts aside.
“Emily, youre wasting your time with William,” her dormmates warned. “Hes got a high opinion of himself, looks down on most people. Even his friends are all from his own circle.”
“So what? I know my worth too,” Emily shot back. “Im not some wallflowerIm smart, I get top marks, and I can hold my own in any conversation.”
“Just dont come crying to us later,” they sighed. “His parents are probably the type who wouldnt give you the time of day.”
Emilys stomach twisted. “Dont scare me like that. Its his mother Im really dreading meeting”
When William first showed interest, she never imagined hed return her feelings. But he dideffortlessly. He asked her to the cinema first, and soon they were inseparable.
They dated all through their final year, and as summer approached, William dropped the bombshell:
“Emily, were going to meet my parents on Saturday. Mums been hounding meWho is she? Whats she like?”
Emilys heart lurched. “So soon? II dont feel ready”
“Dont worry,” he said with an easy grin. “Dads quiet, keeps to himself. Mums the one who talks enough for both of them. Shell ask questions, but just be yourself.”
Emily was certain theyd marryshe just had to impress his parents. She studied etiquette for days, terrified of making a mistake.
Saturday arrived. William met her, and they entered the sleek London flat together. Her pulse hammered as his mother, a striking woman with sharp eyes, greeted them.
“Hello,” Emily managed, forcing a smile.
“Emily, darling! Im Margaret Whitmore. William, take her through to the dining room.”
At the table sat Williams father, Charles Whitmore. He gave a stiff nod, eyes assessing.
Emily sat straight-backed, elbows off the table, handling her cutlery perfectly. She barely ate, terrified of being caught mid-bite if spoken to.
But nerves betrayed her. Her fork clattered silently onto the plush carpet. She flinched, eyes darting to Margaret.
William laughed. “Sorry,” Emily mumbled.
Margaret fixed her son with a look. “William, thats poor manners. Fetch her a fresh fork.”
He obliged, still chuckling.
“Emily, relax,” Margaret said gently. “This isnt a state dinner. Eat properly, or Ill think my cooking displeases you.”
“Oh, no! Everythings lovely. I justWilliam said you had a housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes”
“We do,” Margaret sighed. “But today, I cooked myself. Had to impress my future daughter-in-law.”
Emily blinked. Was she joking?
“Seems were both on trial today,” she admitted. “Ive been terrified.”
Margaret laughed. “Well, our son didnt disappoint. Charles, agree?”
Her husband nodded. “Quite right, dear.”
The evening turned warm. Two weeks later, William and Emily filed for a marriage license. The wedding came swiftly after.
“Where will we live?” Emily asked.
“Not sure,” William mused. “But Mum and Dad have been whispering about something”
At the reception, his parents handed them keys to a one-bedroom flattwo floors below theirs.
Emilys family rejoiced. “Gods smiling on you, love,” her mother said. “Your own roof over your head!”
Emily believed only blue skies lay ahead.
But in their final term, she discovered she was pregnant. Overjoyed yet anxious, she told William.
“Listen, Im so happywere having a baby! I just need to graduate on time”
His face darkened. “A baby? Were students, living off my parents! I thought wed have years just for us.”
Her joy shattered. “You want me to get rid of it?” She fled in tears.
Downstairs, she collided with Margaret. “Emily! Goodnesswhats happened?”
Once inside, the truth spilled out. “He wants me toI cant”
Margaret handed her tea. “Youre right to keep it. Men talk nonsense. How far along?”
“Eight weeks.”
“Youll graduate in time. Eat, rest. Ill deal with my son.”
Later, William returned, contrite. “I was wrong,” he muttered.
They reconciled. After graduation, their son was born. Margaret and Charles doted on himmore than William ever did.
He started working, Emily stayed home. Soon, he came home late, reeking of beer.
“Must you drink every night?” she snapped.
“Stop nagging! Cant I have a pint with mates?”
She swallowed her hurt.
By their sons second birthday, Williams late returns smelled of perfume. Lipstick stained his collar.
“Are you cheating?” she demanded.
He left without answering.
That evening, she faced Margaret. “Its over.”
“Dont be hasty. Love can mend”
“No. He doesnt deny it. Im taking my son to Mums.”
“Youll stay here,” Margaret said firmly. “We wont lose our grandson. Work will helpkeep you among people. Youll feel like yourself again.”
“Thank you,” Emily whispered. “But Ive decidedI *will* be happy. No matter what.”
Margaret smiled. “Thats my girl. Youll manage.”
Five years later, Emily remarrieda colleague, James. They lived happily with their son and new daughter. Margaret and Charles adored their grandchildren, summers spent at their countryside cottage.
Against all odds, Emily had won her happiness. And in Margaret, shed found an unlikely ally.
