Im gonna tell you the whole mess, like were chatting over a cuppa.
James drove his wife, Claire, and their little girl, Lily, out to a remote Yorkshire hamlet, then headed off with his fling, Sophie, to the seaside. After getting back, he realised the family was what mattered most.
James was totally lost his life could change and he hated the idea. And Lydia, his mum, could make a real nightmare of it.
His mum was right when she said Claire wasnt the one for him, but James stubbornly pushed back. He never really figured out why maybe just to spite his overbearing mother, or maybe he did love Claire after all. Most likely, it was all about his mum.
When James was ten, his dad left home. He didnt run off with a lover, he just couldnt put up with Claires fierce temperament any longer. Claire was jealous and loved to boss everyone around. He endured it for years, then finally packed his bags and walked out.
Dad wanted to see James, but Mum had turned him against his own father, so James always refused. He only ever accepted the occasional gift dad sent.
When James grew up, he started to understand his dad. So, after university, he moved out of Mums place there was nowhere else to go. His dad had already bought an apartment for him, which Claire had been renting out.
Mum ranted and stomped, but James stood his ground and left. He patched things up with dad, who began supporting him financially. From then on, Mum didnt have any sway over him.
In his final year at university, James met Olivia. Hed bragged to his mates that hed start dating the first girl who walked into the lecture hall and it was her. Olivia kept to herself at student parties, always staying away from the crowd.
Shes a tough nut to crack, laughed his friend Ian.
Well see about that, James smirked.
James spent ages trying to win Olivia over. He wanted to quit, but the thrill kept pulling him back he hated losing.
Three months later they were strolling arminarm through the park, chatting about the future. James barely listened; all he wanted was to get her into his bed and call it a night. He thought today was the day everything would click.
Then, as luck would have it, his mum happened to walk by. Spotting them together, she halted, took one look at Olivias clothes and instantly knew the girl wasnt local and certainly wasnt welloff.
James, how can you be seen with her? she shouted, drawing eyes from the whole park. Look at yourself and at her!
Mum, stop making a scene, James snapped.
Making a scene? What are you talking about? From where did you pull her? Dont you get that you need money and a flat in the city? she ranted.
Mum, just be quiet.
But she wouldnt stop. Olivia yanked her hand free and bolted.
Mum, stop it. Youve ruined everything for Olivia, James pleaded.
Oh, please. Youll have plenty more Olivias. One day youll thank me for getting rid of her easily.
I wont thank you. And know this Im going to marry her, and you wont stand in my way, James snapped and walked off.
He knew exactly where Olivia would run a shady little spot by the riverbank, under willows. Shed told him she went there when she needed alone time. He found her there.
Go away, she whispered, wiping tears away.
He didnt go. He sat beside her, pulled her close.
Olivia, love, dont take what I said seriously. Everything she said was nonsense. Ive told you about my mum, he tried to explain.
But why is she treating me like this? Im from a village, I got into university on my own, Ill have a firstclass degree soon. I may not dress fashionably, but thats no excuse, Olivia sobbed.
He soothed her as best he could. That evening they drove back to his flat. In the morning, instead of leaving her as hed planned, he remembered his promise to marry her and his mothers smug grin.
From then on they lived together, studying for their dissertations. Friends laughed, saying, Youve already won, just relax. Olivias acquaintances warned her that James was a liar and would ditch her. She brushed them off, loving him with a pure heart and ignoring his past.
And James? He liked the tidy home, the smell of food, and didnt bother with parties. His dad had promised a good job if James passed his exams and defended his thesis.
When James finished university, his dad surprised him with a car a brandnew Ford, no doubt. James had no clue. He was sitting on the sofa, thinking how to break the news to Olivia that they were splitting. Part of him felt sorry for her, part of him was excited about a fresh start, a career, and a world of potential brides. If he left her, Mum would claim she was right.
He sat there while Olivia hummed and cooked dinner, not knowing the news she was about to drop.
A knock at the door startled them. No one was expected. Mum hadnt turned up in ages. Shed once said she wouldnt set foot in the flat while the broom was still there a cheeky jab at Olivia.
James grudgingly got up and opened the door. To his amazement, his dad stood on the threshold. Theyd mostly spoken over the phone, and dad hadnt mentioned visiting.
Looking at you, son. Want me in? his dad asked.
Dad, sorry I wasnt expecting you, James stammered.
Whats that wonderful smell? his dad joked, stepping inside.
He spotted Olivia. James hadnt told him she lived there.
Everyone, this is my dad, Paul, and this is Olivia, James introduced.
Olivia gave a sweet smile.
Sara, why didnt you tell us youd have guests? I couldve prepared, she teased.
James didnt know. Im just here for a surprise to personally congratulate my son on graduating, Paul said, heading to the living room.
