Emily Taylor

The Only Man in the House Over Breakfast, Vera, the eldest daughter, glanced at her smartphone and asked, “Dad, did you see today’s date?” “No, what’s special about it?” Instead of replying, she turned the screen to show a line of numbers—11.11.11, meaning 11 November 2011. “That’s your lucky number, Dad—11! And today, there are three in a row. You’re going to have an amazing day.” “If only your words were honey in my tea,” Valery chuckled. “Yes, Daddy,” her younger sister Nadya piped up, glued to her own phone. “It says here that Scorpios will have a pleasant encounter today and receive a lifetime gift.” “Awesome. Maybe some distant relative in Europe or America passed away, and we turn out to be the heirs—millionaires!” “Billionaires, Dad,” Vera continued the joke. “You’re thinking too small.” “Indeed, what would we do with so much money? Should we buy a villa in Italy or the Maldives? Then a yacht…” “And a helicopter!” Nadya laughed. “I want my own helicopter.” “No problem. Vera, what do you want?” “I want to star in a Bollywood movie with Salman Khan.” “That’s easy! I’ll ring Amitabh Bachchan for you. All right, daydreamers, finish up—we have to leave soon.” “Never even allowed to dream…” Nadya sighed. “Of course you should dream,” Valery finished his tea, stood up. “Just don’t forget school…” He remembered this morning conversation at the end of a long day, loading groceries into bags at the supermarket. The day had been ordinary—even tough, with extra work and no signs of lucky encounters or gifts for life. “Happiness flits by like a paper plane over Paris,” he smirked as he left. By his aging, faithful old Ford—their family’s “old reliable”—was a scruffy boy, all tattered clothes and mismatched shoes: a scuffed trainer on one foot, a battered boot with an electric cord for a lace on the other, and a flat cap with a melted earflap. “Mister… I’m hungry, could you spare some bread…” the boy mumbled as Valery neared the car. The child’s tone had a telling pause. And Valery, a former foster kid himself and a longtime amateur actor, recognised the difference between real emotion and stage delivery. The boy was acting—a little too well. Why? And why had the show been put on just for him? “All right, my clever friend, let’s see where you’re going with this,” Valery thought. “My girls love a detective story.” “You won’t fill up on bread alone. How about a bowl of borscht, some potatoes with herring, and plum compote with cheese rolls—sound good?” The boy hesitated, surprised, then nodded. “Hold this for me, will you?” Valery handed him a heavy groceries bag—his old test. Real runaways bolted with it the moment your back was turned. This boy stayed rooted, glum but still. “Good lad,” Valery thought, locating his keys, and piled things into the car. “Your chariot awaits!” Valery waved him into the front seat. “Potatoes are boiling, soup’s on.” The drive was silent. Valery lived with his daughters in a cottage in a small English village—seven miles from town, working as a welder for emergencies. With no family of his own, his girls were everything to him. He loved them fiercely, and they returned it twice over. Maybe that’s why stories of troubled kids always hit him extra hard. As he drove, Valery thought about how many lost children he’d steered towards better lives, and how, if the law allowed, he’d have adopted every single one. But right now, he had a mystery on his hands. This boy wasn’t like the other runaways: he wasn’t from care, he wasn’t tough. He was silent and shell-shocked. “Perhaps I judged him too quickly,” Valery thought. “Maybe he’s just scared… When we get home, a warm wash, a good meal, and a bit of love—he’ll open up. Everything will come right.” The girls rushed from the porch as the car pulled up, helping with bags. “And who’s this?” Vera finally noticed the boy. “This?” Valery winked. “Your promised pleasant encounter and lifetime gift from the morning’s horoscope.” “Brilliant, Dad!” Nadya peered under the boy’s cap. “Best present ever. Are you sure he’s ours?” “He attached himself, said he was a gift I couldn’t return.” “What’s he called?” “He’s nameless.” “No name tag? No barcode?” “Nothing.” “Poor you, Dad,” Nadya sighed theatrically. “Clearly a dud present. Have to throw him out…” The boy tensed, ready to run, but Nadya grabbed his shoulder, patting his hat. “Hello? Anyone in there?” Silence. “Subscriber unavailable,” Vera shrugged. “Maybe the signal’s better inside. Let’s go.” The sisters exchanged a silent glance—a tried and tested routine was needed. This needed shock therapy: the good cop-bad cop act. Valery allowed them five minutes. “Nadya, bring the present inside. Time to discover what Unknown Walking Object we’ve unwrapped here.” Inside, investigations continued—literally. Nadya marched out to the garage, hand blackened. “Dad, he’s lying!” “How do you know?” “It’s elementary, Watson. He doesn’t smell like a street kid—smells like home.” Valery sniffed her hand. “Face paint? Greasepaint?” “Bingo!” Nadya grinned. “He dressed up like this on purpose. He’s no stray.” “Why the act?” “We’ll find out—Vera will get it out of him soon.” Just as Vera came out, yelling, “Do we still have any sulphuric acid?” the game was on. Finally, over dinner, the truth spilled out. The “runaway” was Spartacus Bugayev. His father died in Afghanistan. He was just a day older than Nadya; his sister Sofia had raised them after their mother passed away. Now, Sofia had fallen in love… with Valery. But she’d been too afraid to say, and Spartacus had set out to secretly investigate the family, “the only man in the house” making sure his sister’s future would be safe—and happy. The revelation brought laughter and tears. “Please, will you take my sister as your wife, Mr. Zvyagintsev? I’m the only man left in my family, and I want her to be loved.” Valery hugged the boy. “All I ever wanted was a big, happy family… and now, at last, I have one.”

