Wife and Father-in-Law Karina only pretended to want to meet Vadim’s parents—what did she need them for anyway? She wasn’t marrying them, and she doubted she’d get anything from his supposedly well-off father but trouble and suspicion. Still, once you’ve decided you’re getting married, you’ve got to see things through. Karina dressed up for the meeting, but kept it simple, aiming to look like a sweet, down-to-earth girl. Meeting the groom’s parents is always fraught with invisible pitfalls, and when they’re clever people, it’s a real test of character. Vadim thought she needed reassurance: “Don’t worry, Karina, just don’t stress. Dad’s gruff but reasonable. They won’t say anything that terrible, and they’ll grow to love you. Dad’s a bit odd, but Mum’s the life of the party,” he told her on the doorstep. Karina just smiled, tossing a strand of hair over her shoulder. So—grumpy dad, sociable mum. Quite the combination. She smirked inwardly. The house didn’t impress her; she’d been in grander homes before. They were greeted straightaway. Karina wasn’t too anxious—why fret? People are just people. Nina Hawthorn, as Vadim had mentioned, had been a homemaker for years, went on trips with friends occasionally, but nothing much else. His father, Victor Hawthorn, wasn’t exactly a barrel of laughs, but at least he was quiet. Yet his name seemed oddly familiar… They were welcomed inside— And Karina froze on the threshold. This was the end… The future mother-in-law was a stranger, but the future father-in-law she recognised instantly. They’d met three years ago—not often, but always mutually beneficial. In bars, in hotels, in restaurants. Of course, neither Victor’s wife nor his son knew about these meetings. Here we go. Victor clearly recognised her, too. His eyes flashed with something—surprise, shock, or maybe something more sinister, a hint of trouble concocted in silence. Blissfully unaware, Vadim eagerly introduced her. “Mum, Dad, this is Karina. My fiancée. I’d have brought her sooner, but she’s a bit shy.” Great… Victor Hawthorn shook her hand—firm and almost hard. “Lovely to meet you, Karina,” he said, with the faintest trace of… something she couldn’t quite place. Displeasure, or was it a warning, or… Karina braced herself, expecting Victor to tell everyone exactly who she was. “Likewise, Victor,” she replied, hoping to avoid being unmasked right away. Her adrenaline surged. What now… But… nothing came. Victor managed something resembling a smile and even pulled out a chair for her. Perhaps he’d prefer to shame her later… But nothing happened. Suddenly, Karina realised he couldn’t say a word—if he exposed her, he’d expose himself to his wife. After settling in, things were fairly relaxed. Nina regaled them with stories from Vadim’s childhood, and Victor, feigning interest, asked Karina about her work. Oh, he knew a lot about her. His subtle irony didn’t bother her—he even cracked a joke or two that made Karina laugh in spite of herself. But his jokes were laced with hints only they would catch. For instance, he glanced at Karina and observed, “You know, Karina, you remind me of a former… colleague. Also very clever. She knew exactly how to get on with people. With anyone.” Karina wasn’t thrown: “Everyone has their own talents, Victor.” Vadim, in classic lovestruck fashion, gazed at Karina adoringly, missing all the subtext. He really did love her. That was the important—and tragic—part for him. Later, when travel was mentioned, Victor looked at Karina and said, “I, for example, prefer secluded places—no fuss, just peace and a good book. How about you, Karina?” He’d caught her out. “I like being around people, noisy and lively,” Karina replied coolly, “Though sometimes extra ears can be a risk.” Briefly, almost imperceptibly, Nina seemed to notice something. Karina caught the darkening look, but Nina brushed aside any troubling thoughts. Victor knew Karina was not the quiet type. He knew why. When the evening ended, and it was time for bed, Victor hugged Vadim. “Look after her, son. She’s… special.” It sounded at once complimentary and mocking—although only Karina caught the real meaning. Karina felt the whole room’s temperature drop. “Special.” That was the word he picked. *** That night, Karina lay awake, turning over the unexpected reunion and wondering how to navigate the new situation. She guessed Victor, like herself, wasn’t asleep—he from shock, she from anticipation of the looming conversation. And, well, everything else. She got up quietly, threw a hoodie over her pyjamas, and slipped out, making deliberate but not over-loud noise down the stairs—enough for fellow insomniacs to hear. Out in the garden, she waited on the porch, knowing he’d spot her. She didn’t have to wait long. “Can’t sleep?” he asked, coming up behind her. “Restless, that’s all,” Karina replied. A gentle wind carried the familiar scent of his cologne. He studied her intently. “What do you want from my son, Karina?” All pretence gone. “I know what you’re capable of. I know there have been others like me in your life. You’ve always been after money. You never hid it, not really. What are you after with Vadim?” If he wouldn’t mention the past, neither would Karina. She flashed a smile: “I love him, Victor. Why shouldn’t I?” He wasn’t convinced. “You? Love? Please. I know what you are, Karina. And I will tell Vadim everything—what you did, who you really are. Think he’ll still marry you after that?” Karina stepped closer, until only an arm’s length separated them. Tilting her head, she studied him. As if she hadn’t seen enough already! “Go ahead, Victor,” she said, drawing out the words, “But then your wife will hear our little secret, too.” “That’s—” “Not blackmail. Reciprocity. If you tell