Emily had always felt like a bit of a spare part in her own home. Her mother clearly had a soft spot for her older sisters, Charlotte and Olivia, giving them all the hugs and attention. This unfair treatment left Emily feeling a bit left out, but she swallowed her disappointment and kept trying to be helpful, hoping for just a scrap of that motherly love.
Dont you dare think youre staying here! The house goes to your sisters. Youve been staring at me like a grumpy cat since you were little. Sort yourself out somewhere else! With those words, her mum sent Emily packing the moment she hit eighteen.
Emily tried to reason with her, pointing out how unfair it all was. Charlotte was only three years older, Olivia five. Both had gone to university on their mums dime, no rush to fly the nest. But Emily had always been the black sheep. No matter how hard she tried to be the perfect daughter, the family only gave her the bare minimum of affection if you could even call it that. Only her grandfather had been truly kind. He was the one whod taken in his pregnant daughter after her husband upped and left without a trace.
Maybe Mums just worried about my sister? People say I look just like her, Emily mused, searching for a reason behind the chilliness. Shed attempted a proper heart-to-heart a few times, but it always ended in a row or a meltdown.
But Grandpa was her rock. Her happiest memories were from the summers in the countryside village, where theyd stay. Emily loved pottering in the garden and veg patch, learned to milk the cows, bake pies anything to put off going back to the house where she was met with sighs and complaints every day.
Grandpa, why doesnt anyone love me? Whats wrong with me? shed ask, fighting back tears.
I love you to bits, hed reply softly, but he never explained about her mother or sisters.
Little Emily wanted to believe him, that she was loved in her own quirky way But when she turned ten, Grandpa passed away, and things got even tougher. Her sisters teased her mercilessly, and Mum always took their side.
From then on, she never got anything new just hand-me-downs from Charlotte and Olivia. Theyd poke fun:
Oh, thats a trendy top! Good for mopping the floor or for Emily whatevers handy!
And if Mum bought sweets, the sisters would scoff the lot, tossing Emily the empty wrappers:
Here you go, daftie, save the wrappers!
Mum heard every word but never told them off. Thats how Emily grew up feeling like an unwanted stray always chasing after love from people who saw her as a nuisance and a joke. The more she tried to be good, the less they liked her.
So when Mum kicked her out on her eighteenth birthday, Emily took a job as a hospital porter. Hard work and grit were second nature by then, and at least she got paid not much, mind. But at work, no one had it in for her. If youre not greeted with nastiness when youre decent, thats a step up, she figured.
Her boss even offered her a scholarship to train as a surgeon. In the small town, they were short on such experts, and Emily had already proved she had a knack while working as a nurse.
Life wasnt easy. By twenty-seven, she had no family left to speak of. Work was everything. She lived for the patients she helped. But the loneliness lingered: she lived alone in a bedsit, same as ever.
Visiting her mum and sisters was always a letdown. Emily tried to go as little as possible. Theyd all head out for a smoke and a natter, and shed end up on the doorstep in tears.
One day, during one of these moments, a colleague the porter Greg came over:
Why the tears, love?
What love Dont take the mickey, Emily replied softly.
She thought of herself as plain as porridge, a quiet little thing, not realizing that at nearly thirty shed turned into a petite, pretty blonde with big blue eyes and a cute nose. The teenage awkwardness was gone, her posture was better, and her light hair, usually in a tight bun, looked ready to escape.
Youre actually quite lovely! Give yourself some credit and hold your head high. Plus, youre a rising star in surgery, and things are looking up for you, he said encouragingly.
Greg had worked alongside her for almost two years, occasionally bringing her chocolates, but this was their first proper chat. Emily cried and spilled the whole story.
Maybe you should give Mr. Edward a ring? The chap you saved recently. He thinks the world of you. Word is hes got plenty of connections, Greg suggested.
Thanks, Greg. Ill give it a go, Emily answered.
And if that doesnt pan out, we could always get hitched. Ive got a flat, and Id treat you right, he said with a grin.
Emily blushed, suddenly realizing he wasnt joking. He saw her not as a sad orphan, but as a woman worth caring for.
Alright. Ill think about that too, she smiled, feeling for the first time in ages that she wasnt just a workhorse or an afterthought, but a young woman with a future.
That evening, Emily rang Mr. Edward:
This is Emily, the surgeon. You gave me your number and said to call if I needed anything she started, then paused.
