By the Broken Trough
From childhood, Emily knew she was beautiful because everyone around her said so.
«Our daughter is such a pretty little thing, stands out among the other girls,» her mother would happily tell her colleagues and friends.
And indeed, everyone agreedthere was no denying it. Though the neighbour did sound a little sceptical:
«All children are sweet-looking, but when they grow up, they dont always stay that way,» shed say, then quickly add, «Not that Im saying it happens to everyone, but it does happen.»
Emily grew up, and by secondary school, she had become a tall, elegant beauty. Arrogant and spoiled, she knew boys would do anything for her, gazing at her with longing.
After finishing 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 the lab at the factory? Its not hard work, no heavy liftingand youre delicate, after all.»
«But what about my diploma?»
«Oh, who actually works in their field? And why would you want to be in retail?» her mother decided, having spent her whole life working at the factory alongside Emilys father.
So Emily became a lab technician. By then, she had grown even more beautiful and knew her worth. She fell in love with James, an engineer from the next department. Their romance was fiery and intense, and before long, James proposed.
«Before someone else snatches you away, marry me,» he said, smiling as he offered his hand and heart. «Will you?»
«Yes,» she answered happily.
Their wedding was like everyone elsesheld in the factory canteen. Back then, in the old days, all weddings were the same. Not too lavish, but full of guests.
Soon after, Emily realised she was expecting.
«James, were going to have a baby,» she told him.
«Thats brilliant! Im so happy, Emily,» he said, hugging and kissing her.
A daughter was born, just as pretty, taking after her mother. Everyone was overjoyed.
Time passed. Their daughter, Sophie, grew up, went to nursery, and Emily and James worked. After maternity leave, Emily changednot in looks, but in attitude. She began acting like a queen, belittling James more and more. He took over most of the childcare, picking Sophie up from nursery, reading her bedtime stories, and tucking her in.
Emily was always «busy.» She came home late, not always, but often, claiming work kept herthough James knew no one in the lab worked overtime. He was afraid to confront her; shed make a scene loud enough for the whole street to hear. He pitied Sophie, not wanting her to witness her parents fights.
«James, your wife was seen with the director at a restaurant,» colleagues would tell him, but he just looked away.
«James, whyd you marry a beauty?» friends asked. «You know a pretty cake wont stay uneaten for long…»
Everyone made it clear Emily was admired by menespecially those in high society, unlike James, just an ordinary engineer. Meanwhile, Emily was seeing Anthony, a government official. He spoiled her with jewellery and expensive gifts.
James became a quiet, downtrodden husband, managing the household and Sophie while Emily gave ordersstudy your lessons, buy groceries, cook, clean. The thought of divorce never crossed his mind; he didnt want to hurt Sophie.
Then came the turbulent times. The official Emily was seeing fell from grace, and not just him. Anthony was suspected of corruption.
«Emily, if anyone asks about me, dont say much,» he warned. «I dont think well be seeing each other again.»
He was right. Anthony disappearedarrested, she later learned. Worse, she was questioned too, and not let go at first. Terrified, she wept, pleading ignorance about Anthonys dealings.
Eventually released for lack of evidence, her reputation was ruined. She came home feeling like shed been swimming in filth. She had lost everything. Their savings were goneJames had sold half their possessions to support her. She was fired, and though James refused to divorce her for Sophies sake, they lived like strangers.
He once thought of leaving but feared how Sophie would take it. A child needs her mother.
Emily, hearing his thoughts, swallowed her pride.
«James, dont leave me. Please. Im sorryit wont happen again.»
He stayed but couldnt bring himself to touch her.
«You slept with other men.»
«I did it for our family,» she shot back.
Soon she strayed again, finding a young assistant.
Her old connections and sharp business sense helped her rebuild in the new economy. Borrowing money, she rented a souvenir kiosk in a busy tourist area. Within years, she owned a shop, then another.
«James, Im flying to Turkey for stockpick me up from the airport,» she ordered. «Im going to Poland for merchandisemeet me there. Honestly, why dont you quit your job and help me?»
«No, Im no good at sales,» James said.
«But I need a mans strength!»
«There are plenty of unemployed men around,» he replied coldly.
Emily found a young assistant, Tom, doubling as a lover, sneaking off to hotels with him. Money flowed, but she and James remained estranged. He knew about Tom.
«If you paid me attention, I wouldnt need a ‘helper,'» she retorted.
«You disgust me,» he said.
Years flew by. Sophie grew up, married, and moved to Scotland. New Year cameEmily flew to China, James celebrated in Norway with friends. Both returned for the old New Year.
«Emily, whats this?» James stared. «You look younger!»
She didno trace of her recent weight gain, slim and striking again.
«How much did that cost?»
She laughed hysterically, then sobered. «Everything. I gave it all.» She held out her bare hands, shook her empty purse. «Chinese magicmassages, acupuncture. Very expensive.»
She couldnt stand ageing next to Tom. «Youre old. Look at me,» she taunted James.
«Were the same agearent you?»
She just laughed. He was crushed.
The procedures drained her money. Profits dwindled. Then James had a heart attack. Hospitalised, he came home frail, unable to work.
«God, is that what Id look like?» Emily muttered, checking her reflection, remembering they were the same age.
«Emily, sit with me,» hed ask.
«I dont have time. Time is money.»
One day at the shop, Tom handed her a folder.
«Read this.»
«What is it? I dont have time»
«You dont own anything here anymore. Its all mine. Youre done.»
At the solicitors office, she was told the same.
«Emily, Im sorry. Everythings legally signed over. You shouldve read the documents.»
«Cant you help?»
«Not when you cut corners to save on fees.»
Defeated, she went home.
«We need money,» she announced.
«Theres nothing left,» James said.
«What about the house?»
«No»
«Well sell it, buy something cheaper.»
«And what will I do?»
«Ill get you a computer. You can live online.»
«What kind of life is that?»
«The virtual kind,» she laughed.
Emily knew shed sell the house, rise again like a phoenix, and rebuild her empire.