everyone how we met, I’ll fill in all the details about what we did. Trust me, I’ll top up your story.” “That’s not the same—” “Really? Will you tell your wife the same thing?” Victor stopped cold. His attempt at intimidation had failed. He realised he was cornered. They were in this together, whether they liked it or not. “What will you tell her?” “Not just her. Everyone. Vadim too. I’ll tell them what a family man you are, and which ‘late nights at the office’ you were really working. I’ll tell it all—I’ll have nothing left to lose. If you want to save your son from me, save him.” Not an easy choice. Stop his son’s wedding, and he’d be signing his own divorce papers. “You wouldn’t dare.” “Oh, but you would, and I wouldn’t?” Karina laughed. “If you keep my ‘ambitions’ secret, your own mess stays buried. But if you talk, your wife—sweet, faithful Nina—will know. And she values loyalty.” Once, drunk, he had confessed to Karina about his extramarital adventures. Nina would never forgive that. Never. So now, he had a real decision to make. He knew Karina wasn’t bluffing. “Fine,” he managed, “I won’t say a word. And you… keep quiet, too. No one needs to know. Let’s forget all this ever happened.” That was why Karina wasn’t worried. He had more to lose than she did. “As you wish, Victor.” The next morning, Vadim and Karina left his parents’ house. Under Victor’s loathing stare, Karina said goodbye to his wife—who was already calling her “daughter.” Victor’s eye twitched at that. He hated that he couldn’t warn his son about Karina’s cunning, but was too afraid for himself. If he lost Nina, he’d lose not just a wife but half his wealth. She wouldn’t leave marriage empty-handed. And Vadim was unlikely to ever forgive him… On another visit, Karina and Vadim stayed at his parents’ for two weeks. A proper family holiday. Victor did his best to avoid Karina, making excuses for his absence. But one day, alone in the house, curiosity—and desperation—got the better of him. He decided to snoop through Karina’s bag, hoping to find something to use against her. He rummaged through her things—makeup, organiser, a small notepad. Suddenly, he spotted a blue-and-white object—a pregnancy test. With two clear lines. “All this time I thought the disaster was my son marrying… No, this is the real disaster!” He put it back before he could close the bag—Karina had caught him. “You know, rummaging through people’s things isn’t exactly polite,” she chided with a sarcastic smile—but she didn’t seem too upset. Victor didn’t deny it. “You’re pregnant by Vadim?” Karina slowly took her bag from him, looked him in the eye, and said, “Looks like you’ve spoiled the surprise, Victor.” Victor seethed. Now he could never get rid of Karina. If he ratted her out, he’d doom himself too. Now silence was the only option—even if it drove him mad, knowing what trap his son was in. *** Nine months passed… and then another half year. Vadim and Karina were raising their baby daughter, Alice. Victor made every effort not to visit, not to see them, not to think about it. He didn’t consider Alice his real grandchild. Karina terrified him—her unconcern for Vadim, her shady past. And then—again. Nina was planning to visit Vadim and Karina. “Will you come with me, Victor?” “No, I’ve got a headache.” “Again? This is getting worrying.” “Just tired. You go without me.” As always, Victor feigned migraines, colds, earaches—whatever it took to avoid going. He took a couple of tablets, just for show. He couldn’t bear Karina’s presence. But neither could he confess anything. The evening dragged on, plagued by restless thoughts. He lay down. He read a book. Then he noticed how late Nina was. Eleven at night and still not home. No answer on her phone. Naturally, he called Vadim. “Everything okay over there? Nina’s not back yet. Is she on her way?” “Dad, you’re the last person I want to talk to right now.” And hung up… Victor was about to head over himself when he saw Karina’s car pull up. Seeing her, he nearly fainted. “Why are you here?? What happened?” Karina looked calmly unbothered. She poured herself a glass of wine. Drank. Settled in. “The end of everything.” “What do you mean, the end?” “Our end. All of us. Vadim found old photos of us from a party four years ago on a café website—‘The Oasis,’ remember? He was booking something for our anniversary, saw the site… and there we were, in all our glory. The photographer posted everything. Now Vadim’s furious. Nina’s talking divorce. And, as you wanted, I suppose I’m divorcing your son, too.” Victor stared at her, events racing through his mind. That party, the website—he’d told them not to take pictures, but who knew it would end like this? He slumped to the floor beside her. “Why come here?” “I needed to escape for the evening,” Karina smiled, “The house is chaos. Alice is with the nanny. Want some wine?” She offered him his own bottle. They sat on the porch and drank. The only thing uniting them seemed to be the soft whirr of crickets in the night. “You know, this is all your fault,” Victor said. Karina nodded, eyes on her glass. “Yeah.” “You’re impossible.” “Guilty as charged.” “You don’t even feel sorry for Vadim.” “I do. But I feel sorrier for myself.” “You only love yourself.” “Not going to argue.” He suddenly turned her face to him, gently but firmly. “You know I never loved you,” he whispered. “Glad to hear it.” *** In the morning, when Nina came over to try and patch things up—willing to forgive her husband, even if it cost her half her sanity—she found Karina and Victor together, still asleep. “Who’s there?” Karina stirred. “It’s me,” Nina said, watching her world fall apart. Karina merely smiled calmly. Victor woke a little later, but did nothing to follow his wife.