Emily! Hello there! How lovely to hear from you! How are you? Actually, lets meet up. Pop over, well have a cuppa and a chat. Us oldies do love a good natter, the man replied warmly.
The next day was Emilys day off, so she went straight over. She told him honestly about her situation and asked if he knew anyone needing a live-in carer.
You see, Mr. Edward, Im no stranger to hard work, but Im at my wits end now
Dont fret, Emily! I can sort you a surgeons position at a private clinic. And you can stay with me. I wouldnt be here without you, he said.
Oh, yes, Mr. Edward, that sounds perfect! But wont your family mind?
My family only show up when Im not around. All they care about is the house, the man said with a sigh.
So they began living together. Two years went by, and a romance started blooming between her and Greg, often over tea breaks. But Mr. Edward didnt take to Greg and always had something to say:
Sorry, dear, but Gregs a decent fellow, just a bit soft and too emotional. You cant count on someone like that. Best not to get too attached.
Oh, Mr. Edward Its a bit late for that. Weve decided to get married. He actually proposed jokingly two years ago. And now Im expecting Emily announced happily, beaming. Shed found out recently but added, But youre still important to me! Ill visit all the time. Youre like family.
Well, Emily Im not in the best shape. Heres the plan: tomorrow well see the solicitor, and Ill put the cottage in the countryside in your name. Youve always loved the rural life. It could be your little retreat or you can sell it if you prefer.
He trailed off, looking troubled.
Emily tried to protest: it was too generous, he had years left, better to leave it to his own children. Though in the last two years theyd visited just once. But Mr. Edward wouldnt budge.
Emily was stunned to learn the cottage was in the very village where her beloved grandfather had lived! His place had been torn down long ago, the land sold, and new people lived there now. But having her own little spot there brought back fond memories.
I dont deserve this, but thank you so much, Mr. Edward! she said sincerely.
Just one thing: dont tell Greg the cottage is in your name. And dont ask why. Can you do that for me?
He was serious, and Emily nodded, promising. Figuring out how to explain the cottage to Greg was another matter, but she could say shed made up with her mum.
Later, Emily found out that Mr. Edward, besides the after-effects of a stroke, had cancer. He turned down the operation. In the end, Emily helped arrange his funeral and moved in with her fiancé.
Trouble started around the seventh month of pregnancy theyd been living together for six months by then.
Maybe you should get back to work for a bit? Before the baby arrives, Greg suggested.
By then, Emily had left the clinic Mr. Edward had arranged for her. She thought she could manage on savings, relying on Greg. But his suggestion surprised and hurt her.
Well perhaps she replied hesitantly. It stung because she was the one buying the groceries, and Greg turned out to be rather tight with money. But with the baby on the way, she didnt want to call off the wedding.
A week before the big day, while Greg was out, a stranger let herself in with her own key.
Hello. Im Claire. Greg and I are in love, and hes too scared to tell you. So Ill do it: youre not needed anymore, said a tall, slim blonde, bold as brass.
What?! Our weddings in a few days! Weve paid for everything! Emily stammered.
I know. No worries. Greg will marry me. Ive got mates at the registry office; we can sort it quickly, Claire declared confidently.
Claire wasnt leaving. When Greg came in, he just mumbled:
Emily, sorry Yeah, its true. Ill help with the baby, but I cant marry you.
Well do a DNA test, Claire added, hand on Gregs shoulder.
What DNA test?! Youre my one and only! Emily shouted, lunging at him.
Shell have your eyes out, you daft thing! Nearly thirty and still acting like a kid! Claire jeered.
Greg just stood there, silent, not sticking up for Emily, staring at the floor. It was obvious: Claire was in charge, he was just going along with it.
Emily started packing. No point fighting for a man who let this happen. Claire mentioned she and Greg had dated before she was married at the time, but now she was free. Emily had just been filling in until the perfect woman showed up.
She could have demanded answers from Greg, but what was the point when he let Claire handle it?
At least the cottage will come in handy, Emily thought.
The cottage was decent, even if it lacked running water. But the old stove was top-notch Grandpa had taught her all the countryside tricks. It was manageable. The only issue: how to have the baby alone? Still time to figure it out.
There was plenty of firewood, the shed was solid, and even the snow outside was perfect for clearing. The wood stacks were full a real lifesaver in this weather!
It was handy that Mr. Edward had introduced her to the neighbors as the new owner and his sons wife. No awkward questions.
Emily did call her mum and sisters. As expected, they didnt hold back they suggested giving the baby up for adoption and next time, dont get involved with just anyone before the wedding. They also gossiped that Greg hadnt returned the wedding money, half of which shed covered.
