By the Broken Trough
From childhood, Emily knew she was beautiful because everyone around her remarked on it.
«Our daughter is such a pretty little thing, stands out with her extraordinary looks,» her mother would happily tell colleagues and friends.
Indeed, everyone saw it and agreedthere was no denying it. Though their neighbour did sound a bit sceptical:
«All children are lovely, but not everyone grows up to be striking,» shed say, then quickly correct herself, «Not that it happens to everyone, mind you.»
Emily grew up, and by Year 11, she had become a tall, elegant beauty. Proud and spoiled, she knew men would do anything for her, especially the boys who watched her with longing.
After school, she didnt get into university, though she had dreamed of higher education. Instead, she went to college, earning a diploma in retail management.
«Love,» her mother said, «why dont I get you a job in our factorys lab? Its not hard workno heavy lifting, and youve always been delicate.»
«But what about my diploma?»
«Oh, who works in their field these days? And why would you want to bother with retail?» Her mother, whod spent her whole life at the factory alongside her father, had made up her mind.
Emily worked as a lab technician. By then, she had grown even more striking and knew her worth. She fell for Daniel, an engineer from the next department. Their love was fiery and intense; they didnt date long before he proposed.
«Before someone steals you away, marry me,» he said with a smile, offering his heart. «Will you?»
«I will,» she answered happily.
Their wedding was like everyone elsesheld in the factory canteen. Back then, in the old days, they were all the samemodest but packed with guests.
Soon after, Emily realised she was expecting.
«Dan, were going to have a baby,» she told him.
«Thats brilliantIm so happy, Em,» he said, hugging and kissing her.
A daughter was born, just as lovely, taking after her mother. Everyone was overjoyed.
Time passed. Their daughter grew, started nursery, while Emily and Daniel worked. After maternity leave, Emily changednot in looks, but in temperament. Somehow, she began acting like a queen, belittling her husband more each day. Daniel spent most of his time with little Sophiepicking her up from nursery, reading bedtime stories, tucking her in.
Emily was always busy. She came home late, blaming work, though Daniel knew no one in the lab stayed overtime. He didnt dare argueshed make a scene, and he couldnt bear Sophie hearing them fight.
«Daniel, your wife was seen with the chief engineer at a restaurant,» colleagues murmured, but he just looked away.
«Dan, whyd you marry a beauty?» his friends asked. «You know a pretty cake wont stay uneaten for long»
They told him outrightEmily was popular with men, moving in higher circles, not like him, just an ordinary engineer. By then, she was seeing Anthony, a ministry official, who spoiled her with jewellery and expensive gifts.
Daniel became a meek, quiet husband, running the household and raising Sophie alone. Emily just gave ordersstudy your lessons, buy groceries, clean up. Divorce never crossed his mind; he feared hurting Sophie.
Then came turbulent times, and Anthonys position crumbledalong with many others. He was suspected of serious wrongdoing.
«Emily, if anyone asks about me, dont say too much,» he muttered once. «I think we wont be seeing each other much longer.»
He was right. Anthony vanishedarrested, she learned. Worse, she was questioned and not let go. Terrified, she begged, swearing she knew nothing of his dealings.
Eventually released for lack of evidence, her reputation was ruined. She came home feeling like shed been drowning in filth. Shed lost everythingher savings gone, Daniel selling half their possessions just to support her during the ordeal. The factory sacked her. Daniel distanced himself but didnt file for divorcefor Sophies sake. They lived as strangers.
He thought of leaving but feared how Sophie would take it. A girl needs her mother.
When Emily sensed his thoughts, she swallowed her pride.
«Dan, dont leave meplease. It wont happen again.»
He stayed but wouldnt touch her.
«You slept with other men.»
«I did it for us,» she said.
Yet she strayed again, finding a young assistant, Jake. Old contacts and sharp wits helped her rebuild in the new economy. Borrowing money, she rented a souvenir stall in a busy tourist spot. Soon, she had a shop, then another.
«Dan, Im flying to Turkey for stockpick me up from the airport,» she ordered. «Im off to Polandmeet me there. Honestly, you should quit your job and help me.»
«Im no good at selling.»
«But I need a mans strength.»
«Plenty of unemployed blokes around,» Daniel replied indifferently.
Emily slipped back into old habits, sneaking off with Jake. Money flowed, but she and Daniel lived as housemates. He knew about Jake but rarely confronted her.
«If you paid me attention, I wouldnt need a helper.»
«You disgust me,» he shot back.
Years flew by. Sophie graduated, married, and moved to Scotland. New Year arrived. Emily jetted to China, Daniel celebrated in Norway with friends. Both returned for the old New Year.
«Emilywhats this?» Daniel stared. «You look younger.»
She didno belly, slim and statuesque again.
«How much did that cost?»
She laughed hysterically, then sobered.
«Everything. I gave it all up.» She held out bare hands, emptied her purse. «Chinese magicmassages, acupuncturecost a fortune.»
She couldnt bear ageing beside young Jake.
«Youre old. Look at me,» she taunted.
«Were the same age.»
She just cackled.
The treatments drained her money. Then Daniel had a heart attack. Hospitalised, he came home frail, unable to work.
«My God, is that what Id look like?» Emily muttered, checking the mirror.
«Emily, stay with me,» he sometimes pleaded.
«I havent got timemoney wont wait.»
One day at the shop, Jake handed her a folder.
«Read this.»
«What? I dont have time for paperwork.»
«This isnt paperwork. Its ownership documents. Everythings mine now. Youre done.»
At the solicitors, she refused to believe it.
«He bought you too, didnt he? Name your priceIll pay more.»
«Emily, my reputation isnt for sale. Your assistant did everything legally. Every document has your signature.»
«But I thought it was temporarywhile I was dealing with Dans illness!»
«You shouldve read them properlyor come to me first.»
«Your fees are too high.»
«Then dont blame me for cutting corners.»
Defeated, she slunk home.
«I need money. A lot.»
«What happened to the business?» Daniel asked weakly.
«Gone. But I need cash.»
«Weve nothing left.»
«What about the flat?»
«Nonot that!»
«Well sell it, buy something cheaper.»
«And what do I do?»
«Ill get you a computer. Live online.»
«What life?»
«A virtual one,» she laughed.
Emily was sure shed rise againsell the flat, rebuild. Like a phoenix from ashes.
