Its not a fleeting fling, Victoria, David says, nervously twirling a pen at his desk.
If this is a joke, its in very poor taste, Victoria replies, bewildered.
For weeks shes sensed something off about her husband. David has always been absorbed by his jobconstant business trips, long hours in the office, relentless stress. But a daughter? Where did she come from?
Its serious. Its my reality. And now, its ours too.
He stands and walks slowly toward the window.
What? Weve been married twentysix years. We have two wonderful adult sons studying abroad. Weve always been the pictureperfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear that right?
You heard right, Victoria. But theres more.
She freezes, unsure how to react.
Shell be moving in with us next week. Theres no discussion, no other options.
Youre imposing this on me without asking my opinionso if I disagree I can just leave, is that it?
Dont dramatise it. Im not after a divorce. Things just happened that way, David says, his voice weary.
If youve said everything, Im out. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Victoria snaps coldly.
Leave, David replies curtly, his eyes still fixed on the window.
She exits the office, emotions held back, her head spinning.
Victoria Blake, are you alright? Would you like a glass of water? the secretary asks, concern in her tone.
No, thanks. Call a cabI cant drive, Victoria answers sharply.
A cab will be waiting at the main entrance in five minutes, the young woman informs her.
Thank you, Victoria says as she steps into the lift, finally letting her tears flow.
She dials a number.
Monica, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my meetings. Do whatever you need to.
Twenty minutes later she stands at her motherinlaws front door.
Diane, did you know David has a daughter with another woman? she asks, sternly.
The older woman sighs, nodding.
Yes, I do. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? David was terrified and decided I should know for my granddaughters sake.
You already call her your granddaughter? Well done, Victoria says sarcastically.
What do you propose, rejecting the child? Diane replies calmly. If I had known fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to stop it. But the girl exists. Davids blood runs in her veins.
Victoria looks at her motherinlaw, pain in her eyes.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the hurt youre feeling now, Diane says gently.
Victoria collapses into sobs, clutching Diane.
Itll be okay, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Victoria shouts suddenly. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to David and get the full story, her motherinlaw advises.
For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passes. They stop speaking. One afternoon David brings the girl home.
Come in, love. This is where youll be staying from now on. And this is Victoria Blake, your second mum.
Victoria clenches her fists, forcing a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looks at her with striking blue eyesa mirror of Davids.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
Poppy is a polite, bright fifteenyearold. Within weeks Victoria gets used to her, though she remains cold toward David.
A few days later Victoria files for divorce. Diane backs her up.
Id have done the same, Diane admits.
Poppy suffers greatly. Victoria decides to talk to her.
Poppy, please, lets talk.
The girl sobs.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Victoria holds her tightly.
And I love you, darling.
The next morning Victoria steps into Poppys bedroom.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then head out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later theyre strolling down the street.
Where are we? Poppy asks.
Victoria stops, smiling.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Poppy hugs her tightly.