But no one knew about the cottage. Now Emily could lie low and sort herself out.
It was freezing; she kept her coat on. But as she poked at the fire, the poker struck something solid.
Emily took off her gloves and pulled out a wooden box that had been wedged behind the logs. It was sealed tight, with big writing on the lid: Emily, this is for you. She knew the handwriting right away Mr. Edwards.
Inside were photos, a letter, and a small box. Her hands shook as she opened the envelope and read:
Dear Emily! You should know that I was your grandfathers brother. And one of those he asked to look out for you.
From the letter, it was clear: years ago thered been a big falling out between Grandpa and Mr. Edward, but before he died, the older brother tracked him down and asked him to find Emily once she turned eighteen. Hed also left her an inheritance that his daughter would probably never hand over.
Mr. Edward couldnt find Emily straight away her mum and sisters had kept her address secret. But fate had them meet at the hospital when he was ill and she was looking after him. Hed wanted to tell her sooner but ran out of time. So he gave her the cottage that Grandpa had bought from him while alive, knowing his daughter wouldnt leave anything to the granddaughter.
Another bombshell: her mum wasnt her real mum. Emily was the daughter of her late sister, whom shed resented and envied. In the photo young parents, smiling, hugging a little girl. Emily had survived because she was with Grandpa when the accident happened.
In the box lay several thousand pounds in fifty-pound notes left by the grandfather. Touching them made her heart warm. Tears streamed down her face. Now she and her baby would be alright!
When Emily lit the stove, it felt like all her worries, betrayals, and old hurts went up in smoke. Shed start fresh for the baby and herself.
Of course, in time shed forgive those whod hurt her. But she was finished with them. This cottage would be her safe haven.
Mr. Edward always said a good house should go to someone who appreciates it. He said hed built it in his youth with his own hands, using the best materials.
Not just a house, but a proper gem! Itll last two hundred years! he used to say. The village was only a couple of bus stops away.
Yes, the money wasnt much, and help with the baby was still up in the air. But the important thing she had a roof over her head, some savings, a career. She was young, pretty, and she was going to have a son!
For the first time, Emily felt like she was truly happy.Emily had always felt like a bit of a spare part in her own home. Her mother clearly had a soft spot for her older sisters, Charlotte and Olivia, giving them all the hugs and attention. This unfair treatment left Emily feeling a bit left out, but she swallowed her disappointment and kept trying to be helpful, hoping for just a scrap of that motherly love.
Dont you dare think youre staying here! The house goes to your sisters. Youve been staring at me like a grumpy cat since you were little. Sort yourself out somewhere else! With those words, her mum sent Emily packing the moment she hit eighteen.
Emily tried to reason with her, pointing out how unfair it all was. Charlotte was only three years older, Olivia five. Both had gone to university on their mums dime, no rush to fly the nest. But Emily had always been the black sheep. No matter how hard she tried to be the perfect daughter, the family only gave her the bare minimum of affection if you could even call it that. Only her grandfather had been truly kind. He was the one whod taken in his pregnant daughter after her husband upped and left without a trace.
Maybe Mums just worried about my sister? People say I look just like her, Emily mused, searching for a reason behind the chilliness. Shed attempted a proper heart-to-heart a few times, but it always ended in a row or a meltdown.
But Grandpa was her rock. Her happiest memories were from the summers in the countryside village, where theyd stay. Emily loved pottering in the garden and veg patch, learned to milk the cows, bake pies anything to put off going back to the house where she was met with sighs and complaints every day.
Grandpa, why doesnt anyone love me? Whats wrong with me? shed ask, fighting back tears.
I love you to bits, hed reply softly, but he never explained about her mother or sisters.
Little Emily wanted to believe him, that she was loved in her own quirky way But when she turned ten, Grandpa passed away, and things got even tougher. Her sisters teased her mercilessly, and Mum always took their side.
From then on, she never got anything new just hand-me-downs from Charlotte and Olivia. Theyd poke fun:
Oh, thats a trendy top! Good for mopping the floor or for Emily whatevers handy!
And if Mum bought sweets, the sisters would scoff the lot, tossing Emily the empty wrappers:
Here you go, daftie, save the wrappers!
Mum heard every word but never told them off. Thats how Emily grew up feeling like an unwanted stray always chasing after love from people who saw her as a nuisance and a joke. The more she tried to be good, the less they liked her.
