John, a twenty-three-year-old carefree young man, was returning home at dawn. He had a splendid time at the club, dancing the night away with the beautiful Lily, who dreamed of marrying him. John laughed at her aspirations, as he had no desire to change his life. And why would he?
His wealthy father provided for his every need, bailed him out of troubles, and funded his whims. Under such circumstances, becoming independent seemed utterly foolish. Of course, John held a prestigious position in his father’s company, but he rarely showed up there.
Now, he planned to go straight to bed, exhausted from the night. But his plans were disrupted by his father. Andrew Peterson sat in an armchair, holding a cup of coffee, lost in thought. His son’s arrival broke his reverie.
— Where have you been?
— At the club. Why aren’t you asleep?
— Waiting for you. I want to know when you’ll get your act together.
— Dad, come on, not this again. I just want to sleep…
— You need to get married, — Andrew declared. — Your mother and I were married for thirty years. We were happy. If she were still here, she’d agree with me. — He paused, then asked: — Do you have a fiancée?
— No.
— Fine. I’ll find you one myself.
— Oh, Dad! Let’s skip the dramatic movie moments. I’ll get married someday, have kids, you’ll play with your grandkids, and I’ll be a happy family man… but right now, I’m going to bed, okay?
— No. Have some coffee, take a shower, get dressed. You have half an hour. Then we’re going to the site.
— Uh, Dad…
— I said, half an hour! — Andrew stood and left the room. John grimaced, groaned, and collapsed into the armchair… but an hour later, he was on his way to the sites with his father.
The day dragged on unbearably, and John, feeling a headache coming on, asked his father when they’d head home. Andrew smirked:
— In a hurry to get back to the club?
John didn’t respond, catching his father’s sarcasm. But the club was the last thing on his mind—he just wanted a shower and his bed.
As they approached home, Andrew noticed a beggar with a disability, holding out his hand, and asked the driver to stop. John didn’t hear their conversation. Not waiting for his father, he hurried upstairs and collapsed onto his bed, too exhausted to move.
A few days later, Andrew summoned his son and said in a tone that brooked no argument:
— I’ve found you a fiancée.
— Oh? — John was unpleasantly surprised. — Who is she?
— A surprise. You’ll meet her tonight. I’ve invited her and her father for dinner. She’s your happiness, named Emma.
John stayed silent, deciding to see what his father had planned. But when he went to greet the guests, he froze in shock: standing before him was the beggar from the other day and a young woman in a shapeless gray dress, her face free of any makeup.
He was about to tell the staff to escort the “beggars” out, but his father beat him to it, courteously greeting the man and his daughter before introducing them to John.
The man was named Victor, and the girl was Emma. She was about twenty, and she might have been considered pretty if not for her drab attire and sun-bleached hair tied back in a long braid. Andrew smiled at his son’s confusion and invited the guests to the table.
— Dad, what are you doing? — John hissed through gritted teeth.
— What’s with these stupid pranks? You seriously want me to marry this frump? Or are you just trying to get under my skin?
— I want you to marry her, — his father nodded. — And you will.
— Why?! To make a laughingstock of us?!
— You’ll understand later. And you’ll thank me. Now, let’s join our guests—it’s rude to keep them waiting!
— I’m not going! I’m not playing along with this circus! You go, they’re waiting for you. I’ll be back in the morning.
— No, you won’t. If you disobey me, you’ll be out of this house with nothing but the clothes on your back. Not a single rag will you take. You’ll be no different from that old man and his daughter. Understood? Now go! I’m waiting!
John realized his father wasn’t joking. For the first time, he understood his father would follow through. Unable to imagine life without money, he gritted his teeth and nodded:
— I’ll be there. Just need a breath of fresh air to calm down, then I’ll come.
— Good, — Andrew clapped his son on the shoulder and went to his peculiar guests.
John, after a moment’s thought, called Lily and invited her over before heading to the dining room. Victor declined alcohol, which surprised John. He glanced at the quiet girl—she, too, drank only water.
Victor began to share his story, and John found himself listening despite knowing nothing of such a life.
