It’s not a passing whim, Charlotte, Daniel says, twirling a pen nervously on his desk.
If this is a joke, its in terrible taste, Charlotte replies, bewildered.
For weeks she has sensed something wrong with her husband. Daniel has always been absorbed by his jobfrequent business trips, long hours in the office, constant stress. But a daughter? Where did she come from?
This is serious. This is my reality, and now its ours too.
He stands and walks slowly to the window.
What? Weve been married for 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?
You heard right, Charlotte. And theres more.
She freezes, unsure how to react.
Shell be moving in with us next week. Theres no discussion, no other options.
Youre not even asking my opinionyoure just imposing this on me. If I dont agree, I can leave, right?
Dont dramatise. I dont want a divorce. Things just happened that way, Daniel says, his voice exhausted.
If youve said everything, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Charlotte replies coldly.
Leave, Daniel says bluntly, not taking his eyes off the street.
She exits the office, holding back her emotions. Her head spins.
Ms. Hart, are you all right? Would you like a glass of water? the receptionist asks, concerned.
No, thank you. Call a taxi, I cant drive, Charlotte answers sharply.
In five minutes a cab will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman informs her.
Thank you, Charlotte says as she steps into the lift, finally letting her tears fall.
She dials a number.
Rachel, Im not coming into the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what you have to do.
Twenty minutes later she stands in front of her motherinlaws house.
Margaret, did you know Daniel has a daughter with another woman? Charlotte asks, her tone severe.
Margaret sighs and nods.
Yes, Ive known since she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? Daniel was terrified and decided I should know for the sake of my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Congratulations, Charlotte says sarcastically.
What do you propose? Throw the child away? Margaret replies calmly. If I had known fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Daniels blood runs in her veins.
Charlotte looks at her motherinlaw, hurt.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Margaret answers gently.
Charlotte breaks down, hugging her tightly.
Itll be okay, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Charlotte shouts suddenly. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to your husband and get the full story, Margaret advises.
For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passes. They stop speaking. One afternoon Daniel brings the young girl home.
Come in, sweetheart, this is where youll stay from now on. And this is Charlotte Hart, your second mum.
Charlotte clenches her fists but forces a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looks at her with blue eyesa perfect match for Daniels.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
Emily is polite and bright. In a few weeks Charlotte gets used to her, but she remains distant toward Daniel.
A few days later Charlotte files for divorce. Margaret supports her.
I would have done the same, Margaret admits.
Emily suffers greatly. Charlotte decides to speak to her.
Emily, please, lets talk.
The girl bursts into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Charlotte holds her tightly.
And I love you too, darling.
The next morning Charlotte walks into Emilys room.
Get up. Were having breakfast and then were going out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they are walking down the street.
Where are we? Emily asks.
Charlotte stops, smiles, and says, Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Emily wraps her arms around Charlotte, clutching her tightly.
