After finishing school, Tilly completed her medical training and returned to her hometown. She had always dreamed of working as a nurse practitioner at the local clinic, especially since they had recently built a new facility with modern equipment. Vera Thompson, the elderly nurse who had served the village for decades, was relieved when Tilly arrived to take over.
«Oh, Tilly love, Ive waited so long for you,» Vera sighed. «I shouldve retired years ago, but your dad, John, asked me to hold on till you got your degree. Now I can finally step down with a clear conscience.»
«Dont worry, Aunt Vera,» Tilly replied. «Ill manage, but Ill call if I need helpIm still new at this.»
«Of course, dear. Ill always be here for you.»
Tilly settled into her new role. At first, villagers came with minor complaints or just to test her knowledge, but over time, they began trusting the young nurse. She treated everyone with care, earning their respect.
Then Liam started visiting the clinic more oftensometimes complaining of back pain, other times a sore knee or a cut finger. The practice nurse, Anne Wilson, an experienced but lively woman, soon noticed the way Liam looked at Tillyand how Tillys eyes lingered on him too.
Before long, Liam and Tilly were openly dating, strolling hand in hand, inseparable. When Liam proposed, she accepted without hesitation.
But Tilly didnt notice how Mike, the tall, handsome tractor driver, watched her with longing. One evening, he tried to walk her home, but she refused firmly.
«Mike, havent you heard? Im marrying Liam soon.»
«Oh, Ive heard alright,» he muttered. «The whole village wont shut up about it. But I fancy you toomore than Liam does. Whats wrong with me?»
«Leave it, Mike. I love Liam, and he loves me. There are plenty of girls out therefind one and be happy.»
She didnt realise how deeply shed wounded Mikes pride. Her thoughts were filled with Liam, and soon, they married in a celebration the whole village attended.
A year later, Tilly gave birth to a son, Charlie. Everyone adored himhis doting parents, grandparents, even the neighbours. Tilly stayed home with the baby while Anne managed the clinic, calling Tilly occasionally for advice.
Lost in motherhood, Tilly didnt notice Liam growing distantuntil it was too late. One evening, he came home grim-faced.
«You know Mike, dont you?»
«Of coursehes from the village. He came to the clinic once with a cut. Anne treated him. Why?»
«Just to the clinic? Not to you?»
«Its not like I work alone,» Tilly laughed. «Are you jealous?»
«The whole village is saying Charlie isnt minethat hes Mikes,» Liam muttered, glancing at their son.
«What? Have you lost your mind? Thats ridiculous!»
But the rumours spread like wildfire. Mike had spitefully claimed he and Tilly had been involved. Even her own father, John, had confronted him.
«Sorry, mate,» Mike had smirked. «Your daughters been running to me behind Liams back. Wanted to leave him and all. But I dont want a woman like that.»
John was stunned. He wanted to confront Tilly but hesitated. Meanwhile, Liam packed his things and left.
Tilly sat by the window, rocking Charlie, her heart broken. The whole village had turned against hereven her parents. Only her best friend, Lucy, stood by her.
«Liam shouldnt have believed those lies,» Lucy sighed. «And Mike Ive always fancied him, you know. He swore you chased him. I dont believe it, but whod listen to me?»
«Lucy, why would he do this?»
«Maybe because you rejected him. Now that Liams gone, he thinks hes got a chance.»
But Mike never came near her again.
Then came the night Lucy rushed in, frantic.
«Quick! Someone needs helpthe roads are flooded, and the ambulance might not make it!»
Tilly hesitatedCharlie was asleepbut Lucy fetched a neighbour to watch him. They hurried to the patients house only to find Mike, pale and sweating.
«Im not helping him,» Tilly said flatly.
«Please,» Lucy begged. «If he dies, II cant»
«Only if he admits he lied.»
Lucy nodded.
Reluctantly, Tilly treated Mikes alcohol poisoning, stabilising him before the ambulance turned back.
Two days later, Mike stood in the village square, rucksack on his shoulder.
«Forgive me,» he announced to the gathered crowd. «I lied about Tilly. I fancied her, but she turned me down. Out of spite, I spread those rumours. She never did anything wrongeven saved my life.»
John, Tillys father, pushed forward. «You disgrace!»
Mike hung his head. «I cant stay here. Im leaving for good.»
Lucy wept, but he didnt look at her.
The village gossips gaspedespecially Liams mother, whod been the loudest.
Soon, Tillys parents apologised, then Liam returned, ashamed.
But trust didnt come easily. For months, Tilly carried the hurt of betrayaluntil, slowly, she healed. She returned to work, smiling again, caring for the villagers who once doubted her. And in time, they earned back her respect, too.
