Out of Desperation, She Agreed to Marry the Wealthy Man’s Son Who Couldn’t Walk… Then One Month Later, She Noticed Something Shocking…

Out of sheer desperation, she agreed to marry the wealthy mans son who couldnt walk And a month later, she noticed something strange.

Youve got to be joking, Emily said, staring at William Harrington with wide eyes.

He shook his head.
No, Im not. But Ill give you time to think. Its not exactly an everyday proposal. I can guess whats going through your mind. Take a weekweigh it all up properly. Ill come back then.

Emily watched him leave, completely thrown. His words just wouldnt sink in.

Shed known William for three years. He owned a chain of petrol stations and a few other businesses. Emily worked part-time as a cleaner at one of them. He was always kind to the staff, warm and friendly. A decent bloke, really.

The pay was good, so there was never a shortage of people wanting the job. About two months earlier, after finishing her shift, Emily was sitting outsidejust killing time before heading home.

Suddenly, the service door opened, and William appeared.
Mind if I join you?
Emily jumped up.
Of coursewhy even ask?
No need to stand on ceremony. Sit downI dont bite. Lovely day, isnt it?
She smiled and sat back.
Spring always feels like a fresh start.
Thats because were all fed up with winter.
Suppose youre right.
Ive been meaning to askwhy are you working as a cleaner? Sarah offered to move you to cashier, didnt she? Better pay, easier hours.
Id love to, but the schedule doesnt work. My daughters little and gets poorly. When shes fine, the neighbour looks after her. But when shes poorly, Ive got to be there. Sarah and I swap shifts when neededshes been a lifesaver.
I see Whats wrong with your girl?
Oh, dont ask The doctors arent sure. She has these episodescant breathe, panics, all sorts. The proper tests are private. They say she might grow out of it, but I cant just sit and wait
Hang in there. Itll sort itself out.

Emily thanked him. That evening, she found out William had given her a bonusno explanation, just handed it over.

She didnt see him again until today, when he turned up at her flat. Her heart nearly stopped when she spotted him. And when she heard his proposalit got worse.

William had a sonJames, nearly thirty. Seven of those years hed spent in a wheelchair after an accident. The doctors did all they could, but he never walked again. Depression, shutting himself away, barely speakingeven to his father.

So William had an idea: marry his son off. Properly. Give him a reason to live, to fight. He wasnt sure it would work, but he had to try. And he reckoned Emily was perfect for the job.

Emily, youll want for nothing. Your daughter will get every test, every treatment she needs. Im offering a one-year contract. After that, you walk awayno matter what. If James improvesbrilliant. If notIll make sure youre looked after.

Emily was speechlessoutrage bubbling inside her.
As if reading her mind, William said quietly,
Emily, please, help me. Its a fair deal. Im not even sure James will lay a finger on you. And lifell be easier for yourespectable, officially married. Think of it as a marriage of convenience. Just one thingnot a word to anyone.

Wait, William Does James even agree?
The man smiled sadly.
He says he doesnt care. Ill tell him Ive got problemsbusiness, health The important thing is hes married. Properly. Hes always trusted me. So its a white lie for a good cause.

William left, and Emily sat there, numb. Anger simmered inside her. But his blunt honesty took the edge off the shock.

And if she really thought about it What wouldnt she do for little Lily?
Anything.

And him? He was a father too. He loved his son just as much.

Her shift wasnt even over when the phone rang:
Emily, quick! Lilys having one of her episodesa bad one!
Im coming! Call an ambulance!

She got there just as the ambulance pulled up.
Where were you, mum? the doctor asked sharply.
At work
This episode was severe.
Should we take her to hospital? Emily asked hesitantly.
The doctor, new to them, sighed.
Whats the point? They wont do much there. Just scare the poor thing. You need to take her to Londonproper specialists, a proper clinic.

Forty minutes later, the paramedics left.
Emily picked up the phone and dialled William.
Ill do it. Lilys just had another episode.

The next day, they left.
William himself came for themwith a young, clean-shaven man in tow.
Emily, just bring the essentials. Well sort the rest.
She nodded.
Lily eyed the car with wide eyesbig and shiny.
William crouched in front of her.
Like it?
So much!
Want to sit up front? See everything?
Can I? Please!
The girl looked at her mum.
The policell fine us if they see, Emily said sternly.
William laughed and opened the door.
Hop in, Lily! And if anyone tries to fine uswell fine them right back!

The closer they got to the house, the more nervous Emily grew.
God, why did I agree? What if hes odd, aggressive?
William noticed her tension.

Emily, relax. The weddings not for a week. You can back out anytime. And James is a good lad, clever, just broken inside. Youll see.

Emily stepped out, helped Lily down, and froze, staring at the house. It wasnt just a houseit was a proper mansion. And Lily, unable to contain herself, squealed:
Mum, are we living in a fairy tale now?!

William laughed, scooping her up.
You like it?
Love it!

Right up until the wedding, Emily and James only met a few timesat dinner. He barely ate, barely spoke. Just sat there, miles away. Emily studied him. He was handsome, though pale, like he hadnt seen the sun in ages. She could tell he carried pain, like her. And she was grateful he never mentioned the upcoming wedding.

On the day, it felt like the whole world was fussing over Emily. The dress arrived the night before. When she saw it, she sank into a chair.
How much did this cost?
William smiled.
Emily, best not to ask. But look at this.

He pulled out a tiny version of the wedding dress.
Lily, fancy trying it on?
Her daughter shrieked so loud they covered their ears. Then came the fittingthe little princess strutted around, beaming.

At one point, Emily turned and saw James. He stood in the doorway, watching Lily. A faint smile touched his eyes.

Lily now slept in the room next to theirs. Their bedroom. Not long ago, Emily couldnt have imagined ending up here.

William suggested a honeymoon at the country house, but James shook his head.
Thanks, Dad. Well stay home.

The bed was huge. James kept his distance, made no moves. And Emily, whod planned to stay alert all night, fell asleep almost instantly.

A week passed. They started talking in the evenings. James turned out to be sharp, witty, loved books and science. He didnt push anything. Slowly, Emily relaxed.

One night, she woke with a joltheart racing.
Somethings wrong

She rushed to Lilys room. Just as she fearedher daughter was mid-episode.
James, help! Call an ambulance!

He was at the door in seconds, phone in hand. A minute later, a bleary-eyed William ran in.
Ill ring Dr. Bennett myself.

The ambulance arrived fastsmart suits, top-notch kit. Then the family doctor turned up. They talked for ages after the episode passed. Emily sat with Lily. James stayed close, holding her hand.

Emily, he asked quietly, has she always been like this?
Yeah So many hospitals, so many tests. Nothing helped. Thats why her dad walked outsaid I was holding him back.
Did you love him?
Maybe. Feels like a lifetime ago
So you agreed to Dads deal

Emily raised her brows.
James smiled.
Dad thinks Im clueless. But Ive always read him