Our son is getting married soon. We are happy that his bride is Madison, a beautiful girl from a wealthy family. And not that Hailey, a simple rural simpleton. Victoria Hayes, the renowned owner of a chain of cosmetic salons and SPA complexes, boasted to her friend about her future daughter-in-law.

Ethan heard these words only after returning from work. He worked as the financial director in his mother’s business. Victoria Hayes proudly introduced her grown-up son to her longtime friend Sophia, who had come from abroad for her godson’s wedding. Sophia was amazed to see how Ethan had grown and become a real man. He was young, tall, and athletic.

Education abroad had played its role, and the business was developing successfully. Recently, they had moved with his mother to a new house in Bel Air. That’s what people called the new elite residential complex built exclusively for businessmen and politicians behind closed doors.

Many of Victoria Hayes’s business successes became possible thanks to Charles Bennett, a major investor who had invested significant funds in the project. Although cosmetology is not his main direction, he did it for the sake of his daughter Madison. She is a smart and well-groomed girl who attracts the attention and hearts of many men.

Having met Ethan at the anniversary of a mutual acquaintance, Madison managed to attract his attention. Ethan was so enchanted by her that he completely forgot about his relationship with Hailey, whom he had accidentally met a couple of months ago in a rural town. That day, his friend Dylan, the main instigator of their group, was celebrating receiving his university diploma in an expensive cottage.

After a considerable amount of alcohol, the friends decided to go to a country dance club, where Dylan joked about Ethan and his new acquaintance with Hailey. They thought that a rural girl did not match the status of their group and was only suitable for cleaning toilets. Dylan, frowning, proposed the following plan then.

Let’s prank this girl so she understands her place and doesn’t stick her nose where it doesn’t belong. Ethan, invite her to dance. Let her feel like a princess, show her attention, and then just turn away.

We’ll play a trick on this naive provincial fool. Ethan agreed. Why not, for the sake of good fun, you can come up with something like that.

When the slow music played, Ethan approached the girl and asked, may I invite you to dance? She, holding her breath, answered yes. Her wide-open eyes looked at him, her face almost without makeup, her sensual lips as if longing for his kiss. What’s your name, asked Ethan.

My name is Hailey, the girl replied. And I’m Ethan. Would you like to meet me again, he suggested.

Yes, of course, without hesitation, Hailey answered. They talked a lot that evening and danced, from the side it even seemed that they were the closest people, who had fallen in love with each other at first sight. At the end of the passionate evening, Ethan suggested to the girl that they date.

Hailey was on cloud nine and, without hesitation, agreed to meet the guy the very next day. The weekend flew by quickly, and then Ethan left for the city. On the way home, he reflected on the new sensations he had experienced.

Thinking that he could spend the next weekend with Hailey again, he realized that it probably wouldn’t happen. His mother had opened a new cosmetic salon, and there was a lot of work. However, soon after that, a fateful meeting with Madison happened, and she became his bride.

Ethan was already thinking about his wedding and choosing a suit in an expensive boutique. It was hard for him to decide, but the saleswoman assured him that any suit would look great on his figure. At the same time, in the bridal salon, Madison was intently examining wedding outfits.

She noted, this is too exquisite, and this is too modest and doesn’t match my status. But this dress is perfect, it’s extraordinarily beautiful, strict, and at the same time romantic. In two days, Ethan and Madison will have a great event; they will become husband and wife…

The marriage registration will take place at the city courthouse, and the celebration will be held in a prestigious suburban community outside the city. The last days of summer passed unnoticed, full of preparations for the wedding. And now the newlyweds, nervous like schoolchildren before an exam, stand before the courthouse official who will soon register their marriage.

To the joyful cheers of the guests, the young couple descends to a luxurious limousine. Ethan was focused on his current concerns and plans, not remembering his past romance with Hailey. However, Hailey always remembered him.

Accidentally learning about his wedding, she suffered from grief but found the strength to approach the courthouse. Seeing him with his new wife, she felt immense pain and rushed away, ignoring those around her. The wedding celebration itself was magnificent.

Congratulations, music, jokes, and laughter continued until late evening. The most important gift was the keys to their own apartment, given to the newlyweds by the bride’s father, Charles Bennett. She and Ethan were already dreaming of being alone.

«Let’s escape from everyone,» Ethan suggested, smiling. «Let’s,» Madison replied decisively. Crossing the threshold of the room for their first wedding night, they were amazed.