Wife and Father

Emily always pretended she wanted to meet Olivers parents, but honestly, what did she need with them? She wasnt planning to live with the in-laws, and as for his father Richardapparently wealthywell, all a person got from men like him was trouble and suspicion.

Still, Emily had to play her part right to the end since shed set her sights on marrying Oliver.

She dressed up, but simply enough, hoping to appear a sweet, genuine girl.

Meeting the parents of your fiancé is always a minefield, but meeting clever parentsnow that’s a real test.

Oliver seemed to think she needed reassuring: Dont worry, Em, youll be fine. Dads a bit gruff but reasonable, and they wont say anything terrible. Mum is a real live wire and Dads a little odd, but theyll love you. He tried to comfort her before they rang the bell on the leafy street in Winchester.

Emily gave him a polite smile, tucking a loose strand of hair away. Gruff dad, sociable muma lovely combination, she thought wryly.

The house didnt impress her; shed been in more lavish homes.

They were greeted straight away.

Emily wasnt nervous. Why should she be? They were just people, after all. Shed heard plenty from Oliverhis mum, Maureen, a lifelong homemaker who occasionally went on package holidays with friends and, frankly, nothing remarkable about her. His father, Richard, didnt come across as the cheeriest of fellows, but he preferred silence anyway. His name struck her as oddly familiar though

The introductions began.

And Emily froze just outside the entrance. This was it. Maureen, her future mother-in-law, was a stranger, but Richard wasnt. She recognised him instantly. Theyd met before, three years back. Not regularly, but with mutual benefitbars, hotels, restaurants. Naturally, Maureen and Oliver had never known.

Here we go.

Richard recognised her, too. His eyes flashedwhether with surprise, alarm or something darker she couldnt tellbut he kept composed.

Oblivious, Oliver proudly introduced her, Mum, Dad, this is Emily. Shes quite shy, Id have brought her round earlier otherwise.

Oh dear

Richard extended his hand. His handshake was firm, verging on punishingly so.

Very pleased to meet you, Emily, he saida hint of something undefined in his tone. Maybe anger, or a warning, or

Emily braced for the worst, expecting Richard to expose her past then and there.

Its very nice to meet you too, Mr. Hampton, she replied, determined. Her pulse raced. Now what

But nothing happened.

