LOVING WITH PATIENCE, ENDURING WITH LOVE
John and Emily had a church wedding. On their wedding day, as the procession neared the chapel, a fierce summer storm blew in from nowhere. It tore Emilys veil right off her head, sending it spiraling into the sky like a balloon before it dropped into a muddy puddle. The guests gasped. Just as suddenly as it came, the storm faded. John rushed to grab the veil but was too late.
The once-white lace lay ruined in the filth. Emily, flustered, called out, «John, leave it! I wont wear that now.» The old ladies sitting by the chapel tutted amongst themselves, murmuring that the couples life would be stormy and troubled.
At the nearest shop, they bought a fake white flower to pin in Emilys hair. There was no time to find another veilthey couldnt miss their own wedding!
In the chapel, they stood before the altar, holding their candles, exchanging vows under Gods gaze. But before the ceremony, theyd already signed the papers at the registry office and celebrated with a grand receptionfor the sake of appearances.
Three years into their marriage, they had two children: Sophie and Thomas. Life was peaceful, untouched by sorrow.
Then, ten years later, a young woman knocked on their door.
Emily was always warm to guests, invited or not. Shed feed them, pour tea, and comfort them with kind words. But this visitor was different. She arrived when John wasnt home.
Emilys sharp eyes assessed her: well-dressed, polite, strikingly beautiful, and young.
«Hello, Emily. Im Lily. Im your husbands future wife,» the stranger announced.
«How interesting!» Emily blinked. «How long has John been your fiancé?»
«A while. But I cant wait any longer. Were having a baby,» Lily replied coolly.
«Hmm. Textbook, isnt it? Wife, mistress, illegitimate child» Emily sighed. «Did you know John and I are wed in the eyes of God? We have children.»
«I know everything. But were in loveeternally! You could annul your marriage. He doesnt love you anymore. Ive checkedits possible.»
«Listen, girl,» Emily snapped. «I wouldnt meddle in another womans marriage if I were you. Well sort our love and loyalty without you. Goodbye.»
Lily shrugged, as if shed done her duty, and hurried off. Emily slammed the door behind her.
*Shes done her research Cheeky little magpie! Youll never have him!*
She began piecing together Johns recent behavior: distant with the kids, cold toward her, sudden «work trips,» new hobbies like fishingthough hed never cared for it before. A woman always senses deceit. The air had been thick with tension.
But Emily pushed the dark thoughts away. *Maybe Im imagining it. Maybe hes still faithful.*
That evening, when John returned, she served him a hearty supper. Feed a man well first, then tackle the hard talks.
Once hed finished, she struck.
«John, are you in love?» she asked quietly.
His guard went up. «I am.»
«Lily came by today. Is it serious?» Emily braced herself.
«Im a wretch. I cant breathe without her. I tried to end itI couldnt. Let me go, Em,» he begged.
«I will.» She knew pleading*Think of the children!*was pointless. Life would judge them.
John left for his lover.
Emily went to the vicar for guidance. After hearing her sorrows, he offered comfort:
«My child, love is patient and kind. It never fails. Remember those words. You have every right to annul this marriageyour husband has strayed. But you may also forgive, pray, and wait. Gods ways are mysterious.»
Two months later, Emily realized she was pregnant with Johns child. She took it as a signhed repent and return. She clung to that hope until the babys birth.
Her son arrived. Her mother suggested naming him Jacka variation of John. «Maybe your Johnny will come home, love. Stranger things have happened.»
Thankfully, her mother helped endlesslycaring for the children, feeding them, teaching them, telling them stories.
John didnt forget Sophie and Thomas. He brought toys, took them to the seaside, slipped Emily money in envelopes.
She forbade them from telling their father about baby Jack. But children never listen.
During a visit, Sophie spilled everything. John assumed Emily had moved on. His heart ached with memories of their past happiness. He never imagined the boy was his.
