28October2025 London
I never thought the truth would arrive in a trembling hand, but today David spun his pen anxiously on the desk and said, It isnt a fleeting adventure, Victoria. Ive been living a double life for seventeen years.
If this is a joke, its in very poor taste, I replied, bewildered.
For weeks Id sensed something amiss in Davids behaviour. Hes always been consumed by workconstant business trips, endless hours in the office, a constant undercurrent of stress. Yet he mentions a girl? Where does she come from?
Its serious. Its my reality. And now its ours as well, he said, standing and moving slowly toward the window.
What? Weve been together for twentysix years. We have two wonderful adult sons studying abroad. Weve always been the pictureperfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear that right?
Yes, you heard right, David answered. But thats not all.
I stood frozen, unsure how to react.
She will live with us from next week. Theres no discussion, no alternatives.
Youre imposing this on me without even asking my view. If I disagree, I can just leave, cant I?
Dont make it dramatic. I dont want a divorce. Things just happened that way, David said, voice weary.
If youve said everything, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, I replied, coldly.
Leave, he said bluntly, never taking his eyes off the glass.
I walked out of the office, emotions held tight, my head spinning.
MsLaurence, are you alright? Would you like a glass of water? the receptionist asked, concerned.
No, thank you. Call a taxi, I cant drive, I snapped.
Within five minutes a cab will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman replied.
Thank you, I said as I entered the lift, finally allowing the tears to fall.
I dialed a number.
Emily, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what you have to.
Twenty minutes later I was standing in front of my motherinlaws house in Surrey.
Diane, did you know David has a daughter with another woman? I asked sharply.
She sighed, nodded.
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 my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Congratulations, I retorted sarcastically.
What do you propose? To reject the child? Diane answered calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to stop it. But the girl exists, and Davids blood runs through her veins.
I stared at Diane, hurt raw.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, she said softly.
I broke down, clinging to her.
Itll be all right, love. Youre strong.
Suddenly I shouted, I owe nothing to anyone! Hes built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You need to speak with David, get the full story, Diane advised. For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passed in a strained silence. One afternoon David brought the girl home.
Come in, darling, this is where youll stay now. And this is Victoria, yoursecond mum, he said.
I clenched my fists, forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl, Poppy, looked at me with the same blue eyes as Davida perfect replica.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
Poppy was polite and bright. Within a few weeks I adjusted to her presence, but I remained cold toward David.
A few days later I filed for divorce. Diane stood by me.
I would have done the same, she admitted.
Poppy suffered greatly. I decided to talk to her.
Poppy, please, lets talk, I said.
She burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
I held her tightly.
And I love you, my dear.
The next morning I entered Poppys bedroom.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then were out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later we were walking down the street.
Where are we?
I stopped, smiled.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy her flowers and thank her for you.
Poppy hugged me tightly, and for a moment the weight lifted, if only a little.
