Our dad lives in another house too, said the boy, and I realised his business trips were a lie.
How many times must I say it? I wont wear this dress! Emily stamped her foot angrily, arms crossed. It itches, and the collar is horrid!
But darling, we bought it specially for Grannys anniversary, Margaret replied, forcing calm into her voice though irritation simmered beneath. Shell be hurt if you turn up in jeans.
Let her be hurt! Im tenI decide what I wear!
Margaret shut her eyes and counted slowly to five. Emilys tantrum was the last thing she needed. The day had already been exhaustinga rush at work, racing through the shops, baking the celebration cake for her mother-in-law. And, as always, Michael was away on business when she needed his support most.
Em, listen she began, but six-year-old Oliver burst into the room, clutching a toy car.
Mum, Mum, look what I drew! He thrust a crumpled sheet of paper at her. Its our family!
Margaret glanced at the scribblesherself with a wide smile, Emily with pigtails, little Oliver, and Michael. Oddly, his father was drawn twice, on either side of the page.
Lovely, sweetheart, she murmured distractedly. But whys Dad in there twice?
Hes not, Oliver said, as if stating the obvious. Thats Dad in our house, and Dad in his other house where he lives when hes not here.
A chill crept down Margarets spine. She studied the drawing againtwo figures of Michael, one beside them, the other by a rough sketch of a house at the far end.
What about this other house, Olly? she asked carefully, keeping her tone light.
The one with flowers in the window and the cat, he shrugged. He took me there when you were at work. But its a secretDad said not to tell.
Emily, forgetting her dress argument, froze, eyes wide. Ollie, dont make things up! Dad goes on business trips, not to other houses!
Im not! he pouted. We watched cartoons and had pizza. And Aunt Laura made us hot chocolate.
Aunt Laura? Margaret felt the room tilt.
Dads friend. She lives there. Oliver had already lost interest, rolling his car along the floor. Can I go watch telly?
Margaret nodded, unable to speak. Emilys frightened gaze darted between her brother and mother.
Mum, he must be confused, she said weakly. Dad wouldnt
Go to your room, Em, Margaret interrupted softly. Wear what you likeI dont care about the dress.
Once Emily had left, Margaret sank onto the sofa, thoughts tangled, heart hammering. Michaelher Michael, who supposedly had fortnightly business trips? Who spun such convincing tales of work travels, bringing back souvenirs from different cities?
She remembered the first flicker of suspicion six months agohis sudden late nights, the frequent trips when hed barely travelled before. Once, shed found a café receipt from their own town dated when he was meant to be in Manchester. Hed claimed hed returned early but didnt want to disturb them.
Shed believed him. Or forced herself to.
Margaret stood and went to the bureau where they kept their documents. In a separate folder lay the household billsusually Michaels domain. She flipped through themmobile, internet, utilities. Then an unfamiliar one caught her eye. A bill for another flat in Islington. The name on it: Michael Carter. Her husband.
Her hands trembled. Proof. Stupid to hope a child would lie about such thingsthey had no reason to.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Michael: *Miss you all. Counting the days till Im home. Love you.*
She stared at the screen, unsure how to reply. Confront him now? Wait till he returned?
Finally, she typed, *Were fine*, and set the phone aside.
The next two days passed in a haze. She moved mechanicallywork, home, childrenbut her mind circled back to Michaels double life. Oliver didnt mention the other house again, and Emily watched her with wary eyes, braced for an explosion.
She sent the children to her mother-in-laws anniversary dinner alone, pleading a headache. She couldnt sit at that table, smiling as if nothing had changed. Did his mother know? Was Margaret the only fool?
On the third evening, the key turned in the lock. Margaret sat at the kitchen table, an untouched cup of tea before her. The children were asleep.
Im home! Michaels cheerful voice rang out as he appeared, bouquet in hand, suitcase trailing. God, Ive missed you!
He leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled back. His brow furrowed.
Whats wrong?
Oliver drew a picture, she said evenly, meeting his eyes. Our family. With you in two houses.
His face shifted almost imperceptibly. He forced a laugh. Kids imagine all sorts
Dont. Her voice was tired. I found the bills for the flat in Islington. Oliver told me about Aunt Laura and the cat. Too many details for imagination, dont you think?
