Grateful to Fate for Our Breakup In her third year at university, Marianne met Nik, quite by chance, when he came to visit his cousin at their student halls. Tall, slim, and handsome, he immediately caught her eye—her heart skipped a beat for reasons she didn’t yet understand. At first, she didn’t quite realise it was love at first sight. “Wow, he’s good-looking,” flashed through her mind as he approached with a smile and offered his hand. “Nik,” he said, nodding slightly. “And you are?” She felt a bit shy. “Marianne…” she replied, meeting his striking blue eyes. He noticed her lovely gaze. After their brief introduction and a friendly conversation, Nik asked as he left, “Marianne, fancy going to the cinema tonight? I’ll come by for you.” “I’d like that,” she answered demurely, trying not to show her excitement. From that night on, they started seeing each other. Nik was three years older, always a gentleman—flowers for every date, thoughtful little gifts now and then. Marianne quickly learned he came from wealth. His father held a senior position at the local council, his mother was an economist. Nik didn’t hide his privileged upbringing, and though Marianne sensed he liked to show off, she brushed it aside. “What about your parents?” he eventually asked. “My parents? Just ordinary country folk—I was born in a village. Dad’s a tractor driver, Mum works at the post office. I love them dearly, they’re such kind and caring people.” He raised his brows. “How do you manage at university? Must be tough on your parents, I doubt they have much spare cash.” “I’m on a scholarship! I worked hard in school to earn my place.” “Impressive. My dad paid my way through uni. Took care of his only son, good man. We have family holidays abroad all the time,” Nik went on. Anyone could see that Nik liked to brag about his family’s money, but lovestruck Marianne paid no mind. She listened intently as he told stories of their big house, impressive guests, and his father’s influential friends. Nik became her entire world; she pictured no life without him. Quietly, she mapped out their future: “Nik and I will marry… two clever children, a boy and a girl,” she mused, dreaming up names. One evening, after agreeing to see a film together, Nik didn’t show. These were the days before mobiles, so Marianne waited anxiously, but he didn’t arrive. Four days later, he finally resurfaced. “What happened? Weren’t you well?” she worried. “It’s nothing. I saw you chatting away with Igor, all smiles.” “We’re in the same study group! We were just talking, that’s all!” she tried to explain. “How am I to know that? You two looked awfully cosy. Probably been seeing each other for ages,” he smirked. “Nik, I’ve told you—there’s no one but you I want.” “Whatever—let’s break up. And don’t come looking for me. I can’t be dealing with a girl who’ll chase after me,” he said, with a mocking edge. The ground seemed to vanish beneath Marianne. She was devastated. She wanted to explain once more, but in the end decided: “No point justifying myself—I’ve done nothing wrong. Why should I beg? If that’s his decision…” She couldn’t fathom why Nik had ended things so coldly. Little did she know, it was her background. Nik’s cousin had told his mother about Marianne. “Pretty and kind, this Marianne, but she’s a country girl, her parents are just farmers,” the cousin laughed, as Nik’s mother’s frown deepened. Storm clouds gathered at home that evening as Nik walked in. “What’s the matter, Mum? What have I done?” “Let’s discuss who you’ve been seeing. A village lass whose parents are paupers? What were you thinking? Drop her—she’s not our sort. What would your father’s friends say? We didn’t raise you for some farmer’s daughter,” she finished, her voice icy. Nik understood, but didn’t know how his mother found out about Marianne. He’d suspected she might react exactly like this, although he genuinely liked Marianne—she was softer, more honest than any posh girl he knew. But he recognised his parents would never accept her. If he didn’t end it, his mother would—and who knew what trouble that would bring. He felt sorry for Marianne. After that, Nik and Marianne never crossed paths again. Slowly, her broken heart healed and she settled down. She finished her degree, found a job in the city. There, a colleague named George noticed her—older by a couple of years, he took an instant liking. Though several of the office women flirted with him, George kept to himself, never rising to their innuendo. He was courteous and kind, nothing more. “One day, may I walk you home after work, Marianne?” he ventured over lunch. She looked surprised. “Are you serious, George?” “Entirely. Why, do you mind?” “Not really… but they say—” “You mean that I’m impossible to flirt with?” he laughed. “Truth is, I noticed you right away. I think we have a lot in common.” They started dating, then married. Both sets of parents chipped in to buy them a flat in the city. Both families helped where they could. Marianne’s dream of a boy and a girl came true—she gave birth to two children, raising them with plenty of love (with help from doting grandparents). George proved to be the best father and husband—devoted to his beautiful wife and children. When their son turned seven and was ready for school, tragedy struck. Marianne’s childhood home burned down, and her parents were lost in the fire. Grief-stricken, she travelled back to the village alone—George was busy with a work inspection that week, so his mother watched the children. “I’ll manage, George, it’s only for a few days… I’ll return straight after the funeral. We can go back together later.” At the market town, Marianne got off the bus. She’d need a taxi for the last leg, or perhaps a lift from a neighbour. Her mum always said villagers could be found by the shop. Approaching the shop, she barely noticed a black BMW. A large, portly man stepped out and came towards her. “You’ve not changed, Marianne—still as lovely as ever. Don’t you recognise me?” She looked closer—it was Nik. “Of course, Nik. Hello.” She hurriedly tried to bring the conversation to a close. Gone was the slender boy she remembered; he’d put on weight and was hardly recognisable. “You’ve changed!” she remarked, surprised. “Yes—got a bit broader. My wife’s cooking is hard to resist. I’ve got two daughters now. What about you—married, kids?” “Yes, I’ve a loving husband and two children. We live in the city. I’m in the village for family reasons,” she mentioned her loss, but Nik didn’t even offer sympathy. He had other things on his mind. “Shall I give you a lift? We could catch up in the café—share a bottle of wine?” “And what about your wife? It isn’t proper for a married man to go drinking with another woman,” she chided. “My wife? Oh, she’s not an obstacle—nothing for her to worry about,” he smirked. “She’s got it easy at home; she’ll cope.” Marianne made her excuses, saying her brother would be picking her up. Left alone, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, God, for letting Nik and I part ways. How cynical he’s become, no respect for his wife, even after she’s given him children—so ungrateful. Nik never truly loved anyone but himself.” Her thoughts turned to George—his warm and gentle eyes, full of love for her and their children. “Thank you, fate, for bringing George into my life,” she said softly. “People say you shouldn’t meet those you once loved—old feelings might resurface. But sometimes, such meetings remind you how lucky you truly are to be with the right person.”

