**LOVINGLY ENDURING, ENDURINGLY LOVING**
John and Emilys marriage was a proper church wedding. On the day of the ceremony, just as the wedding procession approached the church, a sudden summer storm blew in out of nowhere. It snatched Emilys veil right off her head, sending it spiraling into the sky before it flopped into a muddy puddle. The guests gasped. The storm vanished as quickly as it came. John lunged for the veil but missed.
Emily, flustered, called out, «John, leave it! I wont wear that now!»
The old ladies sitting by the church tutted among themselves, muttering about how the couples life would be full of storms and hardships.
They bought a cheap white flower from a nearby shop and pinned it in Emilys hair instead. No time for a new veilcant be late to your own wedding!
They stood before the altar, candles in hand, vows on their lips. For God. But before the ceremony, theyd already signed the papers at the registry office and thrown a grand reception. For the people.
Three years later, they had two childrenSophie and Thomasliving a peaceful, happy life.
Ten years on, a young woman knocked on their door. Emily always welcomed guests, invited or not, feeding them well, pouring tea, sharing warm conversation. But this visitor was different. She arrived when John wasnt home.
Emilys sharp eye took her intall, beautiful, young, smiling.
«Hello, Emily. Im Lily. Im your husbands future wife,» the stranger said.
«How interesting!» Emily blinked.
«How long has John been your fiancé, then?»
«A while. But I cant wait anymore. Were having a baby,» Lily replied coolly.
«Ah, the classic tale. Wife, mistress, illegitimate child» Emily crossed her arms. «Did you know were married in the eyes of God? That we have children?»
«I know everything. But were in loveforever. You can get an annulment. He doesnt love you anymore. I checked. Its allowed.»
«Listen, girl. I *strongly* advise you to stay out of my marriage! Well sort our own loyalty and love. Goodbye!»
Lily shrugged*I warned you*and left in a hurry. Emily slammed the door.
*She knows everything Little minx! Over my dead body!*
Now the pieces fit: Johns sudden indifference, the late «work meetings,» the fishing trips hed never cared about before. A woman always knows. The air changes.
But she pushed the thoughts away. Maybe she was imagining things. Maybe he was still faithful.
That evening, she fed John a hearty dinner before bringing it up.
«John are you in love?»
He stiffened. «I am.»
«Your *Lily* came by today. Is it serious?»
«Im a rotten man, Em. I cant breathe without her. I tried to end itI couldnt. Let me go.»
«Go, then.»
She knew begging*think of the children!*was pointless. Life would decide.
John left.
Emily went to the vicar for advice. He listened, then sighed.
«My child, love is patient. Love endures. Scripture says so. Youve every right to seek annulmenthes broken his vows. Or you can forgive, pray, and wait. Gods paths are mysterious.»
Two months later, Emily realized she was pregnantJohns child. She took it as a sign: *Hell come back.* She clung to that hope all through her pregnancy.
Her son was born. Her mother suggested naming him Jacka version of John. «Maybe your Johnny will return. Stranger things have happened.»
Her mother helped tirelessly, raising the children, feeding them, teaching them.
John never forgot Sophie and Thomastoys, seaside trips, envelopes of cash slipped to Emily.
She forbade the children from mentioning baby Jack. But kids talk.
Sophie spilled everything during a visit. Johns heart clenched*shes moved on.* He never imagined the boy was his.
Meanwhile, Lily was bedridden in hospital. John ran errandsfruit, pickles, even chalk (she craved it for calcium). But tragedy struck: Lily gave birth to a stillborn girl.
Her next pregnancy ended in miscarriage.
Devastated, Lily wanted a break from trying. Fate had other plans.
John blamed himself, staying by her side.
Meanwhile, Emilys old uni mate, William, started visiting. Hed fancied her back thenasked her to marry him the day they graduated. But shed never seen him as husband material. Too clingy, too dull, a mamas boy. The other girls swooned over him, though.
Then she met John, and William faded into the background.
Until now.
One rainy autumn day, he sat beside her on a bus.
«Mind if I join you?»
She scooted over without looking.
«Feeling down?»
She sighed. *None of your business.*
«Emily? Its me!»
She turned. «William! Bloody hell, whereve you been?»
«More importantlyyou happy?» he asked carefully.
«Come round mine. Ill explain.»
He brought wine, fruit, sweets for the kids.
Over dinner, she poured her heart out. He listened, nodded, didnt interrupt. Grateful for the ear, she kissed his cheek.
He left, hopeful.
Turned out hed never married. No kids.
He visited oftentreats for the children, flowers for Emily.
She set boundaries: «Come, but Im waiting for my husband. No funny business.»
He agreed. «Then Ill be your brother. The kidsmy nieces and nephews.»
And he stayed.
Meanwhile, Lily finally gave birth to a healthy girlGrace. *Blessed.*
She threw herself into motherhood.
But guilt gnawed at her. *Stolen happiness tastes bitter.*
Only now did she understand the pain shed caused. She longed to beg Emilys forgiveness.
John adored Gracetoys, lullabies, bath time. Lily marveled at his devotion.
Time flowed on.
Five years later, tragedy struck: Lily fell gravely ill at thirty. Hospitals, treatments, costly drugs.
She was dying.
When doctors sent her home, she whispered, «Take me to Emily. Please.»
Sophie had kept Emily updated, so when John called, she agreed.
He carried Lily insidefrail as glass.
The family gathered, confused.
Emily nodded to the bed. John laid her down gently.
«Leave us,» Lily rasped.
Everyone filed out.
Emily studied her. *She looks worse than death.* She sat on the edge of the bed.
«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 punish uswe punish ourselves. I forgave you long ago. Grace will be safe. And youstay here with John. The house is big enough.»
She promised Lily would recover. *With God, all things are possible.*
So they moved in.
William, oddly tender from the start, barely left Lilys side. His words mended her. Unknowingly, he fell for herand adored Grace.
Lily fought to live. Hope, however faint, took root.
Six months of agony passed. She could walk unaided now, breathe the air, smile.
She thought of William. Shed always love John, but he wasnt hers. *Dont covet what isnt yours.*
William was good, kind. He loved Grace as his own. Maybe love could grow.
She healed.
One day, she announced: «Were leaving. Thank youfor everything.»
John and Emily exchanged a glance. Theyd seen this coming.
Long before, John had confessed: «Whatever happens, I want to come home. Take me back.»
Emily had hugged him. «Did you think I wouldnt?»
«And Grace?»
«Shes yours. Shell always have a home with me.»
At the door, Lily kissed John goodbye. «Love Emily. More than life.»
«Be happy,» he murmured.
And so they parted.
