It’s not a passing fling, Victoria, David says, twirling a pen nervously on his desk.
What a terrible joke, Victoria replies, confused.
For weeks she has sensed something off with her husband. David has always been consumed by workfrequent business trips, long hours at the office, constant pressure. But a daughter? Where does she come from?
This is serious. This is my reality. And now its ours too, he says. He stands and walks slowly to the window.
What? she asks, stunned. Weve been together 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, Victoria. But thats not all.
She freezes, unsure how to react.
Shell move in with us next week. Theres no discussion, no other options.
Youre imposing this on me without even asking my opinion. If I dont agree, I can just leave, right?
Dont dramatise. Im not after a divorce. Things just happened that way, David says, his voice weary.
If youve said everything, Im out. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Victoria replies coldly.
Leave then, David says bluntly, never taking his eyes off the window.
She walks out of the office, holding back her emotions, her head spinning.
Victoria Clarke, you alright? Want a glass of water? the secretary, Helen, asks, concerned.
No, thanks. Call a taxi, I cant drive, Victoria says sharply.
A taxi will be waiting at the main entrance in five minutes, Helen informs her.
Thank you, Victoria says as she steps into the lift, finally letting her tears flow.
She dials a number.
Susan, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what needs to be done.
Twenty minutes later she stands outside her motherinlaws house in Surrey.
Diane, did you know David has a daughter with another woman? she asks, voice trembling.
The older woman sighs and nods.
Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? David was terrified and insisted I be told, for my granddaughters sake.
You already call her your granddaughter? Well done, Victoria says sarcastically.
What do you suggest? Throw the child away? Diane replies calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Davids blood runs in her veins.
Victoria looks at Diane with pain.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the hurt youre feeling now, Diane says gently.
Victoria breaks down, clinging to her.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe nobody anything! Victoria shouts suddenly. Hes built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to your husband and get the whole story, Diane advises.
For now I cant even look at him.
A week passes. They stop speaking. One afternoon David brings the young girl home.
Come in, love. This is where youll stay from now on. And this is Victoria Clarke, your second mum.
Victoria clenches her fists, forces a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looks at her with striking blue eyesa perfect match for Davids.
I hope we become friends, she says.
Poppy is a polite, intelligent teenager. In a few weeks Victoria adjusts to her presence, but she remains cold toward David.
A few days later Victoria files for divorce. Diane supports her.
Id have done the same, Diane admits.
Poppy suffers greatly. Victoria decides to talk to her.
Poppy, please, lets talk.
The girl starts sobbing.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Victoria holds her tightly.
And I love you too, darling.
The next morning Victoria enters Poppys bedroom.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then head out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they walk down the high street.
Where are we?
Victoria stops, smiles.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Poppy hugs her hard.
