It’s not a passing fling, Emma, Thomas said, nervously twirling a pen on his desk.
If this is a joke, its in terrible taste, Emma replied, bewildered.
For weeks she had sensed something was amiss with her husband. Thomas was always absorbed by workfrequent business trips, late evenings in the office, relentless pressure. And now a girl? Where had she come from?
This is serious. Its my reality, and now its ours, he said. He rose and walked slowly toward the window overlooking the Thames.
What? Emma blurted. Weve been married twentysix years. We have two brilliant adult sons studying overseas. Weve always been the perfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Have I heard you correctly?
Yes, you heard right. But theres more.
Emma stood frozen, unsure how to respond.
Shell be living with us from next week. Theres no discussion, no other option.
Youre imposing this on me without even asking my opinion. If I dont agree, Im free to leave, is that it?
Dont dramatise, Emma. Im not asking for a divorce. Things just happened that way, Thomas said wearily.
If youve said all this, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is already over, Emma snapped coldly.
Leave, Thomas replied curtly, not taking his eyes off the river.
Emma walked out of the office, holding back her emotions. Her head spun.
Emma Lawrence, are you alright? Would you like a glass of water? the receptionist asked, concerned.
No, thank you. Call a taxi; I cant drive, Emma replied sharply.
A cab will be waiting at the main entrance in five minutes, the young woman informed her.
Thank you, Emma said as she stepped into the lift, finally letting the tears fall.
She dialed a number.
Claire, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do whatever needs doing.
Twenty minutes later she stood in front of her motherinlaws house.
Margaret, did you know Thomas has a daughter with another woman? Emma asked sternly.
The older woman sighed and nodded.
Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? Thomas was terrified and insisted I be told, for the sake of my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Well done, Emma said sarcastically.
And what do you suggest? Reject the child? Margaret replied calmly. If I had known fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists, and Thomass blood runs in her veins.
Emma stared at her motherinlaw, hurt.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Margaret answered gently.
Emma broke into sobs and clutched Margaret.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Emma shouted suddenly. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to Thomas and hear the whole story, Margaret advised.
Right now I cant even look at him.
A week passed. They stopped speaking. One afternoon Thomas brought the girl home.
Come in, love. This is where youll stay from now on. And this is Emma Lawrence, your second mother.
Emma clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looked at Emma with blue eyesa perfect match for Thomass.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
Poppy, the girl, was polite and bright. Within weeks Emma grew accustomed to her, though she remained cold toward Thomas.
A few days later Emma filed for divorce. Margaret stood by her.
I would have done the same, Margaret admitted.
Poppy was devastated. Emma decided to talk to her.
Poppy, please, lets talk.
The girl burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Emma held her tightly.
And I love you too, sweetheart.
The next morning Emma entered Poppys room.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then well go out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the street.
Where are we? Poppy asked.
Emma stopped, smiled, and said, Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Poppy embraced Emma tightly.
In the weeks that followed, Emma learned that truth, however painful, can carve a path to honesty and compassion. She discovered that forgiveness does not erase betrayal, but it frees the heart to move forward with integrity. The lesson lingered: facing the harshest realities may shatter the present, yet it also clears the way for a more authentic, kinder future.