Victor had once been an ordinary country boy, expecting to live his whole life in his small hometown. That might have happened if not for one encounter. A young, beautiful, carefree doctor named Anna came to their village for an internship. She was bored in the backwater until she noticed Victor, a strong young hunter. He was ten years her senior, single, and long looking for a wife. To him, Anna seemed like no one else in the world.
Their love was fleeting. Anna became pregnant and left for the city to tell her parents. She never returned to Victor. He visited her several times, seeking her out, but her wealthy parents refused to let him see her. On his last visit, a neighbor told him Anna had been married off to a foreigner.
— And the child was sent to an orphanage. Their driver, Pete, told me. He drove the girl there himself, — the old woman whispered confidentially. Victor was stunned:
— Sent to an orphanage? When?
— That, dear, I don’t know. Ask Pete, he’ll tell you.
For two long years, Victor fought to reclaim his daughter, Emma. He even entered a sham marriage, trading his village home, which his “wife” kept after their divorce. But Victor had no regrets. He took his daughter and moved to the capital, where he found work and rented a place.
They lived modestly, but it was enough. Emma excelled in school and dreamed of attending university. She could only afford a state-funded spot, so she studied diligently. Emma got in, and Victor was immensely proud of his bright daughter.
But during her first year, disaster struck. At the construction site where Victor worked, an accident occurred, and he saved a man’s life at the cost of his own health. Everyone thought he wouldn’t survive, but Victor proved stronger. His leg, however, had to be amputated, and he spent months recovering in the hospital.
Meanwhile, Emma was evicted from their apartment. In tears, she told her father. Victor managed to secure her a dorm room, but he himself was left on the streets.
For four years, he lived like this, sleeping in shelters or under the open sky. Yet he never complained, his only wish being that Emma lacked for nothing. The small pension he received went straight to her bank card, helping her get by. Emma had no idea her father survived by begging. He told her he lived in a village near the city, claiming he’d settled with a woman who cared for him and asking her not to visit, saying he hadn’t told his “new wife” about his daughter.
Sometimes, he met Emma in a park. She shared her successes, while he lied about his life, hoping she’d forgive his deception once she graduated. Victor didn’t share all this at dinner, only sketching a brief outline of his life. But it was enough for John to feel a flicker of respect for the tall, gaunt man. Andrew, however, knew the full story.
From their first meeting, Andrew had learned everything about Victor, coaxing out the truth. That’s when he got the idea that Emma could be a good wife for his wayward son—a kind and loyal companion for life.
The quiet conversation was interrupted by an unexpected guest—Lily, invited by John. She swept into the room, enveloped in the scent of expensive perfume, greeted everyone sweetly, then stared at Victor and Emma in confusion. It was bizarre to see such people dining with John and his father, and she faltered. Breaking the silence that followed her arrival, she asked:
— Johnny, are these the people you wanted to introduce me to as your fiancée?
Andrew raised an eyebrow and looked at his son:
— Is that so? Is this true?
— Yes, — John mumbled, embarrassed.
— I just hadn’t had the chance to tell you.
— I see, — Andrew smiled and turned to Lily:
— And you’re ready to marry my son?
— Yes! We love each other.
— Good. I didn’t think you’d dream of a simple life together, but if it’s love…
— Dad, — John began, — don’t… But Lily cut him off, looking at Andrew in confusion, unsure if he was joking:
— What do you mean, a simple life? Why?
— We’re bankrupt. John’s broke as of today. We’re drowning in debt, the company’s being sold off, and even this house we’re dining in will be auctioned off. But you love my son, and love knows no barriers, right, son?
— Johnny… — Lily’s eyes widened. — But how… — She stood abruptly and left, tossing over her shoulder:
— Don’t follow me…
— I hope you understand, son, I was joking, — Andrew said. — I just wanted to show you your fiancée’s true colors…
John looked at Emma and saw warm sympathy in her eyes. Then she smiled at him, openly and simply, like a friend.
Over the next few days, John was surprised that his phone stayed silent. Usually, it buzzed with trivial messages, invitations, or people checking in. Now, nothing.