With an expression nearing a smile, Richard himself pulled out a chair for her at the dinner table.

Perhaps he was planning to humiliate her later.

Except he didnt.

Thats when Emily realisedhed never tell. If he did, hed reveal his own secrets to his wife at the same time.

As the evening went on, the atmosphere relaxed. Maureen exchanged nostalgic tales from Olivers childhood, while Richard, apparently intrigued, asked Emily about her career. He already knew plenty about her. His sarcasm went over everyones heads, and she found herself impervious to it now. He even cracked a couple of jokes, and Emilymuch to her surpriselaughed. Still, there was an undercurrent to his humour, subtle jabs only theyd understand.

At one point, Richard glanced at her and said dryly, You know, Emily, you remind me of a former acquaintance of mine. Exceptionally clever woman. Had a knack for getting along with anyone.

Emily met his eyes, unbothered. Everyones got their own talents, Mr. Hampton.

Oliver gazed at her with adoration, utterly blind to the layers of the conversation. He really did love her. That, ironically, made it both lovelyand painfulfor him.

Later, when they spoke about travel, Richard mused, looking straight at Emily, I like a secluded retreat. No fuss or bother. A good book, peace and quiet. How about you, Emily? Whats your ideal spot?

He was testing her.

I prefer crowds and laughter, really, said Emily, not rising to the bait, though sometimes extra ears can be risky.

For a second, Maureen seemed to pick up on some odd tension, frowning. Emily watched carefully as her future mother-in-law shook off the moment.

Richard knew perfectly well Emily wasnt after silenceand he knew why.

When the evening drew to a close, Richard hugged Oliver, Son, take care of her. Shes special.

It sounded both like a compliment and a private joke. Only Emily caught his meaning.

She suddenly felt the room grow colder. Special. Of all words.

***

That night, as the house slept, Emily tossed and turned, her mind racing with the days events and the precarious situation she now faced. She was sure Richard was just as sleeplessnot over her, but over the ticking time bomb between them.

Quietly, she put on the old hoodie she only wore round the house and crept out of the guest bedroom. Making sure her footsteps were just loud enough for fellow insomniacs, she walked out to the veranda, knowing Richard would find her there.

He didnt keep her waiting.

Cant sleep? he said from behind.

Just restless, replied Emily.

A gentle breeze stirred and she caught a whiff of his cologne.

He surveyed her intently.

What do you want with my son, Emily? Hed dropped all pretence. I know who you are. I know how many men like me youve known. I know money was always part of the equationand you never disguised it. You always made your price clear, in whatever way you could. So, why Oliver?

If he wouldnt tiptoe, she had no reason to.

I love him, Mr. Hampton, she said in singsong, Why cant I?

He was unmoved.

Love? From you? Dont make me laugh. I know what sort of woman you are. Ill tell Oliver everything. What youve done. Who you really are. You think hed still marry you?

Emily moved closer, only a hands width between them, tilting her head, studying him.

Go ahead, Mr. Hampton, she replied, stretching the words. But then your wife will hear about our little secret too.

Thats

Not blackmail. Mutual interest. If you start telling stories about the circumstances we first met, you can hardly avoid the details. Ill jump in as well.

Its not the same

Oh? Would you say that to Maureen as well?

He froze. Shed called his bluff. They were in the same boat now.

What would you tell her? His voice was strained.

Not only her. Everyone. Oliver too. Ill tell them what type of family man you really areand what sort of late nights kept you away. Ill have nothing to lose. If you want to save your son from me, be my guest.

Not an easy choice.

If he talked Oliver out of the marriage, hed have to sign his own divorce papers.

You wouldnt dare.

I wouldnt? Emily couldnt help laughing. He could but she couldnt? I wont, provided you keep quiet about my so-called ambitionafter all, youre the one carrying heavier secrets. Maureen values loyalty, you know.

Hed once, completely drunk, confessed to Emily how faithful and good Maureen was and what a scumbag he felt for cheating. Maureen would never forgive him. Not ever. He had a lot more to lose.

He knew she wasnt bluffing.

Fine, he bit out. Ill say nothing. And youyou dont breathe a word. No one says a thing. We forget this ever happened.

Emily didnt worryhe stood to lose much more than she did.

As you wish, Mr. Hampton.

