The Unwanted, Wanted Granddaughter: A Summer’s Day, a Playground Encounter, and the Battle for a Little Princess in the Sand – When Stubborn Family Secrets and Old Grudges Resurface to Threaten a Mother’s Love in Modern England

Author Emily TaylorReading 11 minViews 1

Look, over there, thats her! Im absolutely sure of it, a well-dressed woman whispered to a rather ordinary-looking man. Lets just watch for a couple of minutes.

A little girl of about five was contentedly playing in the sandpit, building an elaborate castle for a princess. Her rather unimpressive castle was actually just an enormous mound of sand, but Lucy stubbornly refused any adult help. She was determined to do it all by herself! A moat was still needed, of course, and she had to dig a den for her dragonsomeone had to keep her kingdom safe!

Its a blazing hot summer day, right around lunchtime. Lucy is kept cool and comfortable under a large sunshade, far better off than her parents, who are nearby and visibly wilting in the heat. Worried about sunstroke, Lucys mum retreated into the shade, sending her husband off to fetch cold drinks and ice lollies. Distracted by a call, Rachel lost sight of her daughter for a few moments. That brief lapse was all the watchers needed.

Hello there, sweetheart, the brash woman said as she brazenly sat beside Lucy, making the little girl flinch back in fright. Losing her balance, Lucy tumbled right into her castle, flattening it to almost nothing. Tears immediately filled her eyes as hours of effort were destroyed in an instant. Oh, dont cry! It was only a pile of sand. If youd like, I can build you a real castle, the stranger offered.

MUM! Lucy shouted at the top of her lungs, remembering every safety lesson her parents and nursery teachers had taught her.

Springing to her feet, Lucy scrambled out of the sandpit, just barely dodging the unfamiliar mans attempt to grab her.

Rachel, hearing her daughters desperate cry, ran full tilt towards her, dropping her phone on the ground in her panic. The anxious voice of her caller still echoed faintly from the handset.

My darling! Rachel hugged Lucy tightly. What happened? Are you all right, sweetheart?

Over there, some weird lady! Lucy sobbed, clutching her mums neck. And that man! He tried to catch me! Mummy, I was so scared!

Just then, Lucys father arrived. He quickly looked Lucy over, then fixed his gaze on the two strangers responsible for this chaos.

A woman in her early sixties pursed her lips as she watched the reunion. That child There wasnt a doubt in her mind: the little girl was her granddaughter. The hair, the eyes, the shape of her faceshe was the spitting image of Michael at that age, save for the gender.

Youve gone a long way to hide, the older woman began contemptuously, eyeing her ex-daughter-in-law. And how dare you take my granddaughter halfway across the country?

Daniel, take Lucy home. Ill handle this, Rachel said quietly, passing her precious daughter to her husband. Call Dad, will you? Ask him to get someone down here.

Dont you dare! I just want to meet my granddaughter! the woman shrieked, but didnt actually try to chase after Daniel. He was well over six feet and broad-shouldered; she knew better. Why didnt they check if Rachel had remarried?

Mrs. Harper, Rachel said, oozing disgust as she sized up the woman in front of her. What are you even on about? What granddaughter? Have you forgotten something, or shall I remind you?

********************

Hows my future grandson? the woman had once demanded of her son and his pregnant wife when they returned from the hospital.

Were having a girl, Ive told you this before, Rachel replied with a forced smile, wishing her mother-in-law would just go home. Lately, the woman seemed to only go back to her own flat to sleepRachel and Michael had resorted to hiding in their bedroom, feigning illness.

The doctor is clearly mistaken, declared Mrs. Harper with finality. In the Harper family, only boys are ever born!

Is that why you disowned your eldest son? Because his wife gave birth to a girl? Rachel shot back, growing weary of her mother-in-laws daily monologues.

Thats not his child! the older woman snapped, loath to recall the episode. Tessa tricked him, and he believed her! He wouldnt listen to me! Let some girl lead him astrayunbelievable, she finished with venom.

But Tessa has the DNA test results, and you know it. You checked that sheet yourself, at least five times. You tried to convince Alex it was a forgery.

It was a fake! How dare you question me? You cheeky girl, Mrs. Harper nearly hissed, trying desperately to keep from causing another scene. Shed wait. After all, they needed an heir desperately. What would she tell her friends? Everyone else had grandchildren except her

Im going to lie down. I feel faint, Rachel said, walking away and closing the bedroom door deeply behind her.

