You know, Ellie gave birth to a little girl, but the baby was so fragile, she didnt make it Thats just how fate sometimes plays out, isnt it?
Her husband, Michael, as soon as he found out, didnt come to see her once. Not even once. When Ellie was due to leave the hospital, all that was waiting was her suitcase, which Michael had sent via a couriervery practical, packed up and everything. He didnt show his face, not even to the nurses.
Ellie expected anything, but definitely not that level of betrayal. She had nowhere to go Later, she found a note from Michael tucked inside her things. She read the words, and honestly, she couldnt believe her eyes:
Im filing for divorce. The only thing that stopped me before was your pregnancy. Been with someone else for quite a while nowshes much better than you. You cant even manage to give birth properly. Actually, Im glad things turned out this way.
Those harsh words absolutely crushed Ellie. She cried for ages. Then she just sat and thought about what on earth to do next.
But you know what? She set her jaw and made herself a promise: No matter what, Ill succeed. Ill be the best at everything. And most importantly, Ill be the best mother I can be, someday. Things might not have worked out with a husband, but Ill be a great mum. Im only twenty-fourthe whole worlds out there for me!
So, Ellie had met Michael at a friends get-together a few years back. Shed been stunningMichael noticed her right away. Whether she was wealthy or not didnt matter to him, so long as she was beautiful and made an impression.
Michael had everythinga lucrative family business, his mum owned a chain of salons and business was always good. He mostly handled delivering supplies and such.
It moved quickly: meeting each others parents, a wedding, and Ellie got pregnant in their second year together.
People whispered Michael was playing around behind her back, but Ellie never believed it. He was always so sweet to her, showered her with expensive gifts
And thats how she ended up outside the maternity ward with nothing but her suitcase. Where could she go? Returning to her parents wasnt an optionshed basically run away to marry Michael in the first place.
Her family barely attended the weddingmostly just her aunt showed any interest, and shed disliked Michael from the start.
Her aunt had immediately let her know thered be no running home if things went souththere simply wasn’t space. So, with nowhere else, Ellie decided to find workeven if it meant staying the night at the train station.
It was tough to job hunt, even with a first-class degree, when youd never worked before. Ellie loved animals and had trained as a vet, so at first, she tried colleges and local practices. Shed done some placements before, but every clinic she visited was full. Outside the last one, she sank onto a bench and burst into tears. Then, a little dog came trotting over, wriggling straight into her lap.
Youre lovely, but who owns you? I cant take you inI barely have anywhere myself
Just then, an old lady appeared. Whos that there all by herself? Blossom, why did you run off? Come along, on the lead now!
The lady sat beside Ellie. Go on, spill. I saw you in here before, when they trimmed this ones fur, she said, gesturing at Blossom.
The old woman listened patiently, sometimes nodding her head. Lifes been rough, love. Right, up you get, grab your suitcasefollow me. Im Mrs Ellen Bright. And you are?
Ellie, she replied.
Come on, darling. You must be starving.
Mrs Brights house was massive, almost as grand as the home Ellie shared with Michael. Blossom immediately settled in but kept glancing at Ellie.
She likes you, you know. Most people get the cold nose. Tomorrow Ill give you a proper tourhouse and garden. I need someone to keep things in order. Think youre up for it?
I think so, Ellie said, but I still need to find work.
Consider it doneyour job right here. Ill pay you properly. Rest now, your rooms down the hall.
Later, Mrs Bright told Ellie her storyshed lost everyone; husband, two children, all gone, after a car accident. Shed built the house with her husband, who eventually left for another woman and passed away before they even divorced. Mrs Bright sold their business and lived well on the proceeds. Family crops up sometimes, but only for moneyshe always told them shed none to spare. They faded away, waiting for what she called their inheritance.
Ellie settled in brilliantly. She put her veterinary and gardening skills to workMrs Brights roses bloomed brighter than ever, the apple and pear trees were loaded.
Youre gifted with plants, Mrs Bright would say. Never seen colours like this. And so many pears! And apples!
Ellie stayed there three years. The two grew very close, and wherever they went, Blossom trotted after them. Eventually, Ellie said, Mrs Bright, you pay me so much. Feels oddI eat, live here, use everything, and you still pay me!
Nonsense, said Mrs Bright. Youre a whirlwindyouve livened up my old age. And I dont mind paying. What are you saving for? You barely spend a penny.
I want to open a pet grooming salonits all the rage now and really needed.
You thinking of leaving me? Mrs Bright asked.
No, of course not! You rescued me. But youve done so muchI feel its time for me to do something myself. Anyway, theres time.
Well, Blossoms happily groomed right here thanks to you. Youll make a smashing professional. Youve grown so muchconfident now.
Thats because of you. I feel like I found real family.
And youre like a granddaughter to me. Age gap fits, anyway.
Time rolled on. Another three years passed and suddenly, Ellie was a successful entrepreneur, running two salons of her own. Despite her first marriage, shed avoided new relationshipsbut love found her anyway. A young man, Sam, started coming by the salon regularly with his spaniel.
One day, he showed up with a massive bouquet. They started seeing each other properly. Ellie always worried about betrayal, but Sam was endlessly patient.
Ellie, what did he ever do for you? Im desperate for childrens laughter in our house. And Ive got a special wedding gift lined up for you.
Just before the wedding, Mrs Bright handed Ellie her willshe left her the house and her savings.
But what about your family? Ellie gasped. Wont they be angry?
They havent visited once or even rung. Have you seen them? No. All they want is the moneyand youll know how to use it wisely.
Mrs Bright gave Ellie away at her wedding, lived to meet Ellies children, and read them bedtime stories every night.
One day, fate brought Ellie face-to-face with Michael again. His mother had passed away, his once-thriving business vanishedhed sold and spent it all. Ellie bumped into him purely by chance as she got out of her car.
She hadnt changed a bit after all these years; he, on the other hand, looked very differentunshaven, heavier
Ellie? he ventured.
Sorry, do I know you?
Mum, Ill pick you up as we planned, Sam called, ushering their young son from the backseat. Oi mate, back offwhat do you want?
Its alright, love, I know himfrom a long time ago.
Your son? Is he yours? I have no one and nothing You look like youre living well.
Yes, lifes been good. GoodbyeI must be going.
Wait. Can you maybe spare a bit of money? Just a little bit
No. You need to work for it. If Id stayed with you, Id have nothing. Actually, Im glad for how things turned out. Werent you? And she walked away.
