In the sprawling city of London, Edward Harrison was a man many knewa successful restaurateur with a chain of upscale eateries and cafés, even expanding to a few locations in Manchester. He was known for his ruthless demeanour, a man who never forgave slights. Money smoothed every path, and he made sure of it.
He lived with his family in a grand countryside estate, though he owned several city flats. The countryside was betterquieter, fresher air, nestled by a serene lake with woods nearby.
His only daughter, Poppy, had just finished her A-levels and secured her place at university.
“Daddy,” she called him excitedly, “I got inall on my own. No favours needed. My names on the list. Im officially a student!”
“Well done, love. Knew you had it in you. I owe you a gift.”
“The latest iPhone, remember? You promised.”
“Consider it already in your pocket,” he chuckled.
Even if Poppy had failed, Edward would have orchestrated her acceptance. But he was proudgenuinely sothat shed managed without his interference.
Margaret, his wife, laid out a celebratory dinnera family affair to toast Poppys achievement. Edward arrived home, finding them already at the table, waiting.
“Hello, my girls,” he said, twirling the phone box in his hand. “Here, darlingyou earned it.”
“Oh, Daddy, youre the absolute best. Always making my dreams come true!” Poppy beamed.
Edward, though usually buried in work, had made time tonight. Normally, hed return lateMargaret was used to it. Between business meetings, nights with friends at exclusive clubs, or the occasional indiscretion with younger women, his schedule was packed.
Poppy had grown up in luxurydesigner clothes, gourmet meals, surrounded by the elite. Those outside her circle thought her arrogant, but they didnt know her. Beneath the privilege, she was kind and sincere.
By her third year at university, Poppy often met friends at her fathers restaurants. For the past six months, shed been dating Oliver, a fellow student from a wealthy family. Unlike Poppy, who earned her grades, Oliver coasted on his fathers influence. He was cruel, mocking those less fortunate, sneering at girls in high-street fashion.
Poppy often cringed at his behaviour.
“Oliver, have some decency. Not everyone can afford designer labels like you.”
But he never listened. Lately, shed had enough.
“Im ending things with Oliver. Hes unbearable,” she confided in her best friend, Lily.
“Hell throw a fit, but Im with you. He acts like he owns the world.”
The confrontation was heated.
“Oliver, were done. And you need to rethink how you treat people.”
“People? Theyre all just sheep,” he scoffed.
“So thats what you think of me?”
“Guess so, if youre dumping me. Youll regret it.”
“Doubt it. Goodbye.” She waved him off and slid into her car.
For months, Poppy stayed single, though suitors swarmed. Even Olivers friends were relieved, vying for her attention.
One evening, after lectures, she and Lily stopped at one of her fathers cafés. A waiter approachedtall, dark-haired, with striking green eyes.
“Good afternoon. What can I get you?” His gaze locked onto Poppys, and she felt something shift.
“Like twin emeralds,” she thought, while Lily smirked.
They ordered, but Poppy couldnt shake his image.
“Blimey, youre smitten,” Lily teased.
“Lily, his eyesthey just I dont know.”
“Right, well, hes not exactly your type.”
His name was Daniel. A final-year engineering student, working part-time to support himself. His mother lived in a small villagehed learned early to stand on his own.
That night, Poppy couldnt sleep. Daniels face haunted her. The next day, she returned to the café, heart pounding.
Few customers lingered. Daniel spotted her and flushed.
“Daniel, how long have you worked here?” she asked impulsively.
“Four months. Just until I graduate. Im not supposed to chat with customers, but Id like to.”
“Same. When do you finish?”
“Forty minutes.”
“Ill wait.”
That evening, they walked for hours. Daniel hesitatedPoppy drove a luxury car; he took the Tube. She was clearly from wealth.
Yet, against the glitter of her privileged world, Daniel stood outgenuine, attentive, different. Soon, they were inseparable, stealing secret moments.
But their happiness was short-lived. Oliver, bitter about being dumped, made sure Edward found out.
When her parents confronted her, Edward was livid.
“Poppy, youre dating a waiter from my café? Have you lost your mind?”
“Dad, hes graduating soon. Hes just working there for now!”
“Dont raise your voice at me. I expected you to marry into our circle, not embarrass me. If you dont end this, Ill make sure he regrets it.”
Poppy wept. She loved Daniel, had dreamed of a future with him.
Edward made good on his threat. Using his connections, he had Daniel fired.
“Understand thisI can ruin you. Leave London. Stay away from my daughter.”
With no choice, Daniel packed his things. He tried calling Poppy, but her number was disconnected. He didnt know Lilys details. Heartbroken, he left.
Poppy was shattered. Edward had deleted Daniels number, warning her never to see him again.
Years passed. Poppy marriedher parents choicebut the union lasted barely eighteen months.
Then tragedy struck. Edward died in a car crash. Margaret, devastated, urged Poppy to take over the family business.
“Its too much, Mum.”
“Geoffreyyour fathers right-hand manwill guide you. Hes trustworthy.”
Under Geoffreys mentorship, Poppy thrived.
But her personal life remained empty. Lily, now married with a daughter, convinced her to visit Edinburgh for New Years.
“Come with us. My in-laws have space.”
Something drew Poppy there. The citys charm, its historyshe couldnt resist.
Walking along Princes Street, she collided with a man. Looking up, her breath caught.
Daniel.
His eyesthose same emerald poolslocked onto hers.
“Poppy?”
“Daniel!” She clung to him, terrified hed vanish.
They stood, oblivious to the world, knowing fate had granted them a second chance.
“I always knew wed meet,” he whispered. “You cant replace someone you love.”
“Neither can I.”
The following days were a blur of joy. They wandered the city, rediscovering each other.
Poppy realised this was no accident. Shed lived by others rulesnow, shed choose her own path.
Daniel, now a successful engineer, returned to London with her. Love outweighed pride.
They married. At thirty, Poppys life found new meaning. A son came first, then a daughter. Happiness, at last.