The room was beautifully decorated at Ethan’s request, exceeding all expectations. «I have another surprise for you,» Ethan said with a smile, pulling an envelope with tickets and a travel voucher for two from his jacket pocket. It was their honeymoon, which he had organized as a gift for his beloved Madison.

«You’re just my wizard,» she said admiringly, accepting the gift. «Not quite yet, but soon I’ll become a real wizard for you,» Ethan smiled mysteriously. He was planning to arrange a real fairy tale for her very soon.

He didn’t know what prompted him to arrange this surprise, but he was sure it would bring Madison joy. The bedroom balcony was decorated with bright lanterns and candles. And when Ethan stepped onto the balcony, he noticed that the garlands were hanging a bit crookedly.

The man decided to fix them, but suddenly lost his balance and fell from the third floor. A strong impact echoed throughout the yard, making Madison shudder in horror. She ran out to the balcony and saw Ethan lying motionless on the asphalt, surrounded by pools of blood.

The next few minutes were filled with panic and fear. She suddenly screamed. Her scream attracted doctors, ambulances, and the remaining guests.

Commotion, shocked faces, stretchers, and surgery—all of it was like a fog for Madison. Finally, after a two-hour operation, she asked the doctor about Ethan’s condition. Will he make it? she said anxiously.

Young body, he will survive. The doctor paused for a moment. She sensed something wrong and screamed.

What happened? The doctor’s answer was shocking. Ethan will no longer be able to walk; his spine is broken. She frighteningly realized that this was not a nightmare, but reality…

Is there a chance for recovery, she asked in a trembling voice. The doctor replied that there is always a chance, but in their case, it is minimal. I will do everything possible, but I don’t promise a miracle, he added at the end of the conversation.

Leaving the hospital, she felt her world collapsing. She called her father Charles Bennett and burst into tears. Daddy, what should I do? I can’t handle this.

I’m used to a strong male shoulder, and now such a disaster. Hopelessness overwhelmed her. Dad, listen, my youth and beauty will go to waste.

I can’t endure this. She didn’t let her father get a word in, continuing to cry into the phone. Calm down, my daughter, I understand it’s hard for you, but you chose him yourself.

We’ll find the best doctors; everything will be fine. A month later, Ethan was discharged from the hospital, but his depression wouldn’t go away. He refused the wheelchair but understood that he would inevitably have to accept it.

She avoided her husband; his presence reminded her of the lost life. Once, her friend Chloe called and suggested distracting herself at a corporate event. Maddie, will you come? asked Chloe.

But you know my situation, friend, she replied. Yeah, I know, everything’s fine, but we need to distract from problems. Come on, Chloe insisted.

And so she got ready, couldn’t resist such temptation, didn’t give herself even a minute to think, just grabbed her things and tried to slip past Ethan unnoticed. But, alas, his gaze was already on her. Where are you going, his voice rang out.

Just to a friend’s for a minute, I’ll be back soon, she threw at her husband, feeling his fists clench in pain, and a single tear roll down his cheek. She was home less and less often. And each time she returned later and later.

Rumors spread that she had a new man. And then the day came when she decided to have a serious talk with Ethan. I’m very sorry it turned out this way, she began.

But we need to be honest; you’re disabled, and I want to live a full life. With you, that won’t happen; I’ll file for divorce. And I’ll keep the apartment since my father bought it.

You and your mother have your own wonderful apartment. Ethan couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He turned away from Madison and hissed through his teeth, go away.

And just a few days later, the former bride evicted him from the apartment. Everything will work out, don’t worry, his mother comforted him. But for Ethan, these words sounded empty and mocking.

Mom, listen, what can work out. I’m disabled and no one needs me. I don’t want to live anymore, he said with difficulty, holding back tears.

His mother just grabbed his hand and burst into tears. Ethan’s friends also turned into mere decorations. They dropped by to visit him once, and then vanished….

But their parties continued nonstop, especially popular now was the new couple, Madison and her boyfriend. They were at every party like show stars, and everyone was talking about it. Once, all of Ethan’s friends ended up in the same town where they had fun together at the country dance club before.

Ah, how fun it is here. These rural beauties and handsome guys are so amusing, like in a comedy movie, Madison giggled, addressing her new admirer. But she didn’t even notice that the very girl Hailey, whom Ethan had met before, had been staring at her for a long time.

Hailey couldn’t hold back her emotions and approached the group of merry young people. «And where is Ethan?» she asked anxiously. The guys exchanged confused glances, not knowing what to say.