So when Mum kicked her out on her eighteenth birthday, Emily took a job as a hospital porter. Hard work and grit were second nature by then, and at least she got paid not much, mind. But at work, no one had it in for her. If youre not greeted with nastiness when youre decent, thats a step up, she figured.
Her boss even offered her a scholarship to train as a surgeon. In the small town, they were short on such experts, and Emily had already proved she had a knack while working as a nurse.
Life wasnt easy. By twenty-seven, she had no family left to speak of. Work was everything. She lived for the patients she helped. But the loneliness lingered: she lived alone in a bedsit, same as ever.
Visiting her mum and sisters was always a letdown. Emily tried to go as little as possible. Theyd all head out for a smoke and a natter, and shed end up on the doorstep in tears.
One day, during one of these moments, a colleague the porter Greg came over:
Why the tears, love?
What love Dont take the mickey, Emily replied softly.
She thought of herself as plain as porridge, a quiet little thing, not realizing that at nearly thirty shed turned into a petite, pretty blonde with big blue eyes and a cute nose. The teenage awkwardness was gone, her posture was better, and her light hair, usually in a tight bun, looked ready to escape.
Youre actually quite lovely! Give yourself some credit and hold your head high. Plus, youre a rising star in surgery, and things are looking up for you, he said encouragingly.
Greg had worked alongside her for almost two years, occasionally bringing her chocolates, but this was their first proper chat. Emily cried and spilled the whole story.
Maybe you should give Mr. Edward a ring? The chap you saved recently. He thinks the world of you. Word is hes got plenty of connections, Greg suggested.
Thanks, Greg. Ill give it a go, Emily answered.
And if that doesnt pan out, we could always get hitched. Ive got a flat, and Id treat you right, he said with a grin.
Emily blushed, suddenly realizing he wasnt joking. He saw her not as a sad orphan, but as a woman worth caring for.
Alright. Ill think about that too, she smiled, feeling for the first time in ages that she wasnt just a workhorse or an afterthought, but a young woman with a future.
That evening, Emily rang Mr. Edward:
This is Emily, the surgeon. You gave me your number and said to call if I needed anything she started, then paused.
Emily! Hello there! How lovely to hear from you! How are you? Actually, lets meet up. Pop over, well have a cuppa and a chat. Us oldies do love a good natter, the man replied warmly.
The next day was Emilys day off, so she went straight over. She told him honestly about her situation and asked if he knew anyone needing a live-in carer.
You see, Mr. Edward, Im no stranger to hard work, but Im at my wits end now
Dont fret, Emily! I can sort you a surgeons position at a private clinic. And you can stay with me. I wouldnt be here without you, he said.
Oh, yes, Mr. Edward, that sounds perfect! But wont your family mind?
My family only show up when Im not around. All they care about is the house, the man said with a sigh.
So they began living together. Two years went by, and a romance started blooming between her and Greg, often over tea breaks. But Mr. Edward didnt take to Greg and always had something to say:
Sorry, dear, but Gregs a decent fellow, just a bit soft and too emotional. You cant count on someone like that. Best not to get too attached.
Oh, Mr. Edward Its a bit late for that. Weve decided to get married. He actually proposed jokingly two years ago. And now Im expecting Emily announced happily, beaming. Shed found out recently but added, But youre still important to me! Ill visit all the time. Youre like family.
Well, Emily Im not in the best shape. Heres the plan: tomorrow well see the solicitor, and Ill put the cottage in the countryside in your name. Youve always loved the rural life. It could be your little retreat or you can sell it if you prefer.
He trailed off, looking troubled.
Emily tried to protest: it was too generous, he had years left, better to leave it to his own children. Though in the last two years theyd visited just once. But Mr. Edward wouldnt budge.
Emily was stunned to learn the cottage was in the very village where her beloved grandfather had lived! His place had been torn down long ago, the land sold, and new people lived there now. But having her own little spot there brought back fond memories.
I dont deserve this, but thank you so much, Mr. Edward! she said sincerely.
Just one thing: dont tell Greg the cottage is in your name. And dont ask why. Can you do that for me?
He was serious, and Emily nodded, promising. Figuring out how to explain the cottage to Greg was another matter, but she could say shed made up with her mum.
Later, Emily found out that Mr. Edward, besides the after-effects of a stroke, had cancer. He turned down the operation. In the end, Emily helped arrange his funeral and moved in with her fiancé.
Trouble started around the seventh month of pregnancy theyd been living together for six months by then.
