Its not a passing fancy, Victoria, Robert said, nervously twirling a pen on his desk. Ive been living a double life for seventeen years.
If this is a joke, its a terrible one, Victoria replied, bewildered.
For weeks shed sensed something was off with her husband. Robert was always engrossed in workconstant business trips, long hours at the office, endless stress. But a daughter? Where had she come from?
Its serious. Its my reality, and now its ours too, he said.
He rose and walked slowly to the window.
What? Victoria gasped. Weve been together twentysix years. We have two wonderful adult sons studying abroad. Weve always been the perfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear that right?
Yes, you heard correctly. But theres more, Robert said.
She stood frozen, unsure how to react.
Shell be living with us from next week. Theres no discussion, no other options, he added.
Youre imposing this on me without even asking my opinion. If I dont agree, I can just leave, right?
Dont dramatise it. I dont want a divorce. Things just happened that way, Robert said, his voice weary.
If youve said everything, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Victoria replied coldly.
Go, Robert replied briefly, never taking his eyes off the window.
She left the office, holding back tears. Her head spun.
Ms. Lane, are you alright? Would you like a glass of water? the receptionist asked, concerned.
No, thank you. Call a taxi, I cant drive, Victoria snapped.
A car will be waiting at the main entrance in five minutes, the young woman replied.
Thank you, Victoria said as she stepped into the lift, finally allowing the tears to fall.
She dialed a number.
Emma, I wont be coming into the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do whatever needs to be done.
Twenty minutes later she was standing in front of her motherinlaws house.
Margaret, did you know Robert has a daughter with another woman? Victoria asked sharply.
Margaret sighed and nodded.
Yes, I do. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? Robert was terrified and insisted I be told about my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Brilliant, Victoria retorted sarcastically.
And what do you propose? Throw the child out? Margaret replied calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Roberts blood runs in her veins.
Victoria stared at her motherinlaw, hurt.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Margaret answered gently.
Victoria broke down and clung to Margaret.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Victoria shouted suddenly. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to your husband and learn the whole story, Margaret advised. For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passed with no conversation between them. One afternoon Robert brought the girl home.
Come in, love, this is where youll stay from now on. And this is Victoria Lane, your second mum, he announced.
Victoria clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl, Poppy, looked at her with striking blue eyesa perfect match for Roberts.
Me too. I hope we become friends, she said.
Poppy was polite and bright. Within a few weeks Victoria grew used to her, though she remained cold toward Robert.
A few days later Victoria filed for divorce. Margaret stood by her.
Id have done the same, Margaret admitted.
Poppy suffered greatly. Victoria decided to speak with her.
Poppy, please, lets talk, Victoria said.
The girl burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Victoria held her tightly.
And I love you too, dear, she whispered.
The next morning Victoria entered Poppys bedroom.
Get up. Were having breakfast and then were going out.
Where to? Poppy asked.
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the street.
Where are we? Poppy wondered.
Victoria stopped, smiled, and said, Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Poppy hugged her tightly.
In the end, Victoria realised that honesty, however painful, was the only path to true freedom. Accepting the truth didnt erase the hurt, but it allowed her to move forward with compassion for herself and those around her. The lesson lingered: facing reality, no matter how tangled, is the first step toward healing and a life lived with integrity.
