It wasnt a passing fancy, Emily, Ive been leading two lives for seventeen years, Damien said, his hand trembling as he rolled a pencil across the desk.
If this is a joke, its a terrible one, Emily replied, bewildered.
For weeks shed felt a shift in her husband. David had always been consumed by his workconstant trips to the City, late evenings at the firm, the endless pressure. But a daughter? Where had she come from?
Its serious. Its my reality now, and yours as well, he said.
He rose and drifted toward the window.
What are you talking about? she asked. Weve been married twentysix years. We have two grown sons studying abroad. Weve always been the pictureperfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Have I heard correctly?
You have. He nodded. And theres more.
Emily froze, unsure how to react.
Shell be living with us from next week. No discussion, no alternatives.
Youre not even asking my opinionyoure just imposing this on me. If I dont agree, I can leave, thats it?
Dont dramatise it. Im not asking for a divorce. Things just turned out this way, David said, his voice weary.
If youve said all there is to say, Im leaving. I have work to get back to, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Emily answered coolly.
Leave, David said bluntly, never taking his eyes off the street outside.
She left the office, holding back tears, her head spinning.
Emily Hart, are you all right? Would you like some water? the receptionist asked, concern in her tone.
No, thank you. Call a cab, I cant drive, Emily snapped.
In five minutes a black cab will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman replied.
Thank you, Emily said as she stepped into the lift, finally letting the tears flow.
She dialled a number.
Margaret, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what you must.
Twenty minutes later she stood on the front step of her motherinlaws cottage in Surrey.
Margaret, did you know David has a daughter with another woman? Emily asked sharply.
The older woman sighed, nodding.
Yes, I do. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? David was terrified and insisted I be told, for the sake of our granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Brilliant, Emily muttered sarcastically.
And what do you suggest? Turning the child away? Margaret answered calmly. If I had known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But the child exists, and Davids blood runs through her veins.
Emily stared at Margaret, hurt raw in her eyes.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Margaret replied gently.
Emily broke down, clinging to her motherinlaw.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Emily shouted suddenly. Hes built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to David, get the whole story, Margaret advised. For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passed. They stopped speaking. Then one afternoon David brought the girl home.
Come in, love, this is where youll be staying. And this is Emily Hart, your second mum, he said.
Emily clenched her fists, forced a smile.
Pleased to meet you, she said.
The girl met her gaze with striking blue eyesa perfect match for Davids.
Me too. I hope well become friends, she whispered.
Mabel was polite and bright. In a few weeks Emily grew accustomed to her, though she kept a cool distance from David.
A few days later Emily filed for divorce. Margaret stood by her.
I would have done the same, she admitted.
Mabel suffered greatly. Emily decided to speak with her.
Mabel, please, lets talk, she urged.
The girl sobbed.
Mum, dont go. I love you, she cried.
Emily held her tightly.
And I love you, darling.
The next morning Emily entered Mabels room.
Get up. Were having breakfast and then were going out.
Where to? Mabel asked.
A surprise, Emily replied.
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the high street.
Where are we? Mabel wondered.
Emily stopped, smiling.
Were off to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Mabel hugged her tightly, and for the first time that week, Emily felt a flicker of peace.