He spent his days working with his father, but one evening, eager for a break, he went to his favorite club. To his shock, no one there was happy to see him.
— What’s going on? — he asked his old friend, Sam.
— Lily told everyone you’re bankrupt. So, everyone’s scattered like mice…
— What an idiot!
— John, it’s not my business, but Tara said Lily had an abortion after hearing you went broke… Did you know she was pregnant with your kid?
John shot up, then slumped back, clutching his head. He downed a cocktail in one gulp and left, ignoring the crowd parting before him.
A month later, John married Emma. His father gifted them a spacious apartment, helped Victor find manageable work, and bought him a small ground-floor condo in a new high-rise.
John threw himself into work, trying not to grow attached to Emma, whom he realized he didn’t love. She waited for him, cooked breakfasts and dinners, made his life easier, and tried not to bother him, understanding how hard it was for him to accept a forced marriage.
Three years passed. One day, Andrew called John and asked him to come.
— Where are you, at home?
— No, son, I’m in the hospital.
— What?? What happened??? — John rushed to his father, finding him in a pristine private room.
— Dad!
— Don’t shout! — his father said softly. — This morning was my last attack. It’s over… Your mother’s waiting for me… I’ve been terminally ill for a long time. Lived on injections. But I hid it, like Victor did. He showed me how to raise a child. I’m dying at peace. Emma’s wonderful—cherish her. She’ll never betray you and will stand by you in joy and sorrow. Since you married, I’ve been so proud of you. I worried for years that if I died, you’d be left without support. Now I know you’ll handle any challenge… All the papers are signed—house, company, accounts… it’s all yours now… I only wish I could’ve seen my grandkids… but I’m at peace about you… So glad I got to say goodbye…
— Dad, why, why didn’t you tell me… we could’ve treated you abroad… saved you… — John sobbed, clutching his father’s limp hand.
— I love you, son, and I didn’t want you to suffer… goodbye, son…
— Dad!!!
John barely remembered Andrew’s funeral. The house was filled with people—some offered condolences, others cried, flowers and mourning ribbons everywhere. It all blurred in John’s grief-stricken mind. Emma, ever by his side, reminded him he wasn’t alone.
He mourned deeply, burying himself in work, avoiding home and the now-empty family mansion, fearing its silence. A year later, Victor passed away too…
In that time, John became a true adult. He lost his carelessness, stopped slacking, and grew serious and responsible. With Emma, life was steady but lacked passion or, as he thought, love. He simply grew used to her constant presence, which gave him confidence in the future.
But soon, everything shook. A new employee, Laura, joined the company. She was strikingly beautiful, knew it, and used it to her advantage. Over months, she worked to seduce John, and one day he gave in. He felt no regret—Laura brought the spark he’d been craving.
One evening, John came home to find Emma at the kitchen table, quietly crying. Before her lay photos of him with Laura.
— So, — he began defiantly, — going to make a scene?
— No, — she stood and looked him in the eyes. — I don’t know how to make scenes. Be happy, John… Goodbye…
He watched her leave and shrugged. Years together, and he felt nothing for her. Even in bed, he’d just gone through the motions, though he couldn’t deny she always tried to please him. Now she was gone, and he didn’t even try to stop her.
Emma moved into the small condo left by her father. Laura moved in with John, and peace vanished. Loud, talkative, and capricious, Laura couldn’t care less about others. She quickly fell out with neighbors, rudely clashing over parking spots or anything else—she didn’t need a reason to fight. Then she’d nag John, demanding they move to his father’s mansion.
— Johnny… — she whined, — if you don’t want to live there, give the house to me. I’ve always dreamed of a big house…
Two months later, John’s lawyer called one morning, saying someone had tried to attack their assets overnight.
— We need to freeze the accounts, or we’ll lose them.
— But how??? We’ve got deals burning, and the penalties are astronomical. No one will lend to me—I’m drowning in debt. Mike, what do I do?
— I don’t know, boss… If I could sell something, I would. But my old cabin won’t cover a fifth of what we need.