The Only Man in the Family At breakfast, the eldest daughter, Emily, stared at her phone and asked, Dad

GRANNY, MY GUARDIAN ANGEL Lena never knew her parents. Her father abandoned her mother while she was pregnant, and Lena never heard from him again. Her mother passed away from cancer when Lena was just a year old. Lena was raised by her grandmother, Nana Dorothy, her mother’s mother. Dorothy’s husband died when she was young, so she devoted her entire life to her daughter and granddaughter. From Lena’s earliest days, she and her grandmother shared a deep spiritual bond. Nana Dorothy always seemed to know what little Lena wanted, and the two understood each other perfectly. Everyone loved Nana Dorothy, from neighbours to Lena’s teachers at school. She often brought baskets of homemade pastries to school meetings, believing nobody should sit hungry after a long day’s work. She never gossiped or judged, and people often came to her for advice. Lena felt incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful grandmother. But Lena’s own romantic life never seemed to take off. School, university, work—she was always busy, always rushing. She’d dated a few men, but nothing ever seemed right. Nana Dorothy often worried about this. “Oh, Elena, why are you still single? Isn’t there a decent young man out there? You’re so beautiful and clever!” Lena would laugh it off, but inside, she knew she was ready for a family—after all, she was thirty now. When Nana Dorothy passed away suddenly in her sleep, Lena was devastated and numb with grief. She kept going to work and running errands, but at home, only her cat, Maisie, awaited her. She felt unbearably alone. One day, while riding the train and reading a book, Lena met a well-dressed, pleasant man in his forties named Alex. He struck up a conversation about books, and they hit it off right away. When Alex invited her to a nearby café, Lena was delighted. Soon, they were swept up in a passionate romance. Though she didn’t know much about Alex—he avoided questions about his past and family—Lena felt truly happy for the first time. Then, one night, Alex invited her to a fancy restaurant, hinting that the evening would be special. Lena suspected he would propose, and she was over the moon. She would finally have a husband, children—a family of her own. If only her grandmother could have seen this day. Later, as Lena scrolled for the perfect dress online, she dozed off and dreamt of her grandmother. Nana Dorothy, in her favourite dress, sat beside Lena and gently stroked her hair. “Gran, how are you here? You’ve gone,” Lena whispered. “I never left, darling, I’m always nearby. Please, don’t see this man. He’s not good for you. Listen to your grandmother,” Dorothy replied, then faded away. Lena woke up shaken, unable to shake the feeling of unease. Why would her grandmother warn her about Alex? The big day arrived, but Lena, clouded by her dream, couldn’t settle on anything to wear and felt unsettled throughout dinner. When Alex went down on one knee and presented a ring, Lena was overcome by a vision of her grandmother looking in the window. “I’m sorry, Alex. I can’t,” Lena blurted out and rushed away. Alex chased after her, his gentle mask slipping as he hurled insults and stormed off. The next day, Lena asked her old school friend Andrew, now a detective, to check on Alex’s background. Soon after, Andrew called: “Lena, I’m sorry—you dodged a bullet. Alex is a con artist. He marries single women, convinces them to sign over their flats and take loans for his ‘business,’ then dumps them and disappears after emptying their savings. He’s already been convicted multiple times. You were lucky to get out in time.” How could her grandmother have known any of this? Miracles happen, Lena thought, grateful her granny was still watching over her. She picked up groceries and cat food for Maisie, heading home with a lighter heart, knowing she was never truly alone. They say the souls of our loved ones watch over us—our guardian angels, keeping us safe from harm and heartache… And sometimes, you just have to believe it’s true.