Michael set the flowers down slowly, sitting opposite her. His expression flickereddenial, resignation.
Margaret, I can explain
Explain what? Her anger surged. That you have another family? That your business trips were visits to your mistress? That you took our son there?
Its not that simple, he ran a hand through his hair. I never meant for you to find out like this
How *did* you mean for me to find out? Her laugh was bitter.
It started as an affairnothing serious. But Laura got pregnant
You have a *child* with her? The floor seemed to drop beneath her.
Sophies four, he admitted quietly.
Four years. While shed raised their children, cooked his meals, waited for him to return from his trips, hed been raising another child.
Why not leave us, then? Her voice was eerily calm.
I couldnt choose, he spread his hands. I love our children. I love you. But I love them too. Its like two separate worlds.
I dont understand, she shook her head. Years of lies. Looking me in the eye, saying you missed me, when youd just come from *them*.
I *did* miss you, he reached for her hand, but she jerked away. I didnt want to lose anyone.
And now? Her smile was bleak. Now that your secrets out?
He stared at the table. A car passed outside, headlights sweeping the kitchen.
I dont know, he whispered. Whatever I do, someone gets hurt.
You made your choice, she stood. When you decided to live two lives. When you lied. When you took our son to her.
I never meant for him to meet Laurait was an accident, he said quickly.
And thats supposed to comfort me? She exhaled sharply. I wont scream or throw you out tonight. The children are sleeping. But I want you to leave. Pack your things and go. Live your other life properlyno more hiding.
Margaret, please
No. Her voice broke. I deserved better. Our children deserved better. I want a divorce.
He flinched. You cant just throw away fifteen years
*You* threw them away, she said quietly.
He said nothing. In his silence, she saw defeatnot remorse, just acceptance that the game was up.
Can I at least say goodbye to the children?
Theyre asleep, she shook her head. Come tomorrow. Tell them the truththey deserve that much.
She watched as he packed a bag, then stood silently as he hesitated at the door.
Why Oliver? she asked suddenly. Why take him and not Emily?
Hes younger, Michael wouldnt meet her eyes. I thought he wouldnt remember. Emily wouldve told you.
She already knew, Margaret said softly. She just didnt want to believe it.
When the door closed, she slid to the floor, finally letting the tears come. The pain was sharp, but beneath it, an odd relief. No more pretending. No more waiting for a man who wasnt coming home.
The next morning, Oliver climbed into her bed.
Mum, wheres Dad? he asked, wrapping his arms around her neck. He was supposed to come back.
Hes gone, love, she hugged him tight. Hell visit soon to talk to you.
Was he cross about my drawing? Olivers eyes filled with tears. I didnt mean to tell the secret
No, sweetheart, she stroked his hair. You did the right thing. Never be afraid to tell me the truth.
Emily appeared in the doorway, taking in their fathers absence with a single glance.
Is he gone for good?
Hell visit, Margaret said gently. But he wont live here anymore. He has… another family.
I knew, Emilys lips pressed thin. I saw a photo on his phonea woman with a little girl. He said it was his cousin.
Margarets heart ached. Emily had knownand stayed silent, afraid to break them apart.
Come here, she patted the bed. No school today. Well have a lazy morning, watch telly, then Ill make pancakes.
But what about lessons?
One day wont hurt, Margaret managed a small smile. I think weve earned it.
The children nestled under the covers, clinging to her, and as she held them, she felt a strange resolve grow. It would be hardfinancially, emotionallybut shed manage. For them. For herself.
Life wasnt over. This was just a new chapterpainful, but necessary. And in it, she refused to be a victim.
Mum, Emily whispered, will we be alright without Dad?
Of course, Margaret kissed her forehead. Were still a family. A proper oneno more secrets.
Oliver, half-aware of the gravity, chattered about a dream where hed flown on a dragon. Life went onchanged, but still theirs. And for the first time in years, Margaret breathed freely.
The road ahead would be rough, but this morning, with her children in her arms, she knew shed made the right choice. Whatever came next, it would be built on truthnot lies.
