There’s No Such Thing as Coincidence: Four Years After Her Mother’s Death, Sixteen-Year-Old Agatha Navigates Grief, a New Stepmother, and Unexpected Betrayal—But When Her Father’s New Family Tries to Force Her Out of Their Cherished Family Home, Agatha Fights Back for Her Future with the Help of Love and the Law

Author Harlan CovingtonReading 9 minViews 1

There Are No Coincidences

Its been nearly four years since her mothers passing, but Emily still feels the sting and unbearable ache as if it was yesterday. She remembers that evening after the funeral most of all. Her father, David, sat shattered and hollow, overwhelmed by grief, and Emily, drained from crying, just stared at the stillness swamping their sturdy old house.

At sixteen, Emily understood all too well how hard things were for her and her father now. They had been genuinely happy together as a family of three. David put his arm around his daughters shoulders and managed quietly, We have to find a way to keep living, love. Well get used to it, somehow

Time rolled on. Emily trained as a paramedic and had only recently begun working at the village hospital. She lived alone in her childhood home since her father, just a year ago, had married again and moved to a neighbouring village. She didnt begrudge him or judge himlife must go on, and she herself would marry someday. Her father was still young, after all.

Today, stepping off the bus in a lovely dress and smart shoes, Emily feels a flutterher father, her only living relative, is having a birthday.

Hi, Dad! she beams, greeting David at the gate. They hug tightly and she offers her gift. Happy birthday!

My darling, come on inthe tables all set, David grins, and leads her inside.

Emily, at long last, calls out her stepmother, Jane, emerging from the kitchen, My kids are absolutely starving.

Davids been living with Jane and her family for just a year now. Jane has a thirteen-year-old daughter, Chloe, difficult and rude, and a ten-year-old son. Emily visits rarely; its only her second time in a year. She tries her best to ignore Chloes incessant snide remarksJane never bothers to correct her.

After the birthday wishes and some chit-chat, Jane turns to Emily with pointed curiosity.

Got yourself a boyfriend?

I do, yes, Emily answers briefly.

So, is the wedding soon?

The bluntness rattles Emily a bit. Well well see, she manages.

Jane smiles thinly. Well, you see, Emilyweve chatted, your father and I, and weve decided he cant keep supporting you financially anymore. He gives you too much as it is, and were a big family now. You ought to be taken care of by your future husband. Your dads got his own family to worry about first, and youre an adult nowhave a job, too.

Jane, hang on David starts, but Jane barrels over him, raising her voice.

Youre just a cash machine for your daughter, and we shouldnt have to go without because of it!

David falls silent, guilt painted across his face. Emily feels sick and excuses herself, stepping out into the garden to sit quietly on a bench, willing herself to calm down. The birthday is hopelessly ruined.

Behind her, Chloe comes skulking over and sits beside her.

Youre pretty, Chloe mutters. Emily nods, not keen to speak.

Dont mind my mumshes just grumpy cause shes pregnant! You wait, youll get to know her, Chloe sneers with a giggle before darting back inside.

Emily stands and leaves the garden, glancing back to see her father watching sadly from the porch. Three days later, to her surprise, David and Jane turn up at her door.

Youre here unexpectedly! Let me put the kettle on, Emily says, welcoming them.

Jane surveys the cottage with a critical eye. Sturdy house, this. Not easy to find ones like it here.

My dad built most of it himself with old Mr. Cole from next doordidnt you, Dad?

Oh, hardly, love, we just did what we could for ourselves, David waves her off.

Jane smirks. I know Im lucky to have him. Weve come to talk about the house, actually.

A dark suspicion creeps over Emily and she blurts, Im not selling my shareyou know I was raised here, it means too much.

Oh, arent you clever! Jane spits, smile vanished. She prods David in the ribs. Go on, say your bit.

Love, we have to talk about this, David says, eyes averted. My familys outgrown our place, and were expecting another. The ideas to sell this houseyou could get something smaller, and if youre short, Ill help out with a loan.

