**The Surprise**
«Fancy a pint at the pub? Might as well unwind a bit,» Thomas suggested as the workday ended.
«Sorry, got to head home. Look.» Oliver pulled a small box from his pocket and opened it.
«Blimey, you’re really doing it?» Thomas eyed the ring. «Thought you’d never settle down.» He clapped his friend on the back.
«Been with Emily four years nowtime to make it official. Shes got no idea. If I dont ask her soon»
«you never will,» Thomas finished. «Still having doubts? Come off it, mate. Emilys a stunner. Almost makes me jealous.»
«Right, Id better go.» Oliver tucked the box away. «Promised Emily Id be back early,» he said, hurrying toward the lift.
On the way home, he stopped at a florist for a bouquet of crimson rosesEmily adored them. He placed them on the passenger seat, rehearsing lines at every red light. *»Darling Emily, youve waited so long Emily, I love you, marry me.» No, thats rubbish.*
No words felt right. Parking outside his flat, he grabbed the flowers and headed inside. Just as he reached for the door handle, his phone rang.
«Oliver, love»
His mothers voice told him something was wrong.
«Whats happened, Mum?»
«Im all right. Its Claire Shes gone, love.»
«Christ» Olivers hand dropped from the door.
It didnt make sense. Clairehis childhood friend, gone. «How?»
«Hit by a car. Died on the spot. Driver never stopped. Funerals tomorrow. Will you come? She loved you» His mother stifled a sob. «Just Lily left now. Someones got to decide Theyll take her to care if»
«Ill try to make it,» Oliver promised.
«Please, love»
*Claires gone.*
He hadnt loved her the way she loved him. She deserved better.
Dazed, he barely remembered climbing the stairs. He woke to the smell of dinner wafting through the flat. Normally, it wouldve made his stomach growl, but now it just felt wrong.
«Special occasion?» Emily asked, stepping into the hall.
Oliver hesitated, the flowers heavy in his hands.
«They dont need a reason.» He handed them over, kissing her cheek.
Emily hid her disappointment, disappearing into the kitchen. Running water filled the silence.
By the time Oliver joined her, the roses sat in a vase, and plates were set. He forced himself to eat.
«Not hungry?»
«Sorry. Mum called. Claire died. Funerals tomorrow.»
«Claire?»
«My ex-wife. Have to sort things outfor Lily. Our daughter.»
«Wait, you never said you had a daughter. How old is she?»
«Twelve, I think.»
«So, youre bringing her here?»
«Dunno. Claires got no oneparents died ages ago. Mums not well either. Excuse me, Ive got to pack.»
«Youre really going?»
«Night train. Already called work.»
«Youve been divorced for years. She probably had someone»
«Not now, Emily. Cars yours while Im gone.»
«So *this* is the surprise?» Emily stood abruptly.
«No. Ill tell you when Im back.» His fingers tightened around the box in his pocket.
***
The train ride was sleepless. Memories flickeredClaire, thin and fair, always wrapped in scarves. When her parents died in Year 11, his family took her in. His dad joked shed make a fine wife. Hed scoffed.
Then one night, they were alone. He barely remembered how it happenedonly that Claire got pregnant. His parents insisted they marry.
Hed loved her like a sister, not a wife. When Lily was born, he felt nothing. By uni, hed lefttransferred to London, cut ties. His dad disowned him. *»No son of mine abandons his child.»*
Not even his fathers funeral brought him back.
Then came Emily. Impossible not to love. Yet hed stalleduntil now. And just as he bought the ring, Claire took her revenge.
Or maybe there was nothing left to ruin. The passion had faded; they stayed together out of habit. He wasnt sure he wanted to marryjust didnt want to lose her.
Exhausted, Oliver finally slept.
***
His mum wept, hugging him. Lily stood apart, wary.
«Lily, love, this is your dad,» his mother coaxed.
The girl huffed, spinning on her heel, braids flying, and vanished into what used to be his room.
Claires coffin stayed closed. Lily didnt cry, just glared ahead.
Oliver tried talking to her. She ignored him.
Overheard later:
«Mum, I wont go with him.»
«Dont be daft. You cant go into care»
«He left us. Id rather the care home.»
Yet she boarded the train to London.
«Who do you live with?» Lily asked.
«Grandmother tell you? Yeah, theres someone. Ill propose when were back. Youll like her.»
The flat was empty. Emilys thingsgone. Just keys on the sideboard.
Lily made tea, sandwiches. No hysterics, no gloating.
They barely spoke. He bought her clothes, showed her London. Ice thawed slowly.
Then work sent him to Shanghai.
«Ask Sophie to stay. She fancies you,» Thomas suggested.
Sophie agreed eagerly. She and Lily got onlaughter filled the flat.
Oliver missed them. Called daily. Lily still handed the phone to Sophie.
Returning, he spotted them by the dooralike as sisters. His heart leapt. No one had ever waited for him.
Lily let him hug her. Sophie lingered, smiling. He wanted to hug her too.
«Got you presents,» he said, reveling in their delight.
Dinner was easyquestions about China, laughter.
Later, Sophie rose to leave.
«Dad,» Lily nudged, nodding toward the hall.
*Dad.* First time.
«Sophie, stay. Still loads to tell.»
Lily dragged her off to her room.
That night, Oliver lay awake. Life had upended. Lily warmedthanks to Sophie.
With Emily, it wouldve been different.
Sophieeasy, kind. Maybe this was love.