GRANDMA, MY GUARDIAN ANGEL Jane could not remember her parents. Her father left her mother before she

JUST IN CASE After Vera glanced indifferently at her weeping colleague and turned back to her computer, OIga, the department head, called out, “Heartless as ever, Vera.” “Me? Why do you say that?” Vera replied. “Just because your personal life is all sunshine, doesn’t mean others have it so easy. Can’t you see the girl’s heartbroken? Maybe give some advice, share a bit of your experience, since everything’s so perfect for you.” “Me? Share my wisdom? With her? I doubt Nadine would appreciate it. I tried, you know, five years back when she came to work with a black eye — said it helped her see the road home. It wasn’t her bloke, though; no, she did it herself, just a bad fall. When he left, the bruises disappeared. Third chap to bolt, by the way. I tried to help, share my story. Ended up the bad guy, apparently — just the jealous destroyer of Nadine’s happiness. Now she’s all modern, does therapy instead of spells. Still, it’s the same old cycle, just swapping names. So excuse me if I won’t be weeping and offering tissues this time.” “Still, Vera, it’s not right.” At lunch — everyone round the same table — the only topic was Nadine’s ex, the louse. Vera ate in silence, poured herself a coffee, and retreated to a quiet corner, scrolling her phone, trying to switch off. “Vera,” came the voice — bubbly Tanya, usually all sunshine, but today her face had clouded up. “You really don’t feel even a bit sorry for Nadine?” “Tanya, what do you all want from me?” “Oh, lay off her,” chimed in passing Irene. “She’s got her precious William — living the life of Riley, she’ll never get how it is to be left alone with a kid, fending for yourself. Try getting child support out of that so-called dad now.” “Shouldn’t have bothered having his kid in the first place,” piped up Mrs Taylor, oldest of the lot, whom everyone called Granny Taylor behind her back. “Vera’s right — how many times has Nadine blubbed over some fella? Even when she was expecting, he was already doing her head in. Before that — don’t get me started…” The circle of women gathered around the ever-crying Nadine, each offering advice. What was the point? Strong, independent Nadine was determined to bounce back: called her mum from the countryside to help with her son and that ungrateful ex, then tried to move on — had a new fringe, had her brows microbladed, stuck on eyelashes, almost got a nose ring, but the whole office talked her out of it. And off she went. “It’s nothing, Nadine — he’ll regret it, you’ll see!” “No, he won’t,” Vera muttered, more to herself than anyone, but the tipsy girls overheard, demanding an explanation. “He won’t. He won’t cry, and he won’t regret it. And Nadine? She’ll just meet another one, just like before…” “Easy for you to say, with your William, must be perfect, eh?” “Perfect… my William is golden — doesn’t hit, doesn’t drink, doesn’t chase women, loves me to bits.” “Oh come on, they’re all the same. Watch out, Vera, someone might nick him from you!” “Never — he won’t stray.” “I wouldn’t be so sure.” “You should be.” Fueled by wine and mischief, the girls start teasing: “Let’s all go see if your William can resist our charms! Bet you won’t invite us round. Afraid one of us will snatch your Mr Perfect?” “Alright, let’s go,” Vera grinned. “Right! To Vera’s house, girls! Granny Taylor, are you coming?” “No, girls, my Michael’s waiting at home. Off you pop!” A rattling, giggling crowd descended on Vera’s place; they bustled about the kitchen, laughing while they cooked. “Let’s whip up a dinner for William — I take it he’s out? He’ll be back to a lovely spread.” “Don’t put yourselves out; he’s fussy, barely eats, but