Grateful for Fates Separation

In her second year at university, Emily met Matthew quite by chance. Hed come to see his cousin Sarah in their student halls. Tall, slim, and strikingly handsome, Matthew immediately caught her eyeher heart skipped in a way she hadnt known before. At first, Emily didnt even realise this was what people meant by love at first sight.

What a good-looking chap, she thought to herself, as he approached, offering a warm smile and an outstretched hand.

Matthew, he introduced himself, inclining his head slightly. And whats your name? She hesitated a little, caught off guard.

Emily she replied, meeting his gaze, and he noticed her lovely blue eyes.

After theyd chatted and he was about to leave, Matthew asked, Emily, would you like to go to the pictures with me tonight? I could pick you up.

That sounds nice, she answered shyly, trying not to give away her excitement.

From that evening on, they began to see each other often. Matthew was three years older and had a charming way about himhed often turn up to each date with a bouquet, sometimes bringing her small presents. He made it clear he came from a well-off family; his father worked for the city council in a senior role, while his mother was an accountant.

Matthew told Emily about his familys status right away. She noticed he seemed to boast about it, but, wrapped up in her feelings, didnt dwell on it.

What do your parents do? he asked one afternoon.

They live in a small village. My dad drives tractors on a farm, my mum works at the local post office. I love them dearlytheyre the kindest people, she replied earnestly.

But how do you afford university? I imagine your parents cant pay for tuition, he pressed.

Im here on scholarshipearned it myself. I did well at school.

Well done, you, said Matthew. I got through university thanks to my dadhe paid for everything. Not that it mattered, they could afford it. Im their only son. We go on holiday abroad quite often, he added, unable to resist another boast.

It was obvious to outsiders that Matthew enjoyed parading his privileges, but lovestruck Emily didnt mind. She listened to stories of his big house, his parents friends, all the grand gatherings.

Matthew had become embedded in her heart. She didnt see anyone else and couldnt imagine her life without him. She began to dream: Matthew and I will marry, have clever childrena boy and a girl, she mused, already thinking of names.

Then one day, Matthew simply didnt show up. They had planned to see a film, but he was nowhere to be found. With no mobiles around then, Emily just waited. Four days later, he turned up.

