Good heavens, what a sight! the man exclaims after the fiery spirit glances at his new wife and he lets her go A year later, in a fresh encounter, his heart gets struck
Emma pushes open the front door and, as she carries the heavy grocery bags into the kitchen, she hears noises from the bedroom. She doesnt need a crystal ball to realise that James is once again glued to his computer.
Another tank game? she mutters reluctantly, noticing the familiar screenshot on his laptop screen.
Yeah, stop nagging me, he grumbles, eyes never leaving the monitor.
Exhausted after a long shift at the warehouse, Emma begins unpacking the groceries. Her head throbs; all she wants is to collapse on the sofa and forget everything. James wanders into the kitchen, rubs his belly and asks, Will you feed me, or what?
Sure, but later. I have to cook first, Emma replies, trying to hide her fatigue.
By the way, Mum called. Saturdays family gathering is on. Dont forget a present, James says, heading back to his room where the laptop awaits, a slice of ham already in his hand.
Emma lets out a heavy sigh. The thought of meeting the motherinlaw fills her with dread. From the start, their relationship has been icy. Mrs. Whitaker constantly finds fault, treating Emma as unworthy of her son. Emma once tried to win her favour, but quickly saw it was futile; now they only see each other on special occasions.
While the kettle whistles and the pan sizzles, Emma steps outside to check on her smallholding. She looks after a few chickens, ducks and rabbits on her own. James never helps on the farm, but he devours everything that comes out of the oven. She does it all for him.
When she returns, she finds James with a blissful smile, polishing off the last cutlet. Thats why I love you, Emma! Youre a brilliant housewife! he shouts, mouth full.
She smiles, makes herself a sandwich, brews a cup of tea and sits opposite him. James, I really want a child. Weve been together five years and you still arent ready. Why? she asks.
A child? Emma, were barely getting by. Im out of work, you do everything yourself. A child? he snaps, irritation flashing in his eyes.
Conversations about babies become more frequent. Emma has long dreamed of motherhood, but James always dodges the subject. Youre looking for work, arent you? When you find a job, things will improve. Start with that, she says, hopeful.
I want to live, not just survive! James growls and storms out of the room.
Emma composes herself, but in the bedroom tears roll down her cheeks. The next morning she must rise early her shift starts at dawn while James stays up all night gaming. She barely sleeps, replaying their marriage in her mind.
Does she love James? Yes. Lately, though, she feels he leeches on her emotions and leaves all the worries to her. He has become unmotivated, yet Emma clings to the belief that once he secures a job and they have a baby, life will change for the better, even though her hopes clash more and more with reality.
When her alarm buzzes, she finds James asleep in the armchair. She quietly drapes a blanket over him and heads off to work.
All Friday she spends hunting for a gift for Mrs. Whitaker. She knows it wont please her, but she refuses to arrive emptyhanded. Saturday arrives, and as they step into the Whitaker house, Emma feels Mrs. Whitakers cold stare. They clearly werent expecting her, and Emma would rather stay at home, but James insists on going.
At the gathering Jamess sister, Sarah, arrives with her husband and their daughter. Emma spends the evening on the sidelines, watching the child play. No one invites her to sit at the table, no one pays her any attention. She goes to get a glass of water, wanders into the kitchen and overhears a conversation.
Son, why did you marry her? I told you she wasnt good enough. Shes a country girl! Dont even think about having kids with her.
Come off it. Shes worth it Im fed up. There are plenty of pretty girls out there, but this one
Who would want you without money or a job? She agrees to everything. As soon as I get a decent job, Ill find a replacement, James mutters.
Emma freezes. Her motherinlaws words arent a surprise, but Jamess betrayal shatters her heart. She slips out of the house without a word, dresses quickly and leaves, tears choking her. She wanders until she bumps into a familiar face.
Are you all right? a voice asks.
Emma looks up to see Igor, an old friend of Jamess. They chat, and he invites her for tea at a nearby café. Emma accepts.
Over steaming cups in the cosy tea room, Igor confesses hes never stopped thinking about her. Emma remembers the day she chose James over him. Igor tells her he moved to Manchester, started a business, and only returned because his mother fell ill. Seeing Emma now feels like fate giving them a second chance.
Igor drives her home; the lights are already on. As she steps inside, she hears James call, Where have you been? Why did you leave without saying goodbye?
Say goodbye to whom? To those who look down on me? To you, who talks about me behind my back? Youre right, James. I dont want a child with a man who calls me a country girl. Thats what I tried to prove to you, she says through sobs and retreats to another bedroom.
That night, during her night shift, a coworker rushes in: Your house is on fire! Panic takes her outside; flames are visible from the road. Neighbours scramble, waiting for the fire brigade. Not seeing James, she bolts back inside. The last thing she remembers is a burning beam striking her.
She wakes in a hospital, her whole body aching, her face bandaged. Fear of the prognosis grips her, until a hand touches hers. Its James.
Youre alive, she whispers.
Why would I be dead? Im still young. But you that scar on your face How am I supposed to kiss you? Disgusting! All right, get better, he says, then walks away.
Tears run down her cheeks, soaking the bandage. A few days later James returns, says a few words and vanishes. From the window Emma watches him meet another woman, hug her, and leave together. It hurts, but she no longer feels shocked.
Later the surgeon announces the scar can be removed; modern plastic surgery works miracles. He adds that a single person saved her life. In intensive care she spots Igor, the man who pulled her from the flames but suffered severe injuries himself. Since then Emma visits him daily. When he regains consciousness, he admits hes wanted to see her for a long time but lacked the courage, and that he risked his life to rescue her.
One afternoon in the park, Emma pushes a pram with her little daughter. She hears a familiar voice. James stands nearby, gaunt and bewildered.
How are you? he asks.
Great. Im out walking with my daughter, Emma replies, noticing Igor approaching with an icecream.
Wheres your scar? James wonders.
Love works miracles, Emma says, smiling, and embraces Igor. They walk away, leaving James watching them from a distance.
