“I’m not interested in gaining another daughter-in-law, so do whatever you like!” declared the mother to her son.

Matthew is graduating from university when the thought strikes him: he wants to marry his first love from secondary school, Emily. Emily is attractive, but more importantly, shes kind and bright. Shes wrapping up her dissertation at the same time as Matthew. They make a promise to each othertheyll wed as soon as their academic work is complete.

Matthew decides its time to share the news with his mum, but shes not thrilled. She flatly tells him he’ll need to marry Jessica, the girl next door, or remain single. Then she poses the question: what matters morethe career she dreams for him, or his love for Emily? His mother pictures him becoming an accomplished professional.

Jessica comes from a prosperous family and, shes had feelings for Matthew for ages. Hes caught up with Emily, thoughEmily doesnt belong to any well-known family, and her mum has a questionable reputation. What will the neighbours think?

I dont need another daughter-in-law, so do as you please, Matthews mum declares.

He tries to persuade her, but she wont budge. Finally, she insists that if he marries Emily, shell never forgive them. Matthew loses his nerve. He and Emily stay together for another six months, but slowly, their relationship fades away.

Eventually, Matthew marries Jessica. She genuinely loves him, but they decide against a formal ceremonyMatthew doesnt want Emily to see any wedding photos. Life goes on. Jessicas wealthy background means Matthew moves into their sprawling home. His parents pull strings, helping his career along. But happiness never finds him.

Matthew is uninterested in having children. Jessica tries to change his mind, but when she realises he wont compromise, she files for divorce. By then, Matthews well into his forties, and Jessica is thirty-eight. She eventually has a child and finds true joy.

Matthew still longs for Emily. He searches for her in vain; its as though shes vanished. Then a mutual friend tells him the truthEmily married the first man she met after their split, and he was a dreadful person.

In the aftermath, Matthew moves back into his parents old flat and spends his days drinking away the years. He stares at Emilys photo, unable to forgive his mother, haunted by what could have been.