yes, he’ll be home soon.” The excitement faded, and soon everyone drifted home, except Nadine, Olga, and Tanya. They sipped tea in Vera’s cosy kitchen, awkward, curious about the mysterious William. The front door opened. “William, my darling, you’re home!” crooned Vera. The women straightened up, suddenly nervous as a tall, handsome young man walked in. Ah, they all thought, so that’s the secret — her husband is much younger! “Girls, meet my Dennis.” Dennis? But… what about William? “My son, Dennis. So, how’s William, Denny?” “Fine, Mum. He just needs rest. He’ll be running about in a couple of days. Just don’t let him lick…” The women blushed. “We… should probably go?” “Wait — you haven’t met William! Quiet now; he’s just had surgery, Dennis and his girlfriend took him in, poor thing was marking the curtains… come meet him.” “There he is, my William, fast asleep.” Stifling laughter, the ladies dashed out. “Vera! It’s a cat!” “Of course it’s a cat. What did you think?” “But… your husband?” “Never had one. You all made that up — I mentioned my perfect William, and you filled in the gaps. First marriage was young and dumb, had Dennis, split up quick. Parents helped. Second time, I almost believed in fairy tales, but he wanted me to ship Dennis off to boarding school. Sent him back to his mum. Third bloke… well, he gave me a black eye, and I gave him the boot. Dennis grew up, got married, I got William. We get along. Movie nights, holidays — nobody owes anybody. Sometimes I cook a fancy dinner, he pops round; everyone’s happy.” Dennis never did get it. Asked why I didn’t live with William. Why? Separate lives, separate habits. If we’d met young, maybe — like my brother and his wife, married thirty years. But me? Nah, no need to fake it for the sake of a title. Me and William, we’re just fine. Right, lovey? Open those pretty eyes.” Home they all trudged, deep in thought — Nadine most of all. But Nadine couldn’t do as Vera did. Within a month, she was gushing over a new love, showing off bouquets at the office. Vera and Granny Taylor just smiled quietly. “How’s your Michael, Granny?” “He’s good, Vera, all healed up. Grandkids wanted him in a dog show — can you imagine? We’re happy enough without all that.” “Some get pets, some get husbands…” “Well, that’s how it goes. Maybe Nadine’s luck will change this time?” “Here’s hoping…” “What are you two whispering about?” “You, Nadine, just hoping things turn out better for you.” “I know how it looks, girls, but I just can’t do it alone, I swear.” “That’s none of our business — don’t apologise, everyone’s got their own way…” “Vera?” Nadine caught her as she walked to her car. “If you ever have tips about cats — which is better, boy or girl?” “Go on, don’t keep them waiting… we’ll see! Just in case…”

JUST IN CASE Margaret glanced at her sobbing colleague with indifference, then turned back to her computer

“Lydia, Have You Gone Mad in Your Old Age? Your Grandkids Are Already at School—What’s All This About a Wedding?” That’s What My Sister Said When I Told Her I’m Getting Married. But Why Postpone Happiness? Toly and I Are Tying the Knot Next Week—No Big Party at Sixty, Just a Quiet Registry Office Ceremony for Two. But Toly Insists on Making It Official; He’s a True Gentleman Who Wants Commitment—and With Him, I Feel Young Again. I Braced Myself to Tell My Sister, Knowing She’d Judge Me for ‘Moving On’ So Soon After My Husband’s Passing. But After Years of Living for Others—Children, Grandchildren, Even Livestock—I Finally Found Joy for Myself. Now, Thanks to Toly, I’m Learning Life Can Be Sweet Even in Retirement, No Matter What Others Think

Linda, have you lost your mind in your old age? Youve got grandchildren in secondary schoolwhats this