The next morning, with Richard glaring, Emily bid goodbye to Maureen, who was gushing and already calling her daughter. Richard’s eyelid twitched.

He was tormented; he couldnt warn Oliver about his cunning fiancée without blowing up his own life. Lose Maureen, and hed lose more than a wifehalf his estate at least. Shed walk with her share and Oliver probably wouldnt forgive him either.

On another occasion, Emily and Oliver spent two weeks at his parents householiday season and family time.

Richard did his best to avoid Emily, feigning one commitment after another. But one day, while home alone, curiosity overwhelmed him and he rifled through Emilys bag, hoping to find leverage.

He sorted through her make-up, diary, notebook. Suddenly he spotted a white-and-blue object: a pregnancy test, with two unmistakably pink lines.

I thought my worst nightmare was my son marrying but thisthis is a disaster, he muttered, putting it away. He hadnt shut the bag before Emily caught him red-handed.

Not very gentlemanly, Mr. Hampton, she said, mock-scolding, not the least rattled.

Richard didnt bother to deny it. Are you pregnant with Olivers child?

Emily approached, took the bag, and replied with a cool smile, Well, looks like youve ruined the surprise, Mr. Hampton.

Now Richard was furious. This meant shed be tied to his son forever. If he said anything now, theyd both go downworse than ever before. Hed have to keep silent, no matter how difficult, watching Oliver walk into a trap.

***

Nine months passedand then another six.

Oliver and Emily were raising their daughter, Alice.

Richard avoided their house at all costs. He could not bear the sight of Emily, could not convince himself that Alice was his own granddaughter. Emily unsettled himher nonchalance around Oliver, her secrets.

Maureen announced she was off to visit.

Coming with me, Richard?

No, got a splitting headache.

Again? This is becoming a regular thingyou should see a doctor.

Just tired. Off you go, Richard insisted, pretending migraines, chest infections, dodgy kneesanything to dodge another encounter. He even took a couple of painkillers for show. He just couldnt face Emily anymore, but he couldn’t come clean either.

The evening dragged for Richard while Maureen was out.

He lay reading, then noticed how late it wasnearly eleven oclock and Maureen still wasnt home. No answer on her mobile. Of course, he rang Oliver.

Everything alright? Has Mum left yet? Shes not come home.

Dad, youre the last person I want to talk to right now, Oliver said before hanging up.

Richard was on the verge of driving over when a car pulled up outside. Emilys.

Seeing her on the step nearly gave him a heart attack.

What are you doing here? Tell mewhats happened?

Emily was implacably calm. She poured herself a glass of wine and settled into the armchair.

Everythings collapsed.

What do you mean collapsed?

Our little world. Oliver found photos on the website of some cafethe Oasis, you remember? From that party four years ago. He wanted to book it for our anniversary, saw their gallery online… and there we are. Bright as day. That photographer, honestlythe whole night plastered online! Now Oliver is fuming, Maureen is talking about divorce. As for me, I suppose you got your wishIll probably be divorcing your son as well.

Richard stared. A flood of memories rushed backhe recalled warning against photos that night, had a bad feeling about it then but who could have predicted this?

He sank beside Emily, defeated.

Why did you come here?

I needed to escape for the evening, Emily replied. Its chaos back home. Alice is with her nanny. Want some wine?

She offered him his own bottle.

They sat together in silence on the veranda, the only sound the distant hum of traffic and the odd birdcall.

This is all your fault, Richard said.

Emily nodded, holding her glass up to the fading light. Mmm.

Youre insufferable.

Thats about right.

You dont even pity Oliver.

I do. But I pity myself more.

You only ever loved yourself.

I wont argue.

He reached out, lifted her chin to face him. You know I never loved you.

I never doubted it.

***

The next morning, Maureen, determined to patch things up with her husband despite the cost to her nerves or her pride, arrived to find Emily and Richard together, just waking up.

Whos there? Emily asked, rising.

Its me, said Maureen quietly, her world falling apart.

Emily, catching her eye, merely smiled. Richard stirred a few moments later, but he couldnt bring himself to run after his wife.

Looking back now, I realise how deep secrets can rot a family from the inside out; trying to hide from your own choices only drags others into darkness. Its better to face the truth squarelybefore it tears more than just your own life to shreds.