Emily took ages getting ready, twirling in front of the mirror and critiquing every detail. After all, today was a big day! James had asked her out to a swanky restaurant in Mayfair, presumably to pop the question. She also had a secret of her own: the doctor had just told her she was two months pregnant. She imagined Jamess face lighting up with delight.
The thought of a wedding, a lovely dress, and James by her side filled her with hope. After a childhood in a childrens home, shed finally landed a job as a waitress at a pizza place when James, a polished, wellread young man, started chatting her up. He sent flowers, quoted Keats, and seemed like a prince from a romance novel. Emily fell for him instantly, hanging on his every word. The only snag was that James never seemed eager to introduce her to his friends or family; he always claimed he was too busy and kept their meetings under wraps.
When James learned about the pregnancy, his demeanor turned sour. He shouted, What were you thinking? A baby now? Ive got a contract with a firm in Barcelona, my futures on the line! Fine, Ill pay for a private doctor and sort this out in a week, he snapped.
Emily burst into tears, pleading, James, you cant just end the baby! Its already alive in there. I thought you loved me. Im keeping this child! She fled back to her flat, slipping over puddles in her haste.
James, irritated, muttered that hed never intended anything seriousjust a fling with a pretty waitress. He already had a lucrative match lined up with the ambassadors daughter, Charlotte, and his move to Barcelona hinged on that marriage. When he saw a newspaper ad for A weekend getaway in the Scottish Highlands campfires, folk songs, wild woods! he thought, Perfect. Ill whisk her away, leave her in the forest, and no one will bother looking for an orphan.
The next day Emily was a mess at work, dropping plates and getting scolded. Suddenly her phone rang. It was James, apologising, I was wrong, love. Lets make it up. How about a romantic trip to the Highlands this weekend? Youve always wanted that, right? Emily squealed with joy, He finally came to his senses! Im in! She agreed without a second thought, dreaming of three days together in the fresh, pinescented air.
The Highlands did not disappoint. Towering pines, endless heather, and crisp, clean breezes made Emily feel alive. She followed the guides every word, sang with the other hikers, and even helped catch a trout for the campfire dinner. That night they stayed in a rustic lodge near a tiny village of ten cottages. James grew nervous; his plan was teetering.
He woke Emily, halfasleep, and said, Darling, Ive lost my documents at the rest stop. I need to find them; they have my bank cards and passport. Emily suggested waiting until morning, but James begged, We cant wait. I know the route, Ill take a torch. Please help me. Trusting, she followed, unaware of the rope coiled under his jacket.
They wandered off the marked trail, cold and exhausted. The forest at night felt ominous, every rustle suggesting a predator. Emily, shivering, pleaded, James, enough. Were lost, your wallets gone, and a torch wont help. Lets go back tomorrow. James snarled, You chose this, you idiot! May you stay lost forever! He struck her on the head with a heavy log, knocking her to the ground.
He dragged her deeper into the woods, tied her to a tree with a rope, gagged her, and snatched her battered backpack, stuffing it into his suitcase. He sprinted back to the lodge, hoping the wild would finish the job.
The next morning he told the guide, Alexander, My fiancée fell ill last night and left by taxi. Im heading home, I wont stay. Alexander, unimpressed, replied, Very well. Take your time; the bus will be ready when youre ready. James breathed a sigh of relief, convinced his problem was solved.
Emily awoke around noon, numb and bruised, still bound to the tree. Mosquito bites swarmed her, and two glowing wolf eyes stared from the darkness. The beast lunged, but gunshots rang out, scaring it away. A burly ranger in camouflage, scarred across his cheek, appeared. Are you alright? Let me untie you. He freed her, carried her to his cabin, and tended her wounds.
For three weeks the ranger, David, nursed Emily back to health, feeding her herbal teas and listening to her sobbing about James. When she finally recovered, he asked, Whats your name? Emily, she whispered. He offered her a place to stay, saying, Ill look after you and your child. If you ever want to go back to the city, Ill help.
Emily accepted. Over the next eighteen years, David, a former soldier turned gamekeeper, and Emily built a modest life in the Highlands. They raised a son, Harry, a bright, athletic lad who dreamed of studying medicine in London. When Harry was accepted to university, Emily insisted, Ill go with you. Ive never been to the capital, and Ill make sure you settle in. David reluctantly agreed, fearing the citys pull.
In London, they marveled at skyscrapers, bustling tube stations, and the endless stream of strangers. On the underground platform, a ragged man approached, begging for change. Something about his gaunt face seemed familiar. He shouted, Emily? Is that you? Its James! The memory hit her like a cold splash of water.
James, now a homeless drifter, tried to claim Harry as his son, pointing out a mole on his ear. Harry, confused, asked his mother, Who is this? Emily, trembling, told him the truth: Eighteen years ago, after learning I was pregnant, James abandoned me in the woods, hit me with a log, and left me for dead. Hes the one who scarred me. She continued, David saved me and raised you as his own. James has lived a wretched life, but hes not your father.
Harry, furious, shouted, Youre a monster! Ive got a proper dad now. Leave us alone! He embraced his mother, saying, Lets go, Mum. Weve got an interview to catch. James stood there, humbled and broken, whispering, Im sorry, son. Forgive me. He watched them disappear into the bustling station, the weight of his crimes finally crushing him.
Back in the Highlands, David and Emily welcomed Harry home after his first term. They celebrated with tea, fresh scones, and a pot of cranberry jam, laughing about their London adventure. No one mentioned James again; the forest had given them a new family, and that was enough.