Granddaughter: The Heartwarming Tale of Young Olya, Neglected by Her Mother and Rejected by Her Father, Who Finds Love and a True Home in the Embrace of Her Grandmother Nina in the English Countryside—A Story of Resilience, Family Betrayal, and the Enduring Power of Kindness Across Generations

Granddaughter. Emilia was never really wanted by her mother, Claire, from the very start. Claire treated

A Blessing from Above… The morning dawned grey and brooding, heavy clouds hung low across the sky while distant thunder rumbled in the distance. The first storm of spring was approaching, ending the endless winter, though spring itself was slow to awaken. Bitter winds swept up last year’s leaves, tossing them restlessly, as tender green shoots timidly broke through the stubborn ground and unopened buds still guarded their riches. Nature waited, longing for rain after a snowless, cold, restless winter. The earth needed this storm, yearned for revival and generous rain to wash away the dust and bring new life—only then could true spring begin, lush and blossoming like a woman young, loving, full of tenderness. And then, as Sacha and Victoria sat at the breakfast table after a night of tears and heartbreak—with hope dashed by the verdict of the famous professor who declared, “I’m sorry, but children are not possible”—a crack of thunder shook the house and the heavens opened at last. The long-awaited rain, life-bringing and symbolic, poured down as they embraced by the window, watching the clouds dissolve inside and out, making room for hope where only grief had reigned. Thus began their journey—from a childless couple to parents, not by birth, but by choice and boundless love. From the First Storm of Spring to the First Smile of Love: Sacha and Victoria’s Journey from Sorrow to Joy, the Adoption of Little Ellie, and How a Child’s Kindness, Art, and Resilience Blossomed into a Family’s True Miracle

A Gift From Above… Dawn crept in beneath a blanket of heavy grey clouds, the sky sagging with their weight.

