Holding a Grudge

**A Grudge Held Close**

After finishing school, Emily completed her nursing degree and returned to her hometowna quiet village in the Cotswolds. She had always dreamed of working as a community nurse, especially now that the local clinic had been renovated with new equipment. And with old Mrs. Thompson nearing retirement, the timing felt perfect.

“Oh, Emily, love, Ive waited so long for you to take over,” Mrs. Thompson sighed with relief. “I shouldve retired years ago, but your father, James, asked me to hold on until you got your qualification. Now I can finally rest easy, knowing the place is in good hands.”

“Yes, Mrs. Thompson, Ill do my best. Though if I need help, Ill come to youIm still learning.”

“Of course, dear. You just ask.”

And so began Emilys days at the clinic. Villagers came with ailments, some trivialjust a blood pressure checkothers testing her knowledge. But a year passed, and slowly, trust grew. She treated everyone with care, never turning anyone away.

Then Daniel started visiting more oftennow his back ached, now his knee, now a cut on his finger. The clinics receptionist, Mrs. Harris, sharp-eyed despite her years, noticed the way he looked at Emilyand how Emily looked back.

“Seems Daniels found reasons to drop by rather often,” Mrs. Harris teased.

Love bloomed between them. They walked hand in hand through the lanes, inseparable. Soon, Daniel proposed, and Emily gladly accepted. What she didnt notice was Michaelthe village mechanic, tall and handsomewatching her. Once, he even tried to walk her home, but she refused firmly.

“Michael, havent you heard? Im marrying Daniel soon.”

“Oh, Ive heard,” he muttered. “The whole village wont shut up about it. But I fancy you toomore than he does. Whats he got that I dont?”

“Leave it, Michael. I love Daniel. Theres plenty of girls out therefind one wholl make you happy.”

She didnt realise how deeply shed wounded his pridetoo wrapped up in her own joy. The wedding came, the village celebrated, and a year later, Emily gave birth to little Alfie. He was adoredby his parents, by doting grandparents. Emily stayed home with him while Mrs. Harris managed the clinic, calling for advice when needed.

Lost in motherhood, she barely noticed Daniel pulling awayuntil it was too late. One evening, he came home grim-faced.

“You know Michael well, then?”

“Of course I know himhes from the village. Once came to the clinic with a cut. Mrs. Harris dressed it. Why are you asking?”

“The whole villages saying Alfie isnt minethat hes Michaels. Even your dad went to confront him, and he admitted there was something between you.”

Emily stood frozen. “How? When?”

She suddenly realised her parents hadnt visited in weekstoo ashamed of her. Meanwhile, Michael had spread rumours, claiming shed pursued him. The gossip spread like wildfire.

“That nurse of ours was sneaking about,” the women whispered. “Had a child by another man, not her husband.”

Even Emilys in-laws turned against her.

“James, your daughters shamed us. Our son will leave her,” her mother-in-law hissed.

“Dont talk rot,” James snappedbut doubt gnawed at him. Confronting Michael, he demanded the truth.

“Whats this about my grandson not being Daniels?”

“Why should I lie? Your girl threw herself at me. Wanted to leave her husband. But whod take a woman like that?”

James was stunned. He nearly stormed to Emilys, but held back. Meanwhile, Daniel packed his things and left.

“God, what have I done?” Emily whispered, clutching Alfie.

Days passed in silence. The village sky burned red at dusk. Alfie slept soundlynearly one year old now. Emily had planned to return to work soon.

“Oh, Alfie,” she murmured, tears falling. “No one wants us now.”

The betrayal cut deep. Only her friend Lucy stood by her, bringing groceries.

“Daniels a fool for believing gossip,” Lucy said. “And Michael God, Michael. Ive loved him for years. He swears you chased himbut I dont believe it.”

“Lucy, why would he do this?”

“Because you turned him down. He wanted Daniel gonethought he could have you then.”

Emily knew she had to confront Michaelbut how? Then fate intervened.

Lucy burst in one morning, frantic. “Come quicksomeones ill. The ambulance might not make itroads are flooded.”

At Michaels cottage, Emily hesitated.

“Please,” Lucy begged. “Help himfor me.”

Reluctantly, Emily treated himalcohol poisoning. She stabilised him, the ambulance never arriving. As he recovered, she left, hollow with anger.

Two days later, Michael was well. Lucy pressed him to confess.

“I never meant it to go this far,” he admitted. “Couldnt stand her rejecting me.”

“You ruined her life. Tell the truth.”

The next day, word spreadMichael was leaving the village for good. At the bus stop, villagers gathered as he stood, rucksack on his back.

“Forgive me,” he said hoarsely. “I lied about Emily. She never looked twice at me. I wanted Daniel gonethought I could take his place. But it was madness. Im ashamed.”

Emilys father arrived, fists clenched.

“James, Ive wronged you. I cant stay here.”

As Michael left, the village murmured. Emilys parents returned, begging forgiveness. Even her mother-in-law came, full of regret.

In time, the gossip faded. Emily went back to work, smiling again, healing her communityand they, in turn, loved her as they always had. But the sting of betrayal never quite left her.

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