It’s not just a fling, Victoria, James said, nervously twirling a pen on his desk.
If you’re joking, it’s a terrible one, Victoria snapped, confused.
Shed been feeling something off about her husband for weeks. James was always buried in workfrequent business trips, endless hours at the office, constant stress. And now a teenage girl? Where did she come from?
Its serious. Its my reality. Actually, its now ours too.
He stood and walked slowly to the window.
What? Weve been married twentysix years. We have two wonderful adult sons studying abroad. Weve always been a proper family. And youre telling me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear that right?
Yes, you heard right, Victoria. And theres more.
She froze, not knowing how to react.
Shell be living with us from next week. No discussion. No other options.
Youre not even asking my opinionyoure just imposing this on me. If I dont agree, I can just leave, right?
Dont dramatise. Im not looking for a divorce. Things just happened that way, James said, his voice weary.
If thats everything, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is obviously over, Victoria replied coldly.
Go, James said flatly, not taking his eyes off the window.
She left the office trying to hold back her emotions. Her head spun.
Victoria Taylor, are you alright? Want a glass of water? the receptionist asked, concerned.
No, thanks. Call a cabI cant drive, she answered briskly.
In five minutes a car will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman replied.
Thanks, Victoria said as she stepped into the lift, finally letting the tears flow.
She dialled a number.
Margaret, Im not coming into the office today. Cancel all my meetings. Do what you have to do.
Twenty minutes later she was standing in front of her motherinlaws house.
Eleanor, did you know James has a daughter with another woman? Victoria asked sharply.
The older woman sighed and nodded.
Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? James was terrified and decided I should be told for the sake of my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Well done, Victoria replied sarcastically.
And what do you suggest? Throw the child away? Eleanor answered calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But the girl exists. Jamess blood runs through her veins.
Victoria looked at her motherinlaw, hurt.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Eleanor said softly.
Victoria broke down, sobbing, and clung to her.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe no one anything! Victoria shouted suddenly. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
Talk to your husband, find out everything, Eleanor advised.
For now I cant even look at him.
A week passed. They stopped speaking. One day James brought the girl home.
Come in, love, this is where youll be staying from now on. And this is Victoria Taylor, your second mum.
Victoria clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looked at her with blue eyesan exact copy of Jamess.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
The fifteenyearold, now called Poppy, was polite and bright. In a few weeks Victoria got used to her, but she stayed cold towards James.
A few days later Victoria filed for divorce. Eleanor backed her up.
Id have done the same, Eleanor admitted.
Poppy suffered a lot. Victoria decided to talk to her.
Poppy, please, lets talk.
The girl burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Victoria held her tightly.
And I love you too, darling.
The next morning Victoria walked into Poppys room.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then were off.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they were strolling down the street.
Where are we?
Victoria stopped and smiled.
Were going to see your mum. Were buying flowers and thanking her for you.
Poppy hugged her tightly.