John thought hard. His father’s house. He hated the idea of selling it, but there was no other way. He went to Emma, as her permission was needed for the sale. She greeted him calmly, listened, then shook her head.
— No, John. Andrew wouldn’t approve. You can’t.
— But what am I supposed to do??? You’d probably love to see me ruined… revenge, right?
Emma looked at him, then went to a closet and pulled out a shoebox, placing it before him.
— What’s this? — Open it, and you’ll see.
Inside were stacks of cash, several bank cards, and a folded note. John opened it to find card PINs and the amounts stored on them. Stunned, he realized there was a fortune here, not counting the cash.
— Where did this come from??? — he asked.
— Most of it from Andrew. The rest from my father. Andrew left the cards with me before he died, for you to have in tough times—an emergency fund. He didn’t give them to you so you’d run the business cautiously, thinking you had no one to rely on. And Dad… The man he saved was a wealthy American inspecting that site. Years later, he tracked Dad down and thanked him with a large sum. Dad never told me. When I asked why, he said he didn’t want money to spoil me. He thought if I knew about the millions, I wouldn’t have studied so hard and might’ve turned out like your Lily. Remember her?
— Why didn’t you take it all? I didn’t know about this… You could’ve gone abroad, lived in luxury…
— See, you think I’m like Lily too. But I’m not. This is your money, take it. I have everything I need. I don’t need much.
— Thank you, Emma, — John reached to kiss her, but she held up a hand, stepping back.
— Go, John, it’s time…
He left but glanced back as he reached his car. Emma stood at the window, watching him. Only now did he notice how she’d changed—pale, with dark circles under her eyes, clearly unwell.
That evening, after settling his affairs, John called Emma to check on her.
— I’m fine, — she said with a chuckle, — don’t worry.
He called a few more times, but she seemed burdened by the conversations, so he stopped bothering her. Thanks to Emma, the business was saved, and the new funds even allowed expansion. Still, John felt guilty about her.
Laura had become unbearable—her flashy beauty and volatile temper grated on him, but he couldn’t shake her off. One day, coming home early, he overheard her on the phone.
— I’m telling you, I can’t get the new passwords. He hides everything. Even changed the safe code. Listen, I’ve been feeding you info about him—why haven’t you used it? Greg, I don’t care that you rushed things… I got this job to spy on him for you. And you’re the real idiot…
John stepped forward, took the phone, and spoke to the unseen Greg:
— Don’t believe her. You’re not the idiot—I am… A stubborn, foolish idiot…
Laura gasped, but John held her arm tightly and called his company’s security team. Over the next few days, they rooted out the culprits—three employees were fired.
Once the crisis was resolved, John went to see Emma, but she wasn’t home. She didn’t answer her phone either. A neighbor, recognizing him, said:
— A week ago, an ambulance came for her… They took your wife away…
John didn’t wait to hear more. Dropping the bouquet he’d brought, he raced to the hospital, searching every department, but Emma was nowhere to be found.
— Listen, a couple of days ago, some Emma died. Young woman, eaten up by cancer… Such a tragedy…
John sank onto the dirty hospital steps, sobbing openly. Then his phone buzzed. He answered and leapt up, hearing Emma’s voice:
— John, you called? Is something wrong?
— Emma… Emmy, my darling! You’re alive! Alive! I nearly lost my mind!!!! Where are you????
— In the maternity ward.
— Where???
— The maternity ward. I’m preparing to give birth…
— How? Are you married?
— Well, yes… we never got divorced…
— And the baby??
— Ours. I was pregnant when I left.
— Why didn’t you tell me?
— Why would I? You have your new life, your business, your chaos… You don’t need us…
— No! No! — John shouted desperately.
— I get it now. Forgive me! Please forgive me! I love you more than life itself! You and our son! It’s a boy, right???
— Two…
— Emma!!!
— Yes, John, we’re having twin boys…
John sank back onto the steps, sobbing again… but this time from joy…
Five years later, John—the best husband and most devoted father—stood at his father’s grave on the anniversary of his death, speaking softly:
— Thank you, Dad, for everything… Especially for the happiness named Emma!
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