Olivia stayed in the kitchen, still unsure how to tell James the news whether to do it now with dad around or later in private.
They set the table. Paul turned out to be a simple chap. When he learned Olivia was from a village, he just smiled and asked about the fishing.
Olivia could talk for hours about her home rolling hills, a river, fields, forests full of mushrooms and berries. The village was dwindling; most people left, leaving only the elderly, like her beloved granny whod raised her alone after her parents died in a car crash when Olivia was ten.
Seems your granny taught you everything, Paul joked.
Olivia blushed at the nickname Olly.
By the way, when are you heading back to the village? Paul asked.
First I need to sort out work, Olivia replied.
Whats there to sort? You already have a place, and we can help you, Paul offered.
Thanks, but I want to do it myself. Ive got a few options. If none work, Ill gladly accept help. Im planning to go in a few days, just need train tickets.
Why train tickets? Paul asked.
Because thats the easiest way train to the market town, then a bus. Its more convenient than buses all the way, she explained.
What about driving? he asked.
What car? she laughed. We havent earned one yet.
Then this one, Paul said, pulling out keys. Looks like my gift is coming in handy. Mind if I tag along?
James had no choice but to agree. A week later the three of them drove to meet Olivias granny. Olivia still hadnt told James her news shed wait until they were back in the village.
The village truly was remote; mobile signal only worked on the hill. By day two James was bored, hinting that they should head back to town, but no one agreed.
That evening, James and Olivia sat outside, watching the countryside. Olivia was mesmerised; James was mentally back in the city, barely hearing her. When she shouted louder that hed soon be a dad, he wanted to scream that it was the wrong time and they didnt need a baby. But his dads voice cut through.
Wow, Im going to be a granddad! Good on you, James! Lets get married pronto, and you can relax, love. Youll still have time to work later, Paul declared.
Olivias granny couldnt make it to the wedding. Shed been promised a lift, but refused. Jamess mum sent a short text: I dont congratulate you, and I wish you no happiness.
The wedding went smoothly. After that, James started his new job, while Olivia stayed home. He expected plenty of attractive colleagues, but the office was run by his dads old friend, so he couldnt get any special treatment.
A daughter, Kate, was born. At first James barely cared, but soon he loved being a dad the way shed toddle over and call Daddy, the way shed giggle when he lifted her high.
Their little family looked pictureperfect. Six months later, his dads friend retired and hired a new manager, Lara, who turned every male eye on her. She set her sights on James, and a fling started.
Olivia sensed Jamess change, but didnt want to think about anyone else. Over time, he even grew cold towards Kate.
Lara kept whispering, Darling, arent you going to marry her?
I cant, you know my dad would hate it, James replied.
Come on, youre an adult now. Forget about dad, she urged.
Just find another job, we could even move, she suggested.
Ive said no. If youre unhappy, we can talk, James said, cutting her off.
That night James didnt come home. He went straight to Laras place, then messaged his wife that hed be staying late at the office. The next morning Lara pitched the idea of a getaway, and James started figuring out how to explain it to Olivia.
Then Olivia dropped a bomb: her granny was seriously ill and they needed to rush to the village. She asked James to take a few days off and bring Kate with them.
James thought his luck had finally turned. Hed get a break, no poor signal in the village, and could relax with Lara by the sea. He sorted work, bought meds and groceries, and they set off. He didnt plan to linger, so after a nights rest he booked a return flight for a holiday with Lara.
He never even stopped at home, heading straight for his lover. They talked about the trip, what to buy, but his mind kept drifting back.
Im heading home to sleep, James said suddenly.
But why? The wife isnt there, Lara replied.
I left some papers there. Dont want to deal with them tomorrow morning. Im exhausted, he admitted, not lying about the last part.
That night he tossed and turned, thoughts of his wife and daughter swirling. He saw his grannys health worsening, berated himself for worrying about anything else, but could do nothing.
At work everything fell apart.
James, whats wrong? his boss asked, noticing his slump.
My wifes mum is ill. Im heading to the village, James said.
So your holiday starts early. Hand over your tasks and get to family, the boss advised.
The words echoed in Jamess head.
Lara called while he was at a petrol station.
Forget me. Fly solo. Ive booked the tickets, paid the hotel. Were done. Dont try to see my wife, she snapped.
He drove toward his beloved wife and daughter, accompanied by his dad and a good friend who was also a doctor.
When they arrived, Kate and Olivia were in the garden, Olivia crying because her granny refused to go to hospital. James was stunned to see his dad, his fatherinlaw, and a stranger standing there.
They got the granny on her feet. She lived another ten happy years, even meeting a lonely widower from the village, sparking a small revival. A big farm opened, people started coming back, and the oncequiet hamlet buzzed with life.
James and Olivia spent all their holidays there with the kids. They realised happiness isnt about the sea; its about having the people you love right beside you.
