Nothing could be doneEmily Whitmore was powerless against her headstrong daughter, Sophie. Their family was well-off: Sophies father, Edward Whitmore, was a respected doctor, and her mother worked as an accountant for a modest firm.
Sophie had fallen for Daniel, a handsome and earnest young man, but in Emilys eyes, he came from the wrong side of the tracksnot the son-in-law she had envisioned. Daniels mother had died in childbirth, leaving him to be raised by his father, Thomas, and his grandmother. The grandmother had been frail, passing away when Daniel was fifteen, leaving just him and his fathera lorry driver who never remarried.
Father and son shared a strong bond, understanding one another without words. Thomas never touched a drop of alcohol, always supporting his boy. Daniel, in turn, never asked for more than they could afford, throwing himself into sports instead.
“Dad, Ive met Sophie,” Daniel said one evening. “Shes brilliantbut her mother rules the roost. Mrs. Whitmores got high standards, and I dont think I measure up. Every time Im at their house, I can feel it.”
“Son, its not her mother who matters,” Thomas reassured him. “What counts is the love between you two.”
But Sophie and Daniel were too wrapped up in each other to care. They were in love, wedding plans already underway. Emily, however, seethed in silence, determined to break them apart. A mechanic was no match for her daughter.
The wedding felt more like a funeral. The only smiles came from the bride, groom, and their friends.
“Is this really the wedding I wanted for my only daughter?” Emily thought bitterly, watching Sophie walk down the aislenot in white, but in a soft beige dress that brought out the auburn in her hair, crowned with a delicate floral wreath. And trainers.
Daniel matched her in a shirt of the same shade, jeans, and trainers. To the younger crowd, it was bold, modern. To Emily, it was a scandal.
“Edward, what on earth is this?” she hissed, nodding toward the couple.
“Thats our daughter and Daniel, her husband,” Edward replied calmly.
“I meant their outfits!” she snapped.
“Seems very modern, doesnt it? They look happy.”
Emilys disapproval didnt stop there. Daniels father, Thomas, sat awkwardly in the posh restaurant, wearing a threadbare suit, clearly out of place.
But the harshest critic was Sophies grandmother, Margareta stern woman who had tried to dissuade her granddaughter.
“Sophie, call this off. That boy has no proper family, no proper prospects. A mechanic? How will he provide?”
“Gran, he didnt choose his family. I love him. Thats all that matters.”
Margaret scowled but saw the resolve in Sophies eyes. Later, she muttered to Emily, “How could you allow this?”
“I tried everything, Mum. You know how stubborn she is.”
Margaret sighed. “Takes after you.”
Emily stiffened. “Dont start.”
Years ago, Emily had been just as wilful. When she met Edward, he was still tangled up with his ex, Eleanora woman who toyed with him, vanishing for months before reappearing. Then Emily came alongsharp, confident, and unyielding.
One evening, Eleanor showed up unannounced, only to find Emily wrapped in a towel.
“So this is who replaced me?” she sneered.
“My girlfriend,” Edward said firmly, pulling Emily close.
Eleanor left, but not without a final jab: “Well see who he chooses.”
She soon married and moved away, though not without trying to reclaim Edward. It didnt work. Emily had won.
Still, Margaret never approved of Edward. He took it in stride, knowing no man would ever meet her standards.
Now, watching his wife whisper with her mother, Edward smirked. “Discussing me again?”
“Twenty years ago, we finished with you. Now its your son-in-laws turn.”
“Hes a good lad. Life will sort itself out.”
The evening ended, the newlyweds spending their first night in a hotel before moving in with Sophies parentsEmilys idea. She hadnt given up.
“No children yet? Easier to split them,” she thought.
But fate had other plans. News arrived: Eleanor was back in town. Emilys focus shifted. She became paranoid, inspecting Edwards clothes, showing up at his practice.
Finally, he confronted her. “Hiring a detective next?”
Emily didnt deny it. “If she shows up, will you go running?”
“She already did. Came to my clinic.”
Emily paled. “And?”
Edward grinned. “Nothing. Youre the only woman I love.”
Relief washed over her. She clung to him, laughing.
Meanwhile, Sophie and Daniel built their life together. One evening, Sophie announced, “Mum, Dadyoure going to be grandparents.”
Emily nearly choked. “So soon?”
Sophie smirked. “Dont you know where babies come from?”
“Im too young!”
“Then youll be a young grandmother.”
Emily sighed. Perhaps this was meant to be. If fate had stepped in, shed accept it.
Edward, meanwhile, couldnt wait. A grandchild was on the wayand life, as always, had its own rules.