What happened? Were you unwell? she asked, worried.

Nothings happened. I just saw you and Daniel laughing together. You looked so cosy.

Hes just from my course, thats all, Emily tried to explain, We were just talking.

How do I know? Maybe youve been seeing each other for a while, Matthew smirked.

Matthew, pleasetheres no one but you.

Well, never mind. Were through. Dont go running after me; I dont need that, he said with a cold sneer before walking away.

Emily felt the ground shift beneath her feet. She was desperate to explain herself, to set things right. But soon, she realised: I dont owe him anythingIve done nothing wrong. Why humiliate myself?

She didnt understand Matthews anger, not realising hed been told she wasnt right for his status. His cousin had mentioned Emily to his mother, with a sneer: Nicest girl, but shes from the countryher folks are just farmers. When Matthew got home that night, there was uproar.

Whats wrong, Mum? Did I do something?

Oh, as if you dont know! Whos this country girl youve found? Her parents are farm hands, Matthew! What do you think wed talk about with their lot? How could your father introduce them to his colleagues? We didnt raise you for some village life, his mother snapped. Drop her at once. She isnt our kind.

Matthew understood. Hed known what his mothers reaction would be, but he did like Emily. She was genuine, kind, far more innocent than any of his social set. Yet he knew his parents would never welcome her, and if he didnt break it off, his mother would intervene in a much harsher way. He felt a pang of pity for Emily.

That was the end. Emily was heartbroken, but time gradually healed her wounds. She finished university and landed a city job.

There, she caught the eye of her colleague Thomasa couple of years older, steady and sincere. Plenty of women at the office flirted with him, but Thomas stayed polite and distant. Jokes and innuendo bounced off him; he remained proper and kind.

Emily, may I walk you home after work? he asked one lunchtime, taking her by surprise.

Are you serious, Thomas?

I am. Why, will you refuse?

No, I dont mind. But people say youre

Hopelessly unattainable? he laughed. But I noticed you from the very start. I think we have a lot in common.

They began to meet outside work, and before long married. Their families helped buy them a modest flat in town. Emilys childhood dream came trueshe had a boy and a girl, both much loved, with their grandparents lending a hand. Through it all, Thomas proved to be the most devoted father and husband.

Thomas doted on Emily and their children. When their son turned seven and was about to start school, tragedy struck. Emilys parents village house burnt down one nightthey didnt survive. She grieved bitterly but made up her mind to return for the funeral by herself, since Thomas couldnt leave work.

Its fine, Thomas. Ill travel alone. Ill be back the day after the service. Then we can go together later, she assured him. Thomas mother agreed to look after the children.

Arriving in the market town, Emily needed to arrange a lift; the village wasnt far, maybe someone from home would be about. She remembered her mothers storiesvillagers often gathered by the corner shop when coming into townso she headed there.

She barely noticed the black car until a large, heavy-set man stepped out.

You havent changed, Emilystill as lovely as ever. Dont you recognise me? he called.

She peered and realised it was Matthew.

Of course, Matthew. Hello, she managed politely, but made to end the conversation.

Hed changeda far cry from the slim, handsome youth she remembered, now thickened around the waist, even his face different.

My, youre different! she remarked.

Put on a bit. My wifes a good cook, what can I say. Ive two daughters now. What about you? Married? Children? he asked.

Yes, two. A loving husband. We live in the city. Just heading to the village for She shared her loss, but Matthew brushed it aside.

He had only one thing on his mind: Why dont I give you a lift? But lets have a drink firstcatch up over a glass of wine.

What about your wife? Its not really proper, a married man meeting another woman, she replied, cutting him off.

My wifes no barrier, he said with a sly grin. Shes got everything, shell manage.

Emily quickly made her excuses, saying her brother was coming, and left as soon as she could. Alone, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness fate kept me and Matthew apart, she thought with gratitude. Hes become so cynical, no respect for his wifeshes the mother of his children, yet he shows her none. He never really loved anyone but himself.

She pictured Thomass warm eyes, full of love for her and their family.

Thank you, life, for bringing me Thomas, she whispered. They say you shouldnt meet those you once lovedyou might fall again. But sometimes, these meetings reveal how lucky you are and help you treasure the ones who truly care.

And so, Emily learned to value what she had, understanding that sometimes the pain of separation is a blessing in disguiseteaching us to honour real love when we find it.