More and more, Rachel wondered if shed made a huge mistake marrying Michael. She loved himno question of thatbut living with a mother-in-law like this was simply too much. Rachels own mum had been so right insisting they move far away from the new batty relative.

Shed suggested moving several times to Michael. But hed flatly refused.

How could I abandon Mum? Shes not got Dad to rely on, he just sits mumbling on the sofa, useless as a chocolate teapot. My brother? You know full well he fell out with Mum. He let himself be lied towell, DNA tests can be forged after all

Rachel then begged her husband just to talk to his mother. Maybe shed visit less often and stop trying to control everything.

Mum means well! She helps around the house, gives good adviceshow some appreciation! Michael replied, indignant. Youre always hiding in the bedroom anyway

I only lock myself away BECAUSE of your mother! Rachel finally snapped. Im tired of her gnawing at my nerves! If she doesnt knock it off, she wont see her granddaughter! Ill go home to Mum and Dad! And dont forget my dads a police inspectorhell help. Understood?

After that blow-up, Mrs. Harper backed off a bit. She still showed up daily, but at least limited her visits and nagged less. Rachel suspected it wouldnt last, and the whole circus would soon start again.

There was also the hideous insistence that only a grandson would do. Her mother-in-lawand husbandboth seemed obsessed with the must be a boy idea. Michael scoffed at the scan and rolled his eyes at the doctors predictions.

If its a girl, Ill kick you both out! Michael had sneered at Rachel once, half-drunk. Thatll mean its not even mine. Im not like Alexnobodys pulling the wool over my eyes!

Rachels resolve finally broke after that. She realised the marriage show was over, and started planning divorce. Her dad had the connections, and would help her end things swiftly.

Of course, Lucy was bornjust as the scans had said. Michael threw a fit right there in the maternity ward; he didnt even care that Rachels bedmate, a younger mum, shrank away in horror. Security quickly removed him from the hospital.

The next day, Mrs. Harper arrived. She didnt screamshed learned something from Michaels mistakebut her words were nastier than ever. Eventually, though, Rachels guardian angel arrived: a uniformed man, her father. With one arched brow, he removed the troublemaker. He even warned her of dire consequences if she kept maligning Rachel.

Michael didnt waste any time filing for divorce. When he was told the law wouldnt grant it before the baby turned one, he immediately disowned Lucy, even going to court to challenge paternity.

The solicitor who drafted the paperwork nearly laughed aloud. No daughters ever born to Harpers? Nonsense! Only a DNA test could determine the truth.

I dont see how you can win this, said the solicitor honestly. Especially since your brother also has a daughter.

Not his child!

But the DNA test

Faked! Michael declared, egged on by his mother.

I warn youthe court will almost certainly accept a DNA match as final.

I know shes not my daughter. Thats all there is to it.

Rachel forestalled this nonsense at once. She cut ties with the entire Harper family, accepted the divorce, and simply registered as a single mum. Far better than Michael suddenly deciding to claim his rights years later.

************************

So? Have you remembered now? Why didnt you bring Michael with you?

Michael Michaels dead, the older woman said in a mournful voice. Your daughters all thats left of him. Dont worry, well raise her well, turn her into a fine person

You? Raise her? Why on earth would you? Rachel hissed. Youre nothing to my daughter. Your son means nothing to her! The court decided that. Come near Lucy again and Ill call the police. Attempted abduction. My fathers highly respected here, so dont expect mercy!

You dont understandweve no one else left!

You have your elder son. Alex has a daughter toogo to them.

He wont even speak to us, the woman admitted quietly, finally realising her mistake.

Wise man, Rachel nodded approvingly. After all you put us throughdo you think youre owed anything? Want me to remind you what you used to call my baby?

Mrs. Rachel Jones, any trouble here? Two fit officers in uniform hurried over.

Yes, a bit. Please see that these two leave the city and dont cause us any more bother.

But

No buts, one officer said, stepping forward. Mr and Mrs. Harper backed away hastily as Rachels satisfied smile grew. Lets move along, please.

Rachel walked home, feeling fantastic. One passing thought darkened her mood for just a moment.