Dad, what are you saying? Emily can hardly believe it.

You need to understand, your father has a new family, Jane snaps. When will you get that through your head? Theres no your houseits just you taking up more space than you need. Time to move along. No more asking, youll just have to accept it.

Dont you dare raise your voice at me, Emily retorts, standing up. Id like you to leavenow, please.

When theyre gone, Emilys heart aches. Of course, her fathers entitled to a new lifebut not at her expense. She would never sell out her mothers home.

Later that evening, her boyfriend, James, arrives, startled by her obvious distress.

Hello, gorgeous. You look dreadfulwhats happened?

She collapses into his embrace, sobbing out the story in halting gulps. James, calm and confident from his work as a police sergeant, consoles her.

Your dads a decent manhed never betray you. Janes twisted his arm. Shes trouble; he just doesnt see it yet. Dont worry, well call in city lawyers if need be, but dont let them force you to sell.

Back in the other village, David is restless. Months ago, things with Jane were fine, but shes grown demanding, obsessed with selling Emilys home and getting more space. Hes starting to question his choicesthen Jane announces shes pregnant.

He glances towards the living room, wanting to phone Emily and reassure her. But as he reaches for his mobile, he hears Jane on her own call.

She wont agreeshes being stubborn, Jane hisses to someone. Well have to sort it ourselves. Ill talk to his face, and if that doesnt work, Ill think of something.

She ends the call, spinning round to meet Davids eyes.

Who was that?

Just a friend.

Youre plotting about Emilys house, arent you?

Jane sighs theatrically, slumping onto the couch. A friends put us in touch with an estate agent, ought to get us a buyer soon. Believe me, Emily will be grateful for the money.

What were you saying about sorting him out?

Oh, thatjust the garage sale later she lies smoothly.

David lets it go, unease lingering but dulled.

Autumn has set in. Emily finishes her shift latein spite of James promise to walk her home, a work emergency has delayed him. She hurries along, eager to reach her door.

Suddenly a car pulls up beside her. A large, unfamiliar man gets out and in a flash, shoves Emily into the back seat as the car takes off. She panics.

Who are you? What do you want? she cries. Maybe youve got the wrong person but her captors only laugh.

There are no mistakes in our business, the man says coldly. Do as youre told, and you and your father will be fine.

Whats my dad got to do with this? she sputters.

Youre to sign some documentsin two days youll have the money for your share and leave. The buyers are waiting.

Thats illegal! I wont sign anything, Ill go straight to the policeIm not selling my home! As her words tumble out, the man strikes her jaw. Blood fills her mouth.

Were not scared of the policeleast of all your boyfriend! he jeers. If youre stubborn, youll regret itthen maybe your copper will have something to investigate.

The car halts on the village outskirts, and a man thrusts some papers at Emily. Sign thesewatch you dont get blood all over them. The notary will have them in the morning.

But suddenly, flashing blue lights appear behindthe police. The driver tries to speed off, but in his panic, misjudges and ends up in a ditch.

James, suspecting trouble, had asked his friend Mark to keep an eye out for Emily. Seeing her being forced into a car, Mark called James at once, and police units were on the scene within minutes.

The truth soon emerges: the brute who shoved Emily into the car is Janes loverthe father of her unborn child. They plotted to get hold of Davids house for the money, but Emilys refusal got in the way. Jane planned to take care of David afterward.

Time passes. Everything returns to its rightful place. David divorces Jane and moves back home, running his small car parts business as before. In the evenings, he sits round the table with Emily and James, and the house feels twice as precious as it ever did.

Dont worry, Dad, Emily laughs, you wont ever be alone.

So, confess, love, are you planning to marry? David smiles at her.

Ive proposed, James announces, winking at Emily, and shes said yes. Weve already put in the paperworkthe weddings soon! The happy couple exchange grins and burst into laughter.

