Julia found herself pregnant. Her husband, George, stayed by her side throughout the pregnancy, indulging her every whim and desire. Finally, the day arrived, and George rushed Julia to the maternity ward. When a healthy baby girl came into the world, he exhaled in relief. Overjoyed, the new father drove home to rest. The next day, he returned to visit his wife and daughter.
Your wife isnt here, a nurse abruptly informed him.
Thats impossible! George protested. Maybe she stepped outlook for her!
No, shes gone. Heres a note, the nurse replied, handing him a folded slip of paper. George unfolded it and turned pale at the words.
George, the head of sales, had never married before. The moment he saw Juliayoung, beautifulhe fell head over heels. It was her first day in his department, and he approached her instantly.
Good morning, colleague, he said with a smile so warm her gaze lingered on him.
Good morning, she replied softly, mirroring his smile.
Youll be starting your duties today. Olivia will show you the ropesshes the senior here. He gestured toward her. Read through the job description. Best of luckI hope well work well together.
The mostly female staff exchanged curious glances. Once George left, Olivia whispered to Vera,
Since when does George personally welcome new hires? The two stifled laughter.
Julia kept to herself at first. A new environment, after all. She wasnt shy, just watchful.
At twenty-two, she had already ruined several marriagesstarting at seventeen, when she seduced a much older college lecturer. Hed been the first to regain his senses, cutting ties when rumors reached his wife.
Time passed. One day, George suggested drinks after work.
Why not? Julia smiled. Youre my bossgood relations are essential.
Her smile was so sweet, so guileless, he almost thought she was teasing. But shed agreed. At thirty, George had never married, though hed had relationships. None had led to commitmentuntil Julia. They fell fast, leaving colleagues stunned when he announced their wedding.
He catered to her every demand without question, even accepting her terms:
No children for now. I want to live for myself. When Im ready to be a mother, Ill say so. Until then, no nappies, no baby clothes.
George assumed shed change her mind. But time passed, and Julia remained firm, shutting him down whenever he broached the subject.
Then one day, he found her distressed, clutching a positive pregnancy test.
Julia, youre pregnant?!
She nodded. He swept her into his arms, elatedbut she burst into tears.
I dont want this. I dont want to get fat. Fix it.
He kissed her tear-stained cheeks. Dont be angry, dont cry. This is happiness. I love you. Were having a baby!
But Julia was resolute. She booked a clinic appointment. George intercepted her just in time, dragging her outside in a heated argument.
Please, Julia! Dont do this. Let our child live. Ill help with everythingI swear!
She relented, on one condition: no nappies, no night feeds. He agreed. Throughout her pregnancy, he doted on her. When labour came, he rushed her to the hospital. Only when their healthy daughter arrived did he finally breathe easy.
Exhausted but euphoric, he went home to rest. The next day, he returnedonly to be told:
Your wifes gone. She left the baby behind.
Thats impossible! George insisted. She must be around here somewherelook again!
Shes left. Heres a note. The nurse handed him a folded slip. George opened it and went white.
Three words: *Dont look for me.*
Julia vanishedno trace at work, no calls, a new SIM card. A month and a half later, she finally phoned.
Pack my things. My ex, Adrian, will collect them. File for divorce yourselfI wont show up.
Not a word about their daughter. She wanted neither the baby nor George. So he became both mother and father to little Amelia, grateful for his mothers help nearby.
Then the phone rang.
Sophie answeredDaniels teacher, Mrs. Thompson.
Come to the school immediately. Your sons caused an incident.
Sophie raced over, bewildered. Daniel was usually calm.
Born against all odds, Daniel defied doctors predictions. Her husband, Ian, had warned her before marriagehe was infertile, with medical proof. His third marriage, after two failed ones.
Sophie had hoped for a miracle. When she got pregnant, she rushed home with the ultrasound.
Ian, were having a baby! Look!
His face darkened.
*Our* baby? Or someone elses?
He never believed her, even when Daniel was bornhis spitting image. Accusations flew. Go to your real father! hed snarl.
Sophie endured until she couldnt. She left, moving towns. Life settled. Daniel grew well-behaveduntil today.
At school, she found Daniel and a classmate, Alice, outside the headmasters office. Alice, the model student, glared while Daniel sported a red mark on his cheek.
Mum, she started it, he said. She called me fatherless.
Dad, I didnt Alice mumbled.
Enough, her father cut in.
The parents exchanged glancesthen laughed.
Im George, Alices father.
Sophie, Daniels mum.
The children apologized.
Pizza to celebrate? George suggested.
They went. The kids chattered, already friends.
If anyone bullies you, tell me, Daniel said. Alice grinned.
The parents smiled tooat each other. More outings followed: cinema, parks, dinners. The children noticedand cheered louder.
Months later, Sophie was pregnant again. Daniel and Alice brainstormed names for their baby brother.
They settled on Benjamin.
No happiness without a little chaos.
