Are you sure youve thought about me? Anne asked softly, turning to her husband. I know you love your daughter. Im not trying to cut you off from her but isnt it odd that your ex keeps draining money from you through the child? Because of her whims we have to tighten our own belts. When will this stop?
Ian had returned home early from work. He set the table as Anne finished the last dish. It was Friday, which meant his elevenyearold daughter from his first marriage, Lily, would be arriving that evening. A knock at the door sent Anne rushing to the hallway. Inside stood Ian and his stepdaughter. Lily slipped past Anne without a glance, offering a terse Hi. Ian gave Anne a guilty look and muttered, Hi, love. How was your day?
Fine, Anne replied, masking irritation. Come and sit down.
A heavy silence settled over the table. Ian tried to lighten the mood, recounting his day to Lily, but she answered in monosyllables or stayed mute, deliberately ignoring Anne. Anne ate in silence, feeling a tight knot forming in her throat.
Dad, Mum said she urgently needs money for a new winter coat, Lily blurted suddenly. Her old one is ragged, shes embarrassed to go to school with it.
Alright, Lily, Ian said calmly. Well talk after dinner.
Annes temper boiled. More money, more endless pleas, she thought. How long will this go on?
After dinner, Ian and Lily retreated to Lilys bedroom for homework. Anne stayed in the kitchen washing up, catching fragments of their conversation.
Dad, you understand she really needs it. Shes the one supporting us, and her, Lilys voice lowered.
Can my wife not buy her a coat? Ian asked timidly.
Dad, what does my husband have to do with it? He has no money! I wouldnt ask you if things werent dire. Youre a man, you should support her! And youre my dad! Lily snapped.
Anne could hold back no longer. She tossed the sponge into the sink and marched into the bedroom.
Ian, we need to talk, she said firmly.
Not now, Anne, Ian tried to dodge. Were doing homework.
No, now, Anne insisted. Lily, could you give us a minute?
Lily grimaced but left the room. Anne shut the door firmly behind her and faced Ian.
How long will this go on? she demanded.
What do you mean? Ian feigned confusion.
The money, Ian! Your exwife, Lily, everything! We can barely cover the mortgage, Im giving up everything for us, and you keep handing cash to her! Its outrageous!
Its my child. I cant turn my back on her, Ian began to defend himself.
And what about me? About us? We have needs too! I cant even get my teeth treated because theres no money!
I understand, Ian said, remorseful. Ill speak to Olivia.
Shell never listen! She always gets what she wants. Maybe you should remind her that you have a wife who also deserves care, Anne shot back.
Dont drag Olivia into this, Ian, he scowled. Shes a good mother.
A good mother? If she were, she wouldnt dump all her problems on you! Shes comfortable because you foot the bill, Anne retorted.
Enough! Ian exploded. Dont talk about my childs mother like that!
And dont forget you have a real wifeone who loves and supports you! Anne shouted.
I love you, Ian whispered, but I cant abandon my daughter.
So, who do you love more? Anne pressed, her voice trembling.
Ian stared at the floor, silent.
Whats all this shouting about? Lily asked, noticing Annes tears. Are you fighting?
No, Lily, Ian tried to soothe his daughter. Everythings fine.
No, it isnt! Anne cried. Your father and I are arguing because of you and your mother!
Because of me? Lily raised an eyebrow, surprised.
Yes, because you constantly demand money, because you treat me like an afterthought! Anne spat.
What, you expect me to love you? Youre nobody to me! Lily snapped. I have my mum!
Anne felt as if she had been slapped. She looked to Ian, hoping for a response, but he only bowed his head.
Lily, you can stay here as long as you like, but Im done pretending everythings alright. My patience has run out, Anne said, voice shaking. She left the room, closing the bedroom door behind her. In the master bedroom, she grabbed her phone and dialed her friend.
Hey, she managed through sobs, I need to talk.
The next day Anne met her friend at a café in Manchester. She looked gaunt, barely touching her food. After listening, her friend asked, Anne, are you seriously thinking about divorce?
I dont know, Anne admitted honestly. I love Ian, but I cant keep living like this. Hes torn between me and his former family, and I feel like a spare part. Im exhausted.
I get it. But maybe you should try talking to him again? Explain how you feel, what you need, the friend suggested.
Ive told him a thousand times! Anne snapped. He seems to understand, but nothing changes. He doesnt want to hurt his daughter, yet hes hurting me.
How about Lily? Have you tried speaking with her? the friend probed.
Talking to her is useless! She only listens to her mother and does everything to hurt me. She doesnt see me as a person, Anne replied.
You know, children often mimic their parents, the friend observed. Maybe you should try finding common ground with her.
She cant stand me! She ignores me on purpose! Its impossible, Anne retorted.
But what if you give it another shot? Show her you want a relationship and she might change, the friend urged.
Anne paused, realizing her friend had a point. If she wanted to save her marriage, she would have to swallow her pride and try to reach the stubborn teenager.
Fine, she finally said. Ill try, though I dont expect much.
That afternoon, when Ian brought Lily home, Anne decided to act. She emerged from the kitchen with a tray of scones and tea. Lily was lounging on the sofa, glued to her phone.
Lily, Anne began, would you like some tea and a scone?
Lily looked up, her expression cold.
Im not hungry, she replied.
Just have a bite, Anne prompted, setting the tray down. I baked them myself.
Reluctantly, Lily took a small piece and tasted it.
Its good, she murmured.
Im glad, Anne smiled. Come sit, Ill get you a cup.
Lily moved to the table, still wary. Not long ago, Anne had shouted at her; now she was offering biscuits.
Lily, I wanted to talk, Anne said gently. I know you dont like me being around your dad.
And I shouldnt have to, Lily shot back. Youre not my mother.
I understand, Anne nodded. Im not trying to replace anyone. I just want peace. Your father is suffering because of our fights.
Lily stared at her cup in silence.
I know you love your mum, and thats right. But that doesnt mean you have to hate me. I love your father too.
Youre lying! Lily exclaimed. You only argue with him!
We argue because things are hard, Anne admitted. But that doesnt mean we dont love each other.
She waited, watching Lilys eyes drift to the pattern on the tablecloth.
Lily, Ive never wished you any harm. I just want us all to be happy. Youre the daughter of the man I love most, Anne said softly.
Lily lifted her gaze, meeting Annes. The hostility in her eyes softened.
Really? she whispered.
Yes, Anne replied, I swear on this tea.
Just then Ian entered the room, surprised to see his wife and daughter sitting together quietly.
Is something wrong? he asked.
Were just talking, Anne answered with a smile.
The evening turned out wonderfully. Lily laughed as they played a game of Twister, and Ian chuckled along. For the first time, Lily felt no resentment toward her stepmother; she realized Anne could be kind.
The night ended with Anne reflecting on the days progress. She realized that love is not a fixed share but a choice to keep giving, even when the balance feels uneven. By listening, showing patience, and extending a hand, she helped bridge a gap that money alone could never close. In the end, she learned that families thrive not on obligations, but on the willingness to understand each others hurts and to nurture compassion, no matter how strained the ties may seem.