Yes, Dadwhen I move in with James, well come visit all the time. Were only going to be round the corner, after all

Davids face becomes serious, his eyes misty as he glances at a photo of his late wife. Forgive me for all that, love. I made a mess of things. Im sorry.

Oh, Dad, its all right, Emily reassures him, Things couldnt be better. And theyre only going to get brighter.

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“You Don’t Have a Family, Just Let Your Sister Have the House—She Needs It More Now,” My Mum Told Me. “It’s Easier for You; Your Sister Has a Big Family, Try to Understand.” “Why Are You So Moody?” My Sister Sat Next to Me on the Sofa, Cradling a Glass of Juice. The Kids Bustled Around the Table, Her Husband Waving a Fork with Cake While Chatting to His Mother-in-Law. “I’m Fine,” I Looked Away. “Just Tired. Work Was a Nightmare Today.” She Smiled, Tucking a Strand of Hair Behind Her Ear. “I’ve Been Meaning to Talk to You—About Dad’s House.” “I’m Listening.” She Leaned in Closer, Dropping Her Voice. “We’ve Been Thinking… Why Do You Two Even Need That House? It’s Just the Two of You and You Have a Flat. We’re Crammed into a Two-Bed Rental with Three Kids. If We Move In—Fresh Air, a Garden, Room for Everyone.” I Stayed Quiet, Watching My Niece Blow Out Her Birthday Candles. Six Years Old—the Eldest of Three. “You Don’t Really Need the House,” She Continued. “It’s Just More Expenses. Leaking Roof, Crooked Fence, Never-Ending Repairs.” “And What Will You Do About That?” I Thought, But Kept It to Myself. “Mum Thinks It’s Sensible Too,” She Added. “We’re Not Asking for a Gift, Just Step Back from Your Share. We’ll Sort It Out Later.” I Nodded, Though Something Tightened Inside. On the Way Home My Husband Drove in Silence. “What’s Going On?” “They Want Me to Give Up My Share of the House.” “You Mean—Give It Away?” “Yes. Apparently They Need It More. And We ‘Have Everything’.” “Everything?” He Smirked. “Our Tiny Flat with a Mortgage?” The Next Day Mum Called. “Have You Thought About It?” “What’s to Think About? Half the House Is Mine.” “You’re Always Talking About Rights,” She Snapped. “What About Family? They Have Three Kids. You’re Alone.” “Our Flat Is Mortgaged. Ten More Years to Pay.” “They Don’t Even Have That.” “I Cared for Dad Those Last Months. The Hospitals, the Prescriptions. My Sister Came Twice.” “You’re the Older One. You Should Understand. You’re Free.” Free. The Word Stung. That Night I Sat in the Kitchen With Tea. “She’s Pushing for It Too?” My Husband Asked. “Yes.” The Next Day I Met a Friend. “When Was the Last Time Your Sister Helped You?” She Asked. I Had No Answer. “Do They Know How Much You’ve Spent on IVF?” “No.” “Almost a Million. And Not One Pregnancy. Still They Think You Have It Easy.” I Decided to Visit the House. I Went Alone. Overgrown Garden. Squeaking Gates. The Smell of Dust and Memories. I Found Dad’s Notebook—Plans for Repairs in His Handwriting. He’d Planned. Time Ran Out. The Apple Tree We’d Planted Together When I Was Little. This House Wasn’t Just Property. It Was Memory. So When Mum Came and Said, “You Don’t Have a Family, It’s Easier for You…” I Didn’t Swallow It Down. “Three Rounds of IVF. Three.” And For the First Time, I Said: “The House Is Mine. I’m Not Giving It Away.” Silence Followed. But It Wasn’t Empty—It Felt Freeing. Spring Came Early. The Neighbour Said, “He Was Just Waiting for You.” I Sat on the Porch, Cradling a Mug of Tea, Dad’s Jumper Around My Shoulders, Apple Tree Before Me. This Was My Home. Not Because I Gave In. But Because It Was My Right.

