Emily found out she was pregnant. Her husband, George, stayed by her side throughout the entire pregnancy, fulfilling her every wish and whim. Finally, the moment arrived, and George drove Emily to the maternity hospital. When a healthy baby girl came into the world, he breathed a sigh of relief. Overjoyed, the proud new father went home to rest. The next day, he returned to visit his wife and daughter.
Your wife isnt here, the nurse suddenly informed him.
Thats impossible! George refused to believe it. Maybe she stepped out for a moment? Please look for her!
No, shes gone. Heres a note, the nurse said, handing him a folded piece of paper. George unfolded it and turned pale as he read the words.
As head of the sales department, George had been unmarried, so when he saw the young and beautiful Emily on her first day at work, he fell for her instantly.
Good morning, colleague, he said with such a warm smile that Emily couldnt help but hold his gaze.
Good morning, she replied softly, smiling back.
Youll be settling into your duties. Olivia here will show you the ropesshes our senior. He gestured toward her. Familiarise yourself with the job description. Good luckI hope well work well together.
The other employees, mostly women, watched their boss curiously. Once he left, Olivia whispered to Victoria,
Since when does George take such an interest in new hires? They both giggled.
At first, Emily kept to herself, quietly observing the new team. She wasnt shy, just cautious.
The young woman was only twenty-two but had already broken up several families since she was seventeen. Even in college, shed managed to start an affair with a much older professor before he ended it, fearing his wife would find out.
Some time passed, and one day, George suggested they grab a coffee after work.
Why not? Youre my boss, and its good to stay on friendly terms, she said with a smile.
Emilys smile was so sweet and innocent that George thought she was joking. But he was thrilled she agreed. At thirty, hed never been marriedrelationships never led to anything serious. This one moved fast. He fell hard, and soon, they were dating. Their colleagues were stunned when he announced their wedding.
George granted Emilys every request without question, even agreeing to her condition.
No children for now. I want to live for myself. When Im ready to be a mother, Ill tell you. Until then, no nappies or baby clothes.
George assumed shed change her mindthat shed see a family wasnt complete without children. But time passed, and Emily showed no interest. Whenever he brought it up, she shut him down.
Darling, I warned you from the start, and you agreed. Dont nag me about it. Im not ready.
More time passed until one day, George saw Emily emerge from the bathroom, upset, holding a pregnancy test.
Emily youre pregnant?
She nodded. He swept her up in his arms, overjoyedbut she burst into tears.
I dont want to give birth. I dont want to get fat. You have to do something.
He held her close, kissing her tear-streaked cheeks.
Dont be angry, dont cry. This is happiness. I love you, Emily. Were going to have a baby!
But Emily was determined. She went to the doctor, resolved to end it. George rushed to the hospital just in timeshe hadnt gone in yet. He argued with her, pulling her outside.
Please, Emily! Dont do this. Let our baby live. Ill help with everything, I promise!
She agreedon the condition she wouldnt change nappies or wake up at night. For the rest of her pregnancy, George never left her side, indulging her every whim. Finally, the day came.
He drove her to the hospital, relieved when their healthy daughter was born.
Proud and happy, the new father went home to rest. The next day, he returned to visit his wife and childonly to be told:
Your wife isnt here. She left. She abandoned the baby.
That cant be! George refused to believe it. Maybe she stepped out? Please look for her!
No, shes gone. Heres a note. The nurse handed him a folded paper.
George opened it and turned white.
Three words: *Dont look for me.*
Emily never returnednot to work, not home. She changed her number. A month and a half later, she finally called.
Pack my things. My boyfriend, Oliver, will pick them up. File for divorce yourselfI wont show up.
Not a word about their daughter. She didnt want heror George. So he became both mother and father to little Alice. Luckily, his own mum lived nearby and helped.
Then, one day, Sophies phone rang. It was Daniels teacher, Mrs. Wilson.
Come to the school at once. Your son has caused quite a scene!
Sophie grabbed her bag, excused herself from work, and rushed over.
*What could Daniel have done? Hes such a calm boy.*
Her son had defied the oddsborn despite doctors insisting her husband, Edward, was infertile. Edward had been honest before their weddinghed even shown her the medical report. This was his third marriage.
Maybe the doctors were wrong, Sophie had hoped. She loved himif they couldnt have children, they could always adopt.
Edwards first wife had cheated; the second left when tests confirmed he couldnt father children. Sophie had been overjoyed when she got pregnantuntil Edward accused her.
You got pregnant behind my back? Whos the father?
He eventually calmed down, muttering, Fine. A family should have a childeven if its not mine.
Sophie stopped arguing.
When Daniel was born, she was relievedhe looked just like Edward. But her husbands resentment resurfaced.
Tell the real father to pay child support. Why put my name on the birth certificate?
Sophie begged, pleaded, but his outbursts continued. One day, Edward snapped at Daniel:
Go to your real dad. Let him feed and clothe you.
A paternity test proved Edward was the fatherbut he refused to believe it.
You bribed them! Ill expose you!
Sophie took Daniel and left. She moved across town, but Edward found her. She filed for divorce, endured the torment, then finally moved to another city.
Now, at last, life was peaceful. Daniel was well-behaveduntil that call.
At school, Sophie found Daniel sitting outside the headteachers office with Alice, his classmate, and her father.
Alice was a model studentalways praised at parent meetings. Daniel had a red mark on his cheek.
Mum, I didnt start it! She called me names and pinched me! You said not to hit girls, but
Dad, I didnt do anything, Alice mumbled.
Alice, stop, her father sighed.
Daniel, apologise.
Alice, youre in the wrong too.
The teacher sighed. Perhaps you should sort this out yourselves?
We will, Sophie and George said in unisonthen laughed.
Im George, Alices father.
Sophie, Daniels mum.
Daniel broke the silence first. Alice, Im sorry.
She touched his hand. Me too.
Good, the parents chorused, laughing again. The children smiled.
This calls for pizza, George declared.
Mum, lets go!
Alice looked serious. We really are friends now. Right, Daniel?
We believe you, Sophie said, glancing at George, who nodded.
The children chattered happily, stuffing their faces. Daniel even told Alice,
If anyone bothers you, tell me.
The parents didnt dwell on ittheir children were friends. But theyd taken a liking to each other too.
More meetings followedcinema trips, park walks, visits. The kids noticed, thrilled for them.
Months later, George and Sophie often joked about how their childrens argument had brought them together.
*Every cloud has a silver lining.*
Sophie was now expecting a baby boy. Daniel and Alice had already chosen a name: Benjamin.