Maybe you should get back to work for a bit? Before the baby arrives, Greg suggested.
By then, Emily had left the clinic Mr. Edward had arranged for her. She thought she could manage on savings, relying on Greg. But his suggestion surprised and hurt her.
Well perhaps she replied hesitantly. It stung because she was the one buying the groceries, and Greg turned out to be rather tight with money. But with the baby on the way, she didnt want to call off the wedding.
A week before the big day, while Greg was out, a stranger let herself in with her own key.
Hello. Im Claire. Greg and I are in love, and hes too scared to tell you. So Ill do it: youre not needed anymore, said a tall, slim blonde, bold as brass.
What?! Our weddings in a few days! Weve paid for everything! Emily stammered.
I know. No worries. Greg will marry me. Ive got mates at the registry office; we can sort it quickly, Claire declared confidently.
Claire wasnt leaving. When Greg came in, he just mumbled:
Emily, sorry Yeah, its true. Ill help with the baby, but I cant marry you.
Well do a DNA test, Claire added, hand on Gregs shoulder.
What DNA test?! Youre my one and only! Emily shouted, lunging at him.
Shell have your eyes out, you daft thing! Nearly thirty and still acting like a kid! Claire jeered.
Greg just stood there, silent, not sticking up for Emily, staring at the floor. It was obvious: Claire was in charge, he was just going along with it.
Emily started packing. No point fighting for a man who let this happen. Claire mentioned she and Greg had dated before she was married at the time, but now she was free. Emily had just been filling in until the perfect woman showed up.
She could have demanded answers from Greg, but what was the point when he let Claire handle it?
At least the cottage will come in handy, Emily thought.
The cottage was decent, even if it lacked running water. But the old stove was top-notch Grandpa had taught her all the countryside tricks. It was manageable. The only issue: how to have the baby alone? Still time to figure it out.
There was plenty of firewood, the shed was solid, and even the snow outside was perfect for clearing. The wood stacks were full a real lifesaver in this weather!
It was handy that Mr. Edward had introduced her to the neighbors as the new owner and his sons wife. No awkward questions.
Emily did call her mum and sisters. As expected, they didnt hold back they suggested giving the baby up for adoption and next time, dont get involved with just anyone before the wedding. They also gossiped that Greg hadnt returned the wedding money, half of which shed covered.
But no one knew about the cottage. Now Emily could lie low and sort herself out.
It was freezing; she kept her coat on. But as she poked at the fire, the poker struck something solid.
Emily took off her gloves and pulled out a wooden box that had been wedged behind the logs. It was sealed tight, with big writing on the lid: Emily, this is for you. She knew the handwriting right away Mr. Edwards.
Inside were photos, a letter, and a small box. Her hands shook as she opened the envelope and read:
Dear Emily! You should know that I was your grandfathers brother. And one of those he asked to look out for you.
From the letter, it was clear: years ago thered been a big falling out between Grandpa and Mr. Edward, but before he died, the older brother tracked him down and asked him to find Emily once she turned eighteen. Hed also left her an inheritance that his daughter would probably never hand over.
Mr. Edward couldnt find Emily straight away her mum and sisters had kept her address secret. But fate had them meet at the hospital when he was ill and she was looking after him. Hed wanted to tell her sooner but ran out of time. So he gave her the cottage that Grandpa had bought from him while alive, knowing his daughter wouldnt leave anything to the granddaughter.
Another bombshell: her mum wasnt her real mum. Emily was the daughter of her late sister, whom shed resented and envied. In the photo young parents, smiling, hugging a little girl. Emily had survived because she was with Grandpa when the accident happened.
In the box lay several thousand pounds in fifty-pound notes left by the grandfather. Touching them made her heart warm. Tears streamed down her face. Now she and her baby would be alright!
When Emily lit the stove, it felt like all her worries, betrayals, and old hurts went up in smoke. Shed start fresh for the baby and herself.
Of course, in time shed forgive those whod hurt her. But she was finished with them. This cottage would be her safe haven.
Mr. Edward always said a good house should go to someone who appreciates it. He said hed built it in his youth with his own hands, using the best materials.
Not just a house, but a proper gem! Itll last two hundred years! he used to say. The village was only a couple of bus stops away.
Yes, the money wasnt much, and help with the baby was still up in the air. But the important thing she had a roof over her head, some savings, a career. She was young, pretty, and she was going to have a son!
For the first time, Emily felt like she was truly happy.