I Know Best — What is going on? — Daniel crouched wearily in front of his daughter, eyeing the pink patches on her cheeks. — Again… Four-year-old Sophie stood in the middle of the room, patient and strangely grown-up. She was used to these examinations, her parents’ worried faces, endless creams and tablets. Maria came over and knelt next to her husband, gently brushing a lock of hair from Sophie’s face. — These medicines aren’t working. At all. It’s like giving her water. And the doctors at the surgery… they’re not doctors, just… who knows what. Third time they’ve changed her treatment plan — no effect. Daniel stood, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Outside, the sky was grey, and the day showed every sign of being as bleak as the last. They packed up quickly — wrapped Sophie in her warm coat, and half an hour later, sat in his mother’s flat. Olga fussed, shook her head, stroked her granddaughter’s back. — So little, and already so much medicine. What a strain on her body, — she sat Sophie on her lap, and the little girl leaned against her, comforted. — It’s awful to see. — We’d love not to give her anything, — Maria perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers clenched. — But the allergy won’t go away. We’ve removed everything. Seriously, everything. She’s only eating the most basic foods — and she’s still covered in a rash. — What do the doctors say? — Nothing concrete. They can’t pinpoint it. More tests, more samples — but the only outcome… — Maria waved her hand. — Just her cheeks. Olga sighed and straightened Sophie’s collar. — Maybe she’ll grow out of it. Children do sometimes. For now, it’s just… not encouraging. Daniel looked at his daughter. Small and thin, her big, watchful eyes. He stroked her head and a memory of his own childhood floated up — sneaking pies that his mum baked on Saturdays, pleading for sweets, scooping jam right out of the jar. And his daughter… Boiled vegetables. Boiled meat. Water. No fruit, no sweets, no normal kid food. Four years old, on a stricter diet than many ulcer patients. — We don’t know what else to cut, — he said quietly. — Her diet is almost nothing. The drive home was silent. Sophie dozed in the back seat, and Daniel kept glancing at her in the mirror. Sleeping at last. At least, not scratching. — Mum called, — Maria spoke up. — She wants us to bring Sophie round next weekend. She’s got tickets for the puppet theatre, wants to take her. — Theatre? — Daniel changed gear. — That’s good. Distraction is good. — That’s what I thought. It’ll do her good. Saturday, Daniel parked up at his mother-in-law’s house and lifted Sophie from her car seat. She blinked sleepily, rubbing her eyes with her fists — early wake-up, still tired. He scooped her up, and she nestled her nose in his neck, warm and light as a sparrow. Patricia drifted out onto the porch in a flowery housecoat, hands outstretched as if greeting a shipwreck survivor. — Oh, my darling girl, my sunshine! — She gathered Sophie to her enormous bosom. — So pale, so thin. You’ve run her ragged with your diets, poor child is suffering. Daniel shoved his hands into his pockets, reining in his irritation. Same old story, every time. — It’s for her own good. Not for fun, believe me. — For her good? — Patricia pursed her lips, glancing at her granddaughter as if returning from a prison camp. — Nothing but skin and bone. She’s supposed to be growing, and you’re starving her! She carried Sophie inside without looking back, and the door clicked shut. Daniel stood on the steps, something nagging at the edge of his mind, just out of reach. He rubbed his forehead, listened to the quiet of the unfamiliar garden, then headed for the car. A childless weekend felt odd, almost forgotten. Saturday, he and Maria wandered the supermarket, pushing a trolley, stocking up for the week. At home, Daniel finally fixed the leaking bathroom tap, Maria cleared out the cupboards and packed old clothes for donation. Everyday chores, but the flat felt wrong, too empty without a child’s voice. That night, they ordered pizza — the kind with mozzarella and basil Sophie wasn’t allowed. Opened a bottle of red wine. Sat in the kitchen talking about nothing much — like they hadn’t done in ages: work, holiday plans, that unfinished home decorating. — It’s nice, — Maria began, then