Ill have to keep an eye on those Harpers. Best make sure they stay put and dont show their faces around here again. Ill ask Dad to see to itRachel took Lucys hand, their palms sticky with melted ice lolly, and headed down the sun-dappled path toward home. Every step carried away more heaviness, until Rachel felt almost light. She watched Lucy skip ahead, straw hat lopsided, golden hair spilling over her shoulders, already lost in a new imaginary worldas if dragons and heartbreak existed only for yesterday.

Rachel paused at the gate, breathing in the scent of honeysuckle and the distant echo of Lucys laughter. She glanced up, sunlight catching the wedding band shed returned to her jewelry box years ago. Today, she realized, it wasnt the ring or the family name that made her wholeit was Lucys small, sure voice calling, Mummy, are you coming?

Yes, darling, she answered, her own voice steady and free of shadows.

Inside, Daniel greeted them with open arms and a smile only the unburdened could share. Rachel caught his eye, wordlessly thanking him for being the soft landing she and Lucy both needed.

Later, Lucy curled into her lap with a storybook, eyes wide at the tale of a fearless princess making bricks from sand. Rachel held her close, warm and safe, and thought: Maybe happy endings arent about banishing all the dragons. Maybe theyre about choosing kindnessfor yourself and your childrenand placing faith in each small step away from the past, toward the life you build for yourself.

As dusk fell, soft and golden through the curtains, Lucys quiet breathing became the music of Rachels peace. The world beyond their door could keep its old grudges and broken promises; here in this home, love would reigngentle, protective, and fiercely their own.

Rachel pressed a kiss to Lucys forehead and closed her eyes with a smile, certain she had finally, beautifully, won.

