Spontaneous visit and the blow of a forbidden truth
I turned up at my daughters house unannounced and uncovered something I never wanted to learn
Sometimes we assume that happiness lives in our childrens health and stability. I felt fortunate: a loving husband, an adult daughter, delightful grandchildren. We werent wealthy, yet our home overflowed with harmony. What more could we ask for?
Élodie wed early, at twentyone, to a thirtyfiveyearold man. We didnt object: he held a steady job, owned an apartment in Paris, and had a calm demeanor. Not a carefree student but a solid rock. He covered everythingthe dress, the honeymoon trip to Provence, lavish gifts. The family whispered, Élodie has found her prince.
The first years seemed perfect. Lucas was born, then Chloé, we moved into a house in Versailles, weekend family gatherings Gradually, however, Élodie began to withdraw. Her smiles faded, her answers grew vague. Everythings fine, she said in a hollow tone. My maternal instinct sensed otherwise.
One morning I could take it no longer; I called her. Silence. I sent a textread, no reply. I jumped on a TER to Versailles. Surprise, I announced, though it was a lie.
She startled when she opened the door. No joy, only embarrassment. She slipped into the kitchen. I played with the kids, set the dinner, stayed the night. Later that evening her husband arrived home late, a blond strand stuck to his jacket, a foreign scent on him. He kissed her absentmindedly; she averted her eyes.
During the night I got up for a drink. On the balcony I heard him murmur into his phone, Soon, love she knows nothing. My glass trembled in my hand, nausea rose.
At breakfast I confronted her: Do you know? She lowered her gaze. Mom, drop it. Everythings fine. I recounted what Id seen and heard. She repeated, like a mantra, Hes a good father. He provides everything. Love fades.
I locked myself in the bathroom to cry. My daughter seemed merely a complicit shadow. She traded her dignity for Louis Vuitton bags and holidays in SaintTropez.
That night I faced her husband. He shrugged, Im not leaving her. I pay the bills. Shed rather ignore it. Mind your own business.
What if I tell her everything?
She already knows. She just closes her eyes.
The shock hit me on the return TER; I felt suffocated. My own husband begged, Dont push, youll lose her. But she was already gone, fading day by day beside a man who collected mistresses.
I pray that one morning, looking into her mirror, she remembers she deserves better. That honour outweighs money. That she will take the children and walk away.
Me? I will stay, even if she pushes me away. A mother never gives up, even when pain tears at her heart.
An Unexpected Visit… and the Shock of a Forbidden Revelation