hesitated, biting her lip. — I mean… you know. Just peaceful. Quiet. — I know, — Daniel covered her hand with his. — I miss her too. But a break isn’t unwelcome. On Sunday, he drove to collect Sophie just before dusk. The setting sun bathed the street deep orange; his mother-in-law’s house nestled behind old apple trees, almost inviting in the golden light. Daniel got out, pushed the garden gate — hinges squeaked — and stopped mid-stride. On the porch was his daughter, with Patricia seated beside her, face beaming. In her hand was a pie. Large, golden, oily. And Sophie was eating it. Cheeks messy, crumbs on her chin, and her eyes — shining, happier than he’d seen her in months. Daniel stared for a moment, then heat and anger surged in his chest. He strode forward and snatched the pie from Patricia. — What the hell is this?! Patricia recoiled, blushing crimson from her throat to her hairline. She flapped her hands, trying to ward off his anger. — It’s just a tiny bit! No harm done, it’s just a pie… Daniel wasn’t listening. He scooped Sophie up — she clung to his jacket, frightened and quiet — and carried her to the car. Strapped her in, hands shaking with fury. Sophie watched him with wide eyes, lips trembling — near tears. — It’s alright, sweetheart, — he stroked her head, voice steady as he could manage. — Wait here a moment. Daddy’ll be right back. He shut the door and marched back to the house. Patricia still waited on the porch, fiddling with her robe, splotched with red. — Daniel, you don’t understand… — I don’t understand?! — he stepped closer, temper unleashed. — Six months! Six months we didn’t know what was happening with our daughter! Doctors, hospital visits, allergen tests — do you know how much that all cost? How many sleepless nights? Patricia shrank back. — I just wanted to help… — Help?! — Daniel stepped in. — She lived off water and boiled chicken! We cut everything out! And you sneak her fried pies?! — I was building up her immunity! — Patricia suddenly squared up. — I gave her tiny bits so she’d get used to it. Another week or two and she would’ve been fine, thanks to me! I know what I’m doing, I raised three children! Daniel stared at her, not recognising this person. The woman he tolerated for years, to keep peace for his wife — poisoning his child, believing she knew better than doctors. — Three children, — he said quietly, watching Patricia pale. — So what? Every child is different. And Sophie isn’t yours, she’s mine. You won’t see her again. — What?! — Patricia clutched the rail. — You can’t do that! — I can. He turned and walked to the car. Her shouts echoed behind him, but Daniel didn’t look back. Started the engine, saw her waving in the mirror, pressed the pedal. At home, Maria was waiting in the hall. One look at her husband’s face, their tearful child, and she understood instantly. — What happened? Daniel told her. Brief, guarded. Emotionless — he’d left that behind in Patricia’s garden. Maria listened, her face hardening every second. Then she grabbed her phone. — Mum. Yes, Daniel told me. How could you?! Daniel took Sophie to the bathroom — washed off the pie and tears. Behind the door, Maria’s angry, unfamiliar voice rang out; he’d never heard her speak to her mother that way. At the end: “Until we sort out her allergy — you’re not seeing Sophie.” Two months later… Sunday lunch at Olga’s was now a tradition. On the table: sponge cake with cream and strawberries. Sophie tucked in with a big spoon, smearing cream over her cheeks. Not a spot in sight. — Who’d have guessed, — Olga shook her head. — Sunflower oil. Such a rare allergy. — Doctor said one in a thousand kids, — Maria spread butter on her bread. — Swapped to olive oil, rash gone in two weeks. Daniel watched his daughter, couldn’t look away. Pink cheeks, bright eyes, cream on her nose. A happy child, eating proper food at last. Cake, biscuits, all the treats — as long as sunflower oil was avoided. Relations with Patricia stayed chilly. She rang, apologised, cried. Maria kept her replies short and dry. Daniel didn’t speak to her at all. Sophie reached for more cake, Olga pushed the plate nearer. — Go on, love. Eat up, enjoy. Daniel leaned back in his chair. Rain drummed on the window, but indoors was warm and fragrant with baking. His daughter was better; nothing else mattered.