The Unwanted Child — So, have you chosen a name for your little girl? — The elderly doctor smiled his professional smile at his young patient. — We haven’t decided yet, — Natalia, who was sitting by the bed, interjected. — Naming a baby is a serious matter, Dasha needs to think carefully. — I don’t want to. — To everyone’s surprise, the young mother herself spoke up. — I’m not planning on taking her home at all. I’m going to write a refusal. — What are you saying? — The woman shot up, then gave the girl a furious look and turned to the doctor. — She doesn’t know what she’s saying. Of course we’ll take the baby. — I’ll come back later. Try to get some rest, — the doctor said, clearly uninterested in witnessing a family row. As soon as the man left, Natalia turned on the girl with reproaches. — How dare you say something like that? What will people think of us? We had to move to this city as it is, trying to keep everything quiet. That baby is staying in this family. — And whose fault is that? — Dasha stared right at her. — If you’d listened to me back then, none of this would’ve happened. I’d have finished school in peace and gone off to uni. So, if you want this baby so much, you can have her. She turned to the wall, signalling the conversation was over. Natalia tried for a few more minutes to talk sense into her daughter, but then a nurse came and asked her to leave. The patient needed rest. Dasha was finally alone in the ward. She wept quietly into her pillow, praying to every god she knew for it all to end soon. A timid knock at the door forced Dasha to wipe away her tears. She exhaled deeply, then said: — Come in. Expecting a nurse or, at worst, her father, Dasha was surprised to see a complete stranger. — Can I help you? — Who could know how hard it was to keep up her mask of cool composure! — I just overheard… By complete accident! The doctors were talking in the corridor… — The woman fidgeted, clearly not sure how to voice her question. — Yes, I want to give up the baby. It’s true. Is that what you wanted to know? — I saw your mum… — She’s not my mum! — snapped Dasha, the mask cracking in a flash. — Just my stepmother who thinks the world revolves around her. My actual mum works abroad. — I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you, — the woman stammered. — It’s just… I have three kids of my own, and I can’t understand… I grew up in care, and I’m worried for your little one. She’s blameless in all this! — Babies this little are adopted quickly, that’s what they told me. — Dasha shrugged. — And I can’t even force myself to hold her, let alone more than that. If Natasha hadn’t got involved back then, I wouldn’t even be here right now. — But you’re old enough to decide for yourself — you’re over fifteen, aren’t you? — It’s such a scandal! — Dasha mimicked her stepmother’s tone. — What will people say? — I don’t understand… — I’ll tell you, — Dasha gave a crooked smile. — Maybe then you’ll stop judging me. ***************************************************** Dasha’s last year at school had gone terribly. On top of her beloved Pasha being conscripted into the army, a new boy joined the class. Fresh from London, his wealthy dad had exiled him to the provinces as punishment. His reputation for chasing girls had already gotten him into trouble. Mak was flashy: expensive gifts, club nights, posh dinners. One by one, the girls fell for his act, each thinking she’d be his princess. Dasha was the only one who resisted. She was in love; she wanted no one but Pasha. Eventually, it seemed Mak had accepted she was off-limits and set his sights elsewhere. Or so she thought. How wrong she was. The trouble started at a friend’s birthday party just before Christmas. The whole class was there, including Mak, but he was clearly up to something. Halfway through the evening, Dasha left the room to take a call. When she returned, Mak was sat in her seat. She didn’t think anything of it… but soon began to feel ill… In the morning, Dasha woke groggy and confused — Mak lying beside her, grinning. — See? You put up such a fight for nothing, — he said as if nothing unusual had happened. — Consider this some compensation. I’m honestly surprised. Your Pasha’s a real mug. Getting home was a nightmare. She could hardly stand, and passersby looked at her with disgust. Too weak to fish out her keys, she rang the doorbell. She was certain her stepmother would answer. — Out all night, not answering your phone, and look at the state of you! Your dad would have a fit if he saw you! — snapped Natasha. — Get a doctor and the police, — Dasha interrupted. — I want to report it. He needs locking up. Natasha hesitated, then, piecing things together, came to her own conclusions. — Who? — Mak, who else? — Even speaking made Dasha queasy. — No one else would dare. Call them, or I’ll do it myself. — Let’s not rush things, — Natasha calculated quickly. — He’ll just get away with it. Let’s do things differently. I’ll contact his father and ask for compensation. — You’re mad! — Dasha couldn’t believe what she was hearing. — What compensation? I’ll go to the police myself! — No you won’t! — Natasha yanked Dasha to her room. She hadn’t the energy to resist. — You’ll just get blamed — everyone will gossip. I’ll handle it. With no phone and the door locked by her stepmother, escape was impossible. Her head spinning, Dasha collapsed onto her bed. A few days later, she was sent to her grandmother’s, a hundred miles away. She pretended nothing was wrong to save the old woman worry. A month on, Dasha got the worst news imaginable. That night had left its mark — she was having a baby. Natasha was ecstatic: this baby would set the family up for life! The grandfather would pay handsomely to protect his son. Keep quiet until the fifth month, was the plan. Dasha’s wishes? Ignored. At word that she might want to terminate, Natasha kicked up a huge fuss and watched her every move. The grandfather was none too happy but coughed up money, promising more to come. **************************************************** — So you see? — Dasha’s voice was bitter. — I’ve been through hell because of this baby. Pasha dumped me. My friends turned their backs. We had to move. I didn’t even get to finish school! — I’m sorry, — the woman replied quietly. — I blamed you without knowing. — Dasha, we need to talk! — Natasha barged into the room, dragging her husband. — Visitors out, this is a family matter! With a sympathetic look, the stranger left, closing the door behind her. — I won’t let you ruin my plans. Leave that baby here, and you’re not coming home. And where will you go? Your beloved gran’s gone, her flat’s gone to your uncle. You’ll be on the streets! — No — she’s coming with me. — A well-dressed woman strode into the ward. Dasha’s eyes lit up with joy. — Mum! You came! — Of course, darling. I couldn’t leave you to struggle. — Albina hugged her tight. — If only you’d told me sooner, I’d have taken you home right away. I thought it would be easier for you to finish school here. — I thought you didn’t want me, — Dasha sobbed, for all the world still a child. — Someone told me you wanted nothing to do with me. My gifts sent back unopened, you never picked up. I thought you couldn’t forgive me. Well, never mind, — she wiped Dasha’s tears. — We’ll go, and you’ll forget all this… *************************************************** Dasha left. Natasha kept the baby, still dreaming of easy money. But when the powerful grandfather learned the truth, he came and took the baby. Mak was made to accept his responsibility, though he fought it. Dasha is happy now. She’s finally living with the one person who’ll never let her down…

