Its no passing fancy, Victoria, David said, nervously twirling a pen across his desk.
If youre joking, its a terribly poor one, Victoria replied, bewildered.
For weeks shed had a feeling something was off with her husband. David was always buried in workfrequent business trips, endless overtime, the usual London grind. But a teenage girl? Where on earth did she come from?
This is serious. Its my reality. And now, its ours as well, he said, standing and edging toward the window.
What? Weve been together for twentysix years. Two grownup sons studying abroad, the pictureperfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear you right?
You heard me, Victoria. And thats not all.
She froze, unsure how to react.
Shell be moving in with us next week. 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 it. Im not after a divorce. Things just turned out this way, David said, his voice flat and exhausted.
If thats your final word, Im out. Ive got to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Victoria snapped, coldly.
Leave, David said bluntly, not taking his eyes off the street below.
She left the office, emotions held tight, her head spinning.
Victoria Lawrence, you alright? Want a glass of water? the secretary asked, worry in her tone.
No, thanks. Call a cab, I cant drive, Victoria replied sharply.
In five minutes a black cab will be waiting at the main entrance, the receptionist replied.
Thank you, Victoria said as she stepped into the lift, finally letting the tears flow.
She dialed a number.
Susan, Im not coming into the office today. Cancel all my meetings. Do whatever needs doing.
Twenty minutes later she was standing in front of her motherinlaws house.
Maggie, did you know David has a daughter with another woman? Victoria asked, her voice edged with accusation.
Maggie sighed, nodding.
Yes, Ive known. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? David was terrified and insisted I be told about my granddaughter.
Youre already calling her your granddaughter? Well done! Victoria retorted sarcastically.
And what do you propose? Throw the child out? Maggie replied calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But the girl exists, and Davids blood runs in her veins.
Victoria stared at Maggie, hurt raw in her eyes.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Maggie answered softly.
Victoria broke down, hugging her motherinlaw tightly.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe nobody anything! Victoria shouted 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 picture, Maggie advised. For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passed. They stopped speaking. One afternoon David brought the girl home.
Come in, love. This is where youll be staying. And this is Victoria Lawrence, your second mum, he said, gesturing to his wife.
Victoria clenched her fists, then forced a smile. Nice to meet you.
The girl stared at her with blue eyesexactly the same shade as Davids.
Me too. I hope we become friends, she said politely.
Emily was wellmannered and bright. In a few weeks Victoria got used to her, but she remained icy toward David.
A few days later Victoria filed for divorce. Maggie backed her up.
Id have done the same, Maggie admitted.
Emily was devastated. Victoria decided to talk to her.
Emily, please, lets talk, Victoria pleaded.
The girl burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Victoria held her tightly.
And I love you, dear.
The next morning Victoria entered Emilys room.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then were off.
Where to? Emily asked.
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the high street.
Where are we? Emily wondered.
Victoria stopped, smiling.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy some flowers and thank her for you.
Emily squeezed Victorias hand, and they continued down the road, the citys bustle sounding a little less harsh than before.
