“This isnt some fling, Emily. For seventeen years, Ive been living a double life,” Daniel said, nervously spinning a pen across his desk.
“If this is a joke, its a bloody awful one,” Emily shot back, her voice trembling.
For weeks, shed sensed something was off. Daniel had been distantlate nights at the office, business trips, restless energy. But a daughter? Where had she come from?
“This is serious. This is my reality. Ours, now.” He stood and walked slowly to the window.
“What? Weve been married twenty-six years. We have two grown sons studying abroad. We were the perfect family. And now youre telling me you have a fifteen-year-old daughter? Did I hear that right?”
“You did, Emily. But theres more.”
She froze, unsure how to react.
“Shes moving in with us. Next week. And its not up for discussion. There are no other options.”
“Youre not even asking mejust dropping it on me. So if I say no, I can leave, is that it?”
“Dont be dramatic. I dont want a divorce. This is just the way things are,” Daniel sighed.
“If youre done, Im leaving. Ive got work to get back tonot that my lunch break hasnt already been ruined,” Emily said coldly.
“Go,” Daniel muttered, still staring out the window.
She left the office, swallowing her anger, her head spinning.
“Emily Carter, are you all right? Do you need water?” the secretary asked, concerned.
“No, thank you. Call me a cabI cant drive,” Emily replied flatly.
“One will be at the front in five minutes.”
“Thanks,” Emily said, stepping into the lift before finally letting the tears fall.
She dialed a number.
“Sarah, Im not coming in today. Move all my meetings. Handle whatever needs handling.”
Twenty minutes later, she stood on her mother-in-laws doorstep.
“Margaret, did you know Daniel has a daughter with another woman?” she demanded.
The older woman sighed and nodded.
“Yes. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember when I had that heart attack? Daniel panickedthought I should know my granddaughter.”
“Youre calling her your granddaughter already? Brilliant!” Emily scoffed.
“And what would you have me do? Pretend she doesnt exist?” Margaret said calmly. “If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have stopped it. But shes here now. Shes Daniels blood.”
Emily stared at her, hurt.
“Why didnt you tell me?”
“To spare you the pain youre feeling now.”
Emily broke down, collapsing into Margarets arms.
“Itll be all right, love. Youre strong.”
“I dont owe anyone anything!” Emily suddenly shouted. “He built another life, and now Im supposed to forgive him?”
“You need to talk to him. Get the full story,” Margaret urged.
“Right now, I cant even look at him.”
A week passed. They didnt speak. Then, one evening, Daniel brought the girl home.
“Come in, sweetheart. This is your home now. And this is Emily Carteryour other mother.”
Emily clenched her fists but forced a smile.
“Nice to meet you.”
The girls blue eyesjust like Danielsmet hers.
“Nice to meet you too. I hope we can be friends.”
Sophie was polite, bright. After a few weeks, Emily grew used to her. But with Daniel, she remained cold.
Days later, Emily filed for divorce. Margaret supported her.
“Id have done the same,” she admitted.
Sophie was heartbroken. Emily sat her down.
“Sophie, love, lets talk.”
The girl sobbed.
“Mum, dont go. I love you.”
Emily held her tight.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
The next morning, Emily peeked into Sophies room.
“Up you get. Breakfast first, then were off.”
“Where?”
“Its a surprise.”
Twenty minutes later, they walked down the street.
“Where are we?”
Emily stopped and smiled.
“Your mums. Were buying flowersso we can thank her for you.”
Sophie hugged her tight.