Meanwhile, Lily was on bed rest in hospital. John scrambled to satisfy her cravingsfruit, pickles, even chalk (she craved it for calcium). But tragedy struck: Lily gave birth to a stillborn girl. Then, a second pregnancy ended in miscarriage.
Devastated, Lily wanted to pause trying for children. Fate, however, had other plans.
John stayed by her side, blaming himself for their misfortunes.
Meanwhile, Emilys old university friend, William, began visiting. Hed pursued her for years, proposing right after graduation. Shed never considered himtoo clingy, humorless, a mamas boy. But when she met John, William had bowed out.
Or so she thought.
One rainy autumn day, Emily sat on a bus, lost in thought. A man slid beside her.
«Mind if I sit?»
«Go ahead,» she murmured, not looking up.
«Feeling gloomy?» he pressed.
She sighed. *None of your business.*
«Emily? Its meWilliam! Why so sad?»
Her head snapped up. «Will! Goodness, its been ages! Where have you been?»
«Tell me about you. Are you happy?» he probed gently.
«Come over! My husband wont mind if you stay late,» she teased, tugging him toward the exit.
William bought wine, fruit, and treats for the kids. Over dinner, Emily poured out her heart. He listened intentlyno interruptions, just nods. At the end, she kissed his cheek in gratitude.
William, hopeful, left that night.
He never married or had children. Fate, it seemed.
He began visiting often, bringing gifts for the kids and flowers for Emily.
She set boundaries: «Visit all you like, but Im waiting for my husband. Nothing more.»
William accepted it. «Then Ill be your brother, and these rascals my nephews.»
And so he stayed.
Meanwhile, Johns family had joyous news: Lily gave birth to a healthy girl, Grace»Gods blessing.»
Lily dove into motherhood, but guilt gnawed at her. Stolen happiness was bitter. Only now did she grasp the pain shed caused Emily. *»You dont learn from others mistakes.»* She longed to beg forgiveness.
John adored Gracebuying toys, singing lullabies, bathing her. Lily marveled at his devotion.
Time flowed on.
Five years passed.
Then, at just thirty, Lily fell gravely ill. John was frantichospitals, doctors, costly treatments.
Lily prepared for the end.
As doctors sent her home to die, she whispered, «Take me to Emily. Please.»
John was stunned but agreed.
Emily already knewSophie had told her. When John called, she didnt refuse.
He carried Lily inside, weak as a feather. The family waited, confused.
Emily nodded toward the bed. John laid her down gently.
«Leave us,» Lily whispered.
Everyone filed out.
Emily studied her rival. *She looks worse than death.* She sat beside her.
«Forgive me, if you can,» Lily wept. «This is my punishment. I beg youtake Grace. Raise her with John. Ive no one else.»
Emily took her hand. «God doesnt punishwe do. I forgave you long ago. Grace will be safe. And stay hereboth of you. Its cruel to make John choose.»
The house became a refuge.
They nursed Lily. William, oddly tender, barely left her side. His words were healing. Unknowingly, he fell for herand adored Grace, calling her «Gods little daisy.»
Lily fought to live. Emilys hope became her lifeline.
Six months of agony passed. Lily grew strongerwalking outside, breathing the air, smiling. Life trickled back.
She thought of William. Shed always love John, but he wasnt hers. *»Dont covet what isnt yours.»* William, thoughkind, steadfastloved her and Grace. That was enough.
One day, at dinner, Lily announced, «Emily, Johnwere leaving. Thank you for your mercy. Ive never known such kindness.»
John and Emily exchanged glances. Theyd seen William and Lilys love blooming.
Long before, John had confessed: «Whatever happens, I belong with you. Your grace humbles me. Take me backI beg you.»
Emily had kissed him. «Did you think I wouldnt? And Ill beg your forgiveness tooI mustve failed you somehow.»
«And Grace?» shed asked.
«Ill never abandon her,» John vowed.
At the door, Lily pulled John close. «Love Emily fiercely. Dont hurt her again.»
«Be happy, Lily,» he whispered.
And so they parted.