But Madison, with unshakable confidence, immediately blurted out. «Ethan is no longer here. Now we have one unfortunate invalid.»

Hailey looked at Madison with hatred. Inside her, rage boiled like a volcano ready to erupt. «Then why are you here?» she shouted.

«You should be with your husband, not dancing here at the club. You’re just worthless.» Bursting into tears the next second, Hailey ran out of the club and the next day went to the city.

She didn’t know what exactly she was looking for, but she found Victoria Hayes’s address. Finally, the hostess answered her persistent knock. «What do you want here?» she snapped.

«May I see Ethan?» Hailey asked, not frightened by Victoria Hayes’s strict tone. «And who is this?» asked Victoria Hayes, coming around the corner. «It’s that very Hailey from the rural backwoods,» the girl replied with a smile.

«Did you really come here just to gloat over my son? I won’t allow it. I love him; his trouble is my trouble,» said Victoria Hayes with determination. Hailey sincerely replied.

«I’m willing to help you.» But soon Ethan’s desperate cry rang out. Victoria Hayes just waved her hand, refusing to interfere.

Ethan thought in horror, why did you let her in here; she’s enjoying my misfortune after I dumped her. «Why are you here?» he asked Hailey. «To get revenge,» the girl replied.

«Since you dumped me, you deserved such treatment,» she said, not giving in to provocations. But in response to her words, Ethan, in the heat of the moment, began accusing her, wanting to ignite a conflict. But Hailey remained calm and firm, ready to help despite all obstacles.

Hailey was calm like a rock when Ethan tried to stir her up. «Don’t talk about what you don’t know,» she said without a single tremor in her voice. Ethan was struck.

Where do you get this pride? I dumped you and married another. But Hailey just replied, «I can’t remain indifferent when you’re suffering.» At night in the cramped room, Hailey couldn’t sleep…

A sound like rustling sand woke her from restless sleep. Listening carefully, she realized the sound was coming from Ethan’s room.

Throwing off the blanket, she flared up like she was burned by an electric shock and rushed to Ethan.

There she found him stirring a murky liquid next to papers on the floor. Hailey instantly realized what was happening. Ethan was on the brink of despair, but at the last moment, Hailey saved him from suicide.

Her words pierced his heart and restored hope for the future. She convinced him that there are ways to defeat the illness, including through physical exercises and special equipment. Ethan promised to try and took on himself with new strength.

Victoria Hayes spared no money to provide her son with the best equipment and an experienced trainer.

But when the man felt pain after the first exercises, he gave up training and simply fired the trainer. Hailey didn’t understand where she got the strength to convince Ethan to return to training.

Despite many failures, she didn’t give up and fought for him again and again. Poor thing, how much she has to endure, Victoria Hayes exclaimed more than once. But Hailey didn’t stop; she was ready for anything for her beloved man.

Hailey was a true guardian angel for Ethan. Her love and devotion were immeasurable, and every day she proved her willingness to fight for him.

Thanks to her efforts and support, Ethan began to believe in himself and his strength again.

The doctors were only amazed at the positive dynamics of his health and mood. However, when Hailey had to leave for a few days, Ethan experienced fear and anxiety. ..

His heart longed for her presence, and every day without her was like eternity.

But finally, Hailey returned, and they were enveloped again in an atmosphere of tenderness and care. Ethan’s gaze was full not only of gratitude but also of love for this strong and determined woman.

Hailey and Ethan were connected not only by mutual care but also by the incredible power of love, which helped them overcome all difficulties.

And although the path to recovery was long and complicated, they were ready to walk it together hand in hand. On that Saturday, when the weather outside was exceptionally warm and sunny, Ethan and Hailey decided to enjoy a walk in the park.

Playfully throwing fallen yellow-red leaves into the air, they felt like children immersed in a joyful game.

But suddenly Hailey felt unwell; her smile changed to a pale face. Ethan got scared. «Hailey, what’s wrong with you? You’re not sick, are you?»

But Hailey reassured him, saying everything would be fine.

However, Hailey’s words about the child she was expecting from him made Ethan shift from joy to complete fright. Without expecting it himself, he stood up on his feet, grabbing the handles of his wheelchair.

Hailey hugged him tightly and assured him that everything would be fine.

On Ethan’s face, a whole mixture of feelings was reflected: joy and at the same time fright, but also confidence that he and Hailey would be able to overcome all difficulties in their path.