The Illusion of a Prince Shattered…

The Illusion of a Prince Shattered

He wasnt the prince of her dreams

Emily had met Daniel just after he returned from military service. He looked like hed stepped out of a fashion magazinetall, athletic, with striking green eyes and dark, wavy hair. Beside him, Emily seemed plain, though she was pretty in her own way: fair hair, a slender figure, 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. Handsome men like him dont stay for long. Hell leave you.

But Emily only smiledshe believed in their love. They went to the cinema, danced at parties, and met up with friends. Daniel never complimented her looks, but he was always by her side, and his touch made her dizzy with happiness. When she first brought him home, her motherMargaretfrowned. Later, in private, she whispered to her daughter:

A handsome man is another womans man, dear. Theyre rarely loyal. Wait before marriage, test him. He seems too polished.

Emily was upset. 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 to stay close, but she felt awkward among the attractive, toned girls. Daniels glances strayed toward them, and she left 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 mothers warning. She felt Daniel growing distantmore outings alone, fewer calls, fewer invitations. Then, one day, he simply vanished. He stopped answering.

Still no word? her mother asked.

No Emily whispered, turning to face the wall.

Come on, get up! Were going to the hairdresser! Margaret ordered. A new hairstyle is the first step to a new life. Then well sew you a dressyouve always been good with fabric.

They bought material, and Emily sketched designs, trying to forget. Rumours of Daniels new loves reached her, but she endured. When she finally appeared at a dance weeks laterwearing her new dress, glowing, radianteveryone turned to look. She was noticed.

A quiet, unassuming man named Thomas began to care for her. He wasnt strikingly handsome, but his eyes were warm and sincere, fixed only on Emily. A month later, he asked her to marry him.

Now thats a proper man! Margaret said. When he falls, he falls for good. What do you say?

I accept, Emily replied softly.

Do you love him?

Of course. Hes kind, hardworking, faithful. Im all he needsand only me.

The wedding was warm and full of heart. Emily and Thomas started from scratch: their first chair, their first plate. A year later, their daughter was born, and three years after that, a son. Family, love, happiness.

She rarely thought of Daniel. Only occasionally did she hear storieshow hed left his wife, run off with a mistress, now drifting from place to place. Emily would smile and say:

What was between us? Just a chapter of youth. I hope he finds happiness, if he can.

At home, her children and husband waited. And her motherwise, kind, dearest of all. The one who had saved her from true heartache. The one who had helped her find her quiet, steady joy.

Mother always stay close. Without you, life isnt quite as bright.