Mother-in-Law Times Two — Well, would you look at that! — said George in place of a greeting as he saw the petite, wiry old lady in jeans at his door, lips stretched in a sly grin. Mischievous eyes twinkled under narrowed lids. “Irina’s gran, Mrs. Valentine Peters,” he realised. “But how on earth — no warning, not even a call…” — Hello, sonny! — she greeted him, still smiling. — Going to let me in, then? — Oh, yes, of course! — George bustled, ushering her in. Mrs. Peters rolled a suitcase into the flat. . . — Strong cuppa for me! — she instructed as George served up tea. — So, Irina at work, little Ella at nursery, and what about you—skiving off? — Been sent on enforced leave, — he replied gloomily. — Two weeks’ ‘operational necessity,’ they call it. — Visions of a fortnight’s peace vanished. He glanced at her, hopeful: — You staying long? — Bang on — nodded Mrs. Peters, dashing his hopes — Staying ages. Another sigh. He barely knew her, only glimpsed her at his and Irina’s wedding—she’d travelled down. But he’d heard plenty from his father-in-law, who, whenever Mrs. Peters came up, would drop his voice and glance fearfully around, clearly respecting her—knee-knockingly so. — Do the washing up, — she instructed him, — and get ready. City tour for me, you’re my guide! George offered no argument—her drill-sergeant tone instantly reminded him of Sergeant Prichard from his army days. Crossing old Prichard was never worth it. — Show me the riverside! — Mrs. Peters ordered. — What’s the quickest way? — Taxi, — shrugged George. Suddenly Mrs. Peters pursed her fingers and let out a piercing whistle. A passing cab screeched to a halt. — Why whistle? What will people think? — George chided, helping her into the passenger seat. — Oh, nothing at all, — she beamed. — If they think anything, they’ll think you’re the uncivilised one. Hearing this, the taxi driver burst out laughing alongside Mrs. Peters. They slapped palms in triumph, like old mates pulling off a prank. — George, you’re a decent, polite lad, — the sprightly granny said as they strolled the riverside. — Your gran’s probably all prim and proper, but I don’t know the meaning of it! My late husband, Irina’s granddad, needed ages to get used to me. He was as quiet as a church mouse, loved his books—then along came me! I dragged him up mountains, taught him parachuting—though he never did brave a hang-glider. He and Irina would wait for me below while I circled overhead. George listened, amazed. Irina had never mentioned her gran’s adventurous streak. It explained a lot. Mrs. Peters fixed him with a look: — Ever parachuted yourself? — Army — fourteen jumps, — George replied, with a touch of pride. — Good on you! — Mrs. Peters nodded approval, breaking into song: “We’ll fall for a while, in this endless leap…” George knew the tune and chimed in: “A white silk cloud soars behind me like a gull…” The song closed the distance between them; he no longer felt awkward with the extraordinary old lady. — Time for a rest and a bite, — she suggested. — That food stall looks promising—smell that barbecue? The kebab man—dark-haired, sharp-featured—was skewering meat for grilling, looking as though he’d happily skewer enemies much the same way. He radiated an urge to cry “Huzzah!” and break into a wild Cossack dance. Taking their seats, Mrs. Peters winked and belted out in a surprisingly clear voice: “Sing us a song, John dear, wouldn’t that be grand at a wedding cheer!” The kebab man, caught off guard, joined in for a comic duet. “Sing at a wedding, that’s the plan—John dear, won’t you join in!” — Please help yourselves, honoured madam, — the kebab man beamed, setting out platters, pitta, and herbs with a flourish. He even brought two icy tumblers of Georgian wine, then pressed his hand to his heart and disappeared. The aroma lured out a little grey kitten from the shrubbery, who peered up at them pleadingly. — You’re just what we need! — Mrs. Peters smiled. — Come on, little lad. — She turned to the kebab man, “Sir, could you bring fresh meat for our friend—chopped up small, please!” As the kitten ate, Mrs. Peters admonished George: — You’ve a daughter, that’s all the more reason for a cat! It’s how you teach kindness, care for the weak, love for others. This little chap will help you! Back home, she bathed their new friend while George fetched kitten gear—litter tray, bowls, scratching post, cosy bed. When George staggered back, the flat rang with girlie squeals: Irina and Ella clung to gran, who showered them with kisses. On the sofa, the kitten blinked curiously at his new family. — For you, Ella, a summer shorts set — gran handed out gifts — and for you, Irina—nothing lifts a woman in her husband’s eyes quite like lacy knickers… Olly skipped nursery all week. Gran whisked her away on daily expeditions; they’d return contentedly exhausted. At home, George and the kitten—now Leo—awaited them, and in the evenings, Irina joined for family strolls, kitten in tow. One evening, Mrs. Peters turned serious. — George, I need a word. I’m leaving tomorrow—time’s up. After I’m off, hand this to Irina. — She pressed a document in a transparent wallet into his hand. — It’s my will. I’m leaving her my flat and everything in it. You get my late husband’s cherished library—signed first editions, incredibly rare. — Mrs. Peters, please—! — George protested, but she silenced him with a gesture. —I’ve told Irina nothing, but you should know: serious heart trouble. It could all end suddenly. Better to be prepared. — You shouldn’t be on your own! — George objected. — I’m never truly alone — she smiled. — Besides, Irina’s mum—your other mother-in-law—lives nearby. And you look after Irina and raise Ella well. You’re a good lad, reliable. So I’m like a double mother-in-law for you! — She laughed heartily, clapping him on the shoulder. — Couldn’t you stay a bit longer? — George begged. She smiled gratefully but shook her head. Everyone came to the station, even Leo, in Ella’s arms, was subdued as they said farewell. With her trademark finger-whistle, Mrs. Peters summoned a taxi which screeched to a stop. — Come on, son-in-law, put me on my train! — she called, kissing Irina and Ella and hopping in beside George. The driver gaped at her, having never been hailed quite so directly. — What are you staring at? — muttered George. — Never seen a decent woman before? The wiry gran gave a shake of her silvery curls, shared a high five with George, and burst into ringing laughter.

Well, this is a turn up for the books! Tom blurted out instead of hello, when he opened the front door

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Sam didnt even hear the snap of the dry twig beneath his foot. Suddenly, the entire world turned upside

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My Husbands Mistress Mary sat in her car, staring at the navigation screen. She had checked it twiceyes