**Diary Entry**
I cant believe it. My best friend is Alexs father. Four years Ive spent raising that boy, never once doubting he was mine.
Emma and Victor had been in love since school. After graduation, Victor left for aviation university in another city. Emma couldnt get in, but they called each other every day.
When Victor started his flight training, Emma grew jealous of the pretty stewardesses. She visited him to make amends, and they spent a perfect night together, whispering promises. But in the morning, she saw a message from one of themasking when his next flight was, saying she felt safest flying with him.
Jealousy took over. Emma stormed out, tears streaming.
Then Victor was offered a job abroadgreat prospects, excellent pay. He wrestled with how to tell Emma hed have to leave within a year. But before he could, she announced she was pregnant.
He proposed. They married in a lavish ceremony, half the town celebrating. The overseas job was forgottenEmma refused to go.
After the wedding, Victor moved them to London. When their son was born, they took out a hefty mortgage on a flat with his mothers help. Victor worked tirelessly to pay it off and support his family.
*”If Id taken that job, I wouldnt be stuck grinding away! Id have climbed the career ladder by now!”*
*”Oh, sure, Vic! While Im here with the baby, youd be off flirting with air hostesses?”* Emma snapped.
*”Your jealousy is exhausting! If Im with you, Im with youno one else!”*
Arguments became daily, especially after flights. Shed ambush him at the door, rifling through his phone, searching for proof of betrayal. After three years, Victor quit flying and became an instructor at the aviation school. Weekends, he drove a taxi.
He gave up his dream for her peace of mindall to be the best father and husband.
Then, one day, Victor missed a mortgage payment. Rummaging for the paperwork, he found something else beneath the filesa paternity test.
*”What the hell is this?”*
The results: *Child: Alex Victor Thompson. Alleged Father: Andrew Michael Bond. Probability of Paternity: 99%*.
*I cant believe it. My best friend is Alexs father.*
Victor didnt know how to react, how to confront Emma. That night, she kissed him hello, but he barely acknowledged her.
*”Darling, whats wrong?”* she laughed.
*”Dinner. Then Alex and I are going out.”*
*”Vic, talk to me!”*
He retreated to their room, Emma following, demanding answers.
*”How could you keep this from me? I gave up everything for you! Everything! And you lied!”*
Her eyes widened. *Does he know? How?*
Two months passed. Victor couldnt stand being near her. Then, his mother confirmed it.
*”I told you, Emma! How could you deceive my son? Does Andrew even know he has a child?”*
Emma begged her mother-in-law not to ruin their lives. *”It was one stupid night! Victor loves meloves Alex! Andrew had nothing thenno career, no money! I did it for my child!”*
Shed hidden the test results, praying Victor would never find them.
One evening, Victor didnt come home. His things were gone. Only a new remote-control car waited on Alexs bed.
*”Mum, wheres Dad?”*
*”Away for work, sweetheart.”*
She called Victor, voice shaking. *”Please, lets talk!”*
*”Dont. Ill always love Alex. Ill support him. But I cant live with you. Not after this.”*
When Victor took Alex for the weekend, Emma begged for forgiveness.
*”Remember that fight over the stewardess? That night, I went out with friends. Andrew was there. I dont even remember ending up at his place. I wanted to tell you, but I was terrified of losing you. Then your mother brought the test results when Alex was six months old. I tried to forget it. Andrew envied youthis was his revenge!”*
*”No. You dont get forgiveness.”*
Victor returned to flying. Months later, he filed for divorce. Gifts arrived for Alex from around the world. Money, too. But Andrew never knewhed moved abroad with his wife.
One reckless night ruined everything. Trust. Love. Victor lost his best friend and his wife.
Emma lived wellthe flat, the money, the car. Alex attended the best grammar school. She pampered herself at beauty salons. Everything but love.
She tried countless times to win Victor back. He never relented. Even with other women, he struggledtoo afraid of history repeating. Eventually, he achieved the heights hed always dreamed of.
Life is cruel. Was Emma right to hide the truth? What would you have done in Victors place?
