London, 3April
It isnt a fleeting escapade, James, I confessed, my hand trembling as I twirled a pen across the desk.
If this is a joke, its in very poor taste, I replied, bewildered.
For weeks Id felt something was amiss with my husband. James had always been consumed by his jobconstant business trips, long evenings at the office, endless stress. And now a girl? Where did she come from?
Its serious. Its my reality. In fact, its now ours as well.
He rose and drifted toward the window, his silhouette framed by the rainslicked panes.
What? Weve been together 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 you right?
Yes, you heard correctly, Emily. But theres more.
I stood rooted, unsure how to react.
She will move in with us next week. Theres no discussion, no other option.
Youre not even asking my opinionyoure just imposing this on me. If I dont agree, I can leave, is that it?
Dont make a drama of it. Im not after a divorce. Things just happened that way, James said, his voice weary.
If youve said everything, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, I snapped, coldly.
Leave then, he replied bluntly, never breaking eye contact with the window.
I walked out of the office, emotions held in check, my head spinning.
Emily Hart, are you alright? Would you like some water? the receptionist asked, concern in her tone.
No, thank you. Call a cab, I cant drive, I replied sharply.
A black cab will be waiting at the main entrance in five minutes, the young woman informed.
Thank you, I muttered as I stepped into the lift, finally allowing the tears to flow.
I dialed a number.
Susan, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do whats necessary.
Twenty minutes later I stood on the doorstep of my motherinlaws house.
Margaret, did you know James has a daughter with another woman? I asked, my voice hard.
She sighed, nodding.
Yes, Ive known. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? James was terrified and felt I should be told about my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Well done! I snapped sarcastically.
And what do you propose? Throw the child away? Margaret replied calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop this. But the girl exists, and Jamess blood runs in her veins.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, she said softly.
I broke down, clinging to her, sobbing.
Itll be okay, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! I shouted suddenly. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to James, get the whole story, Margaret advised. For now, I cant even look at him.
A week slipped by in silence. One afternoon James brought the teenager home.
Come in, dear, this is where youll stay from now on. And this is Emily Hart, your second mum.
I clenched my fists, forcing a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girls blue eyesexact copies of Jamessmet mine.
Me too. I hope we become friends, she whispered.
Her name was Hester, polite and bright. In a few weeks I grew accustomed to her, though I remained icy toward James.
A few days later I filed for divorce. Margaret stood by me.
I would have done the same, she admitted.
Hester was crushed. I decided to speak with her.
Hester, please, lets talk.
She burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
I held her tightly.
And I love you, darling.
The next morning I entered Hesters bedroom.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then head out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later we were walking down the high street.
Where are we?
I stopped, smiling.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Hester wrapped her arms around me, holding on tightly.
