Chapter 1 – The Marriage of Love

Daniel was forty-seven. He was not rich. He was not famous. He lived a simple life. He wanted love. He wanted someone who would stand with him. He wanted someone who would see his heart, not his money.

Elena was forty-five. She was beautiful. She was smart. She had talent. She could sing. She could write. She could lead people. Many men wanted to marry her. Some were younger. Some were richer. Some had big houses. Some had cars and power. But Elena said no to all of them.

Her parents did not understand. Her friends did not understand. People asked her again and again, “Why not choose a rich man? Why not choose a young man? Why choose Daniel? He is older. He has nothing big.”

Elena smiled and said, “I do not want money. I do not want power. I want love. I want truth. Daniel has truth in his eyes. He is the man I want.”

Daniel did not believe it. He looked at her and asked, “Why me, Elena? You can have a rich life. You can live with comfort. I cannot give you that. I have only work. I have only a small home. Why leave all those men for me?”

Elena touched his hand and said, “Because I love you. I cannot marry for money. I cannot marry for name. Love is not a business. My heart calls your name. I will not betray my heart. I will stand with you.”

Daniel went home that night and could not sleep. He thought, This woman is ready to leave everything for me. I must respect her. I must not break her trust. I must keep my promise.

They married. The wedding was small. There were no big decorations. There was no rich food. But there was love. Elena looked into his eyes and said, “I choose you.” Daniel whispered, “I will be with you till the end.”

Life began. Soon they had a child. Daniel held the baby and cried. He said, “This is our love. This baby is our gift. I will work for this child. I will protect this child.” Elena smiled. She said, “See, Daniel. Our love has a face now.”

Two more children came later. Their home was full of small voices. Their home was full of laughter. The children cried at night. Elena stayed awake. Daniel tried to help when he was home. But most of the time, Daniel worked abroad. He packed his bag, kissed Elena, and said, “Take care of them. I will be back soon.”

Elena smiled, but her heart broke each time. She stayed with the children. She cooked. She cleaned. She taught them. She waited for Daniel’s call. Sometimes he called. Sometimes he did not. She forgave him. She told herself, He is working for us. He is tired. He still loves us.

The children missed their father. On birthdays they asked, “Where is daddy?” Elena smiled and said, “He is working for us. He loves you.” Later she cried alone in her room. She missed him too.

Friends told her, “You are lucky. Daniel is a good man. He sends money. He cares for you.” Elena smiled outside. Inside she felt empty. She wanted him home. She wanted him to see the children grow.

Still she stood strong. She said in her heart, I left the world for him. I will not regret my choice. I will stand by him.

Daniel also thought of her when he was far away. He looked at her picture. He whispered, “She gave me her youth. She gave me her trust. I must not hurt her.” But slowly, the distance grew. He became busy. She became lonely. Love was still there, but cracks were starting.

There were times when Elena sat by the window and thought, Did I make the right choice? I gave up so much. I trusted him with all my life. I hope he never forgets what I gave up. She never spoke these words. She kept them in her heart. She smiled for her children. She smiled for the world.

Daniel too sometimes felt guilty. He thought, I am far from them. I miss birthdays. I miss school days. I miss small moments. I am working for them. But I am not with them. Will they understand? Will Elena forgive me for all this distance?

But whenever they met again, the love was still alive. Elena welcomed him with tears in her eyes. Daniel hugged her and said, “I missed you.” She whispered, “I missed you more.” They sat together. They laughed with the children. They tried to make up for lost time.

This was the life they built. A life full of love. A life full of sacrifice. A life full of hope. From outside, people saw a perfect couple. From inside, Elena carried her pain. She carried her sacrifice. Daniel carried his guilt. And slowly, the seeds of distance grew.

The story of their marriage started with love. It started with choice. It started with truth. Elena left every other man for Daniel. She gave him her trust. Daniel promised to protect that trust. But trust is a heavy weight. And sometimes even the strongest man can fail.

This was only the beginning of their story. A story that looked strong but was weak inside. A story that would later break open and show the truth.