When I opened the door to my ex-husband, my heart stoppedstanding beside him was a blonde woman in polished heels.
“Mummy, why does Auntie Sophie have such pretty shoes when you dont?” asked six-year-old Emily, peering through the window at our neighbours feet.
Sarah set down her mug of cold coffee and looked at her daughter. The girl stood by the windowsill in her favourite pink pyjamas, her nose pressed to the glass.
“Whats wrong with my shoes?” Sarah smiled, though something twisted inside her.
“Theyre not ugly, just old. Auntie Sophies are shiny with little heels. You always wear trainers.”
Sarah walked over and wrapped an arm around Emilys shoulders. Outside, their neighbour Sophie strolled past in her new patent heels, a smart coat, and a designer handbaga well-kept woman in her forties whod recently divorced and landed on her feet.
“Emily, pretty shoes dont make someone beautiful,” Sarah said softly. “Its whats inside that matters.”
“But shoes matter too,” Emily insisted. “Daddy used to buy you nice things, didnt he?”
At the mention of her father, Sarah stiffened. James had left six months ago, saying he wasnt happy anymore. The divorce wasnt final, but their family was already broken.
“Daddy did buy a lot of things,” she answered carefully. “But things are different now.”
“Whens Daddy coming home?”
Emily asked this every day, and every day, Sarah had no answer. James saw their daughter once a week for a few hours before bringing her back. Each time, Emily hoped hed stay.
“I dont know, sweetheart. Maybe hell call today.”
As if summoned, the phone rang. Jamess name flashed on the screen.
“Hello,” Sarah answered, keeping her voice steady.
“Hi. Hows Emily?”
“Shes fine. Asks about you.”
“Right. I need to talk to youproperly.”
His tone was clipped, formal. Sarahs stomach twisted.
“About what?”
“Not over the phone. Im coming over. Now.”
“Emilys here.”
“It involves her too.”
He hung up before she could argue. Sarah looked at her daughter, still by the window.
“Em, Daddys coming over.”
The girls face lit up. “Will he stay for dinner?”
“I dont know, love. He just wants to talk.”
Emily dashed off to change into her best dress. Sarah stayed in the kitchen, nerves frayed. James never called like thissomething was wrong.
She tidied herself quickly, smoothing her hair and changing into a fresh blouse. Not for himfor herself. She needed to hold her head high, no matter what.
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Emily burst out in her party dress, saved for special occasions.
“Daddys here!” she cheered.
Sarah opened the door. James stood on the threshold in an expensive suit, smelling of unfamiliar cologne, looking happy. Beside him was a younger womana blonde in her mid-twenties wearing a sleek coat and the exact shiny heels Emily had admired.
“Hi,” James said, as if bringing her was perfectly normal.
Sarahs face burned. Emily peered around her, staring at the stranger.
“Daddy, whos that?”
“Emily, this is Lucy,” James said, patting her head. “My girlfriend.”
Lucy smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. “Your dad talks about you all the time.”
“Can we come in?” James asked. “We need to talk.”
Sarah stepped aside, letting them into the narrow hallway. Lucys gaze flickered over the worn furniture and Emilys drawings taped to the walls.
“Sit in the lounge,” Sarah said, chin high.
They settled around the table. Emily wedged herself beside James, eyeing Lucy curiously. Sarah sat opposite, hands folded.
“What did you want to discuss?”
James cleared his throat. “Lucy and I are serious. Were moving in together.”
“Congratulations,” Sarah said flatly. “But why tell me?”
“Because we want Emily to live with us.”
The room tilted. Emily frowned. “Live where?”
“With us, princess. Weve got a big houseyoull love it.”
“What about Mummy?”
James and Lucy exchanged glances. Lucy answered first.
“Mummy stays here. Youll live with Daddy and me now. Ill be like your new mum.”
Emily scowled. “I already have a mummy.”
“Emily, dont be difficult,” James said gently. “You always wanted us together.”
“Not without Mummy!”
Sarah clenched her fists. “James, a word. Alone.”
“Whats the point?” He shrugged. “Lucys family now.”
“Family?” Sarahs voice shook. “We have a daughter. You cant just take her like shes a toy!”
“No ones calling her that,” Lucy cut in. “But be honestshell have a better life with us. Were stable, comfortable.”
“And Im not?”
Lucys gaze swept the room. “Look around. And lets face it, a girl needs a proper family.”
Sarah stood. “Emily, go to your room.”
“But”
“Now, please.”
Once the door clicked shut, Sarah turned. “Have you lost your mind? Bringing your fling here to steal my child?”
“Sarah, be reasonable,” James said, placating. “Youre working two jobs just to scrape by. Emily deserves more.”
“I give her everything she needs!”
“The bare minimum. We can give her private school, holidaysreal opportunities.”
Lucy nodded. “And a fathers guidance.”
“Guidance?” Sarah scoffed. “You left us for some girl half your age, and now youre the authority?”
“Dont insult Lucy,” James snapped. “Our marriage was over long before we split.”
“Not to me.”
Lucy bristled. “I wont be spoken to like this! James loves me, and Ill be a good mother.”
Sarah stepped closer. “Do you know she hates porridge but loves pancakes? That shes terrified of thunderstorms and needs a night-light? That shes allergic to strawberries?”
Lucy faltered. “Thats something Ill learn.”
“You dont know her. I do. Im her mother.”
James exhaled. “Were not trying to replace you. But she has a right to be with her father.”
“And her mother! Or does that not count?”
“Face facts. Can you give her the life we can?”
Sarahs throat tightened. Yes, she worked retail and cleaned offices at night. But she loved her daughter fiercely.
“Money isnt love, James.”
“Love wont buy her school trips or new clothes.”
“Charity-shop clothes,” Lucy muttered.
Sarahs cheeks burned. She scoured secondhand shops for the best items, washed and pressed them carefully.
“Charity shops have good things too.”
“Of course,” Lucy said patronisingly. “But new is better.”
“Are shiny heels worth losing her mother?”
James sighed. “Were not the villains here. We just want whats best for her.”
“And if you tire of Lucy in a year? Where does that leave Emily?”
“That wont happen,” Lucy said firmly.
“He loved me once too.”
Silence. From Emilys room came quiet sobs.
“Happy now?” Sarah hissed.
James stood. “If you want a fight, youll get one. I can afford the best lawyers. Can you?”
“I have the truth.”
“The courts favour the one who can provide.”
Sarahs blood ran cold. He was righthe had money, connections. All she had was exhaustion.
“Move out,” he said suddenly. “Well bring Emily here.”
“What?”
“This flats in my name. You can find somewhere cheaper.”
“James! This is her home!”
“Not for long. Lucy will redecorate properly.”
Lucy smirked. “Ill make the nursery lovely. New furniture, fresh paint”
“I dont want new things!” Emily screamed from the doorway. “I want my bed! My teddies! My mummy!”
Sarah pulled her close as the girl sobbed.
“Dont turn her against us,” James warned.
“I didnt. She understands.”
Lucy checked her watch. “We should go.”
James kissed Emilys head. “Ill pick you up Sunday. Youll love the new house.”
“I wont go!”
“Emily, dont argue.”
They left, the air thick with tension. Sarah held her weeping daughter, wondering how to fight this.
“Mummy, will Daddy really take me?”
“I wont let him, sweetheart.”
“But if he does?”
Sarah hugged her tighter. “Then Ill fight for you with everything I have. Because youre my girl, and I love you more