Another Woman’s Son — Your husband is the father of my child. With these startling words, a stranger approached Christine as she quietly enjoyed her lunch. Making herself comfortable across from her, the woman seemed to wait for any kind of reaction to her bold claim. “And how old is your little one?” Christine replied, completely unphased, as though such announcements were an everyday occurrence. “Eight,” Marina answered, pursing her lips in frustration. This was not the shock or outrage she had been expecting! No denial, no accusations, not even a hint of disdain? “Wonderful,” Christine smiled slightly and returned to her delicious cherry pie — served only at this particular café. “We’ve only been married for three years, so anything that happened before me isn’t relevant. Just one question — does Arthur know?” “No,” the woman retorted, leaning back in her chair. “But it doesn’t matter! I’m demanding child maintenance! He will pay, do you understand?” “He will, of course,” Christine agreed. “My husband adores children, and if he’d known sooner, he certainly would have wanted to be part of your son’s life. What’s his name, by the way?” “Ethan,” Marina replied automatically, then frowned. “Don’t you care that your darling husband has a child with another woman?” “As I said, anything before our marriage doesn’t concern me,” Christine’s soft smile didn’t leave her lips. “I knew perfectly well I was marrying a grown man, not some innocent lad. Naturally, he had a past, and that doesn’t bother me. What matters is that I’m the only one now.” “Fine. See you in court. You’d better get ready to fork out, because I’ll be demanding everything my son is legally entitled to.” With that, Marina left, leaving behind an overpowering scent of perfume. Christine struggled not to grimace — it was as if the woman had doused herself in half a bottle. “Go ahead, try your luck,” Christine mused philosophically, finishing the last bite of her pie. “I wonder how you’ll react when you find out Arthur’s official salary is only thirty thousand? The business is in his father’s name… Plus, he’s caring for his elderly, ill mum at the moment. You’ll barely see a penny.” Christine even felt a little sorry for the innocent boy. Maybe she should pay them a visit, see how they lived, and perhaps arrange a decent monthly sum for the child — provided Ethan really was Arthur’s son. She’d met women like this before… ********************* The DNA test was done quickly — when you have money, many things are resolved with the snap of a finger. The result was clear: Ethan was indeed Arthur’s son. In fact, Christine found the boy unnervingly quiet and withdrawn. What eight-year-old sits motionless and silent for ninety minutes while paperwork is filled out? He didn’t ask for cartoons, didn’t run about, didn’t make a sound… Nothing like other kids his age forced to wait around. It was odd. Christine was now even more certain she should visit this new “relative.” The flat was in a posh part of town, with a concierge at the entrance, two bedrooms, modern decor, everything top-notch. Christine made note of these things, unable to fathom why a woman living in such comfort could complain of being hard up. “Court’s in a week,” Marina grumbled, letting her in. “You could have waited to talk there.” “I wanted to get to know Ethan a bit better. Arthur is keen to be involved in his life — maybe take him on weekends, once he’s settled.” “As if I’d let him!” Marina bristled. “The court will decide,” Christine replied coolly. “He’s the boy’s father — it’s his right. But… I don’t see a single toy around here?” “I don’t have spare money for that nonsense,” Marina said dismissively. “Can barely afford him clothes, never mind toys.” “Seriously?” Christine glanced pointedly at Marina’s designer handbag, the expensive clothes strewn over the sofa, the premium cosmetics beside the mirror. “You’re short of cash?” “I’m still young. I want a family — that’s not your business,” Marina snapped, bristling at Christine’s tone. “And who looks after your son while you’re out at all hours?” Christine pressed, beginning to understand why Ethan seemed so quiet and detached. “He’s not a baby. Can stay by himself,” Marina muttered. “Is that all? See you in court!” “I’ll insist you’re accountable for every penny given for Ethan’s upkeep,” said Christine, fighting the urge to stay any longer. She was horrified by the woman’s attitude towards her own child. “I doubt you’ll be pleased with what the judge decides…” ********************** “…the court has ruled: Marina Lipova’s claim is granted in part. Arthur Malin is recognised as the father of Ethan Lipov. The register office is to amend the birth certificate accordingly. The claim for maintenance is denied. Arthur Malin’s counterclaim for residence is granted…” Christine smiled contentedly — she had achieved her goal. Ethan would live with them. Some might judge her for “taking a child away from his mother,” but it was the right thing to do. All of Marina’s neighbours agreed the boy was unwanted — she’d scream at him for no reason, hit him openly, heedless of witnesses. The child psychologist insisted Ethan needed to be removed for his own welfare. His teachers and former childminders said the same. Now Ethan would have his own spacious room, stacks of toys, a computer… And, most importantly, the love of parents he’d never felt before, as both Arthur and Christine were now utterly smitten with this wonderful little boy.