Emily, Im home, love! Come and greet me!
O-Oliver? What on earth are you doing back? You said you wouldnt be home for another three days
A woman in her early thirties appeared in the hallway, hastily wrapping herself in a silk dressing gown, staring at her husband standing in the doorway, visibly taken aback.
Wanted to surprise you, Em. Looks like I succeeded! Or are you not pleased to see me? The tall, broad-shouldered man smiled broadly, proud of himself for such an entrance.
Of course Im happy! Absolutely! Come in, head straight to the kitchen, Ill just warm up your supper.
Beaming, Oliver nodded at his wife and headed for the kitchen. There, an abundant spread awaited: strawberries, chocolate, a piping-hot roast fresh out of the oven As if prepared just for him.
Youve truly outdone yourself, Emily! How did you know Id be back tonight? Are you secretly psychic?
Piling his plate high with food, Oliver eagerly began devouring dinner. His wife did not appear, but he assumed she must be changing into a lovely dress just for him.
Oliver, I… We
Em, your roast is incredible, honestly! And this salad, these pancakesabsolutely delicious. Matthew?!
Turning, Oliver caught sight of his wife, Emily, clutching the arm of his own brother, Matthew. She stared at the floor, guilt written across her face. Matthew, dressed in shorts and a vest, rubbed his nose sleepily, as though only just woken.
Yes, Oliver, it’s me. Hello, brother
Right. Now, if its not too much trouble, could someone kindly explain whats going on here? Though, I suppose its already quite clear…
Oliver, I Ive wanted to tell you for a long time. I love your brother, Matthew, and I want to be with him. Im sorry. Emily blurted it out in a rush, glancing up at her now clearly former husband.
Olivers grip slackened, and the plate fell from his hands. The crockery and its remaining food crashed across the kitchen floor.
So, if I gather correctly Just now
Yes. Right now, we were together.
Brilliant, just brilliant, Emily! And you, Mattyoure quite something, too! My beloved wife and my brotherhow lovely. Now I understand why you cooked this feast and most importantly, for whom!
Emily didnt dare look at Oliver. She was certain that if she met his gaze, her resolve would disappear.
And Charlotte? What about our daughterdoes she know?
No, she she doesnt.
And where is she now?
Next door, watching telly with Mrs. Wilkinson.
Is that a regular thing now, shipping her off to the neighbours?
For about six months now
Olivers questions ran out, as did his emotions. Tired from the journey, he saw no benefit in giving way to scandal. By nature, he was mild-mannered and never one to hold a grudge.
But if ever sufficiently provokedwell, woe betide as the English say, though that was the rare exception.
This moment, with two people closest to him, unsettled Oliver. He was briefly at a loss, but only for a second.
I want you out of here in ten minutes. Your time starts now. Oliver announced, taking a sip of tea. He didnt so much as glance at Matthew.
And what does she see in him anyway? Looks just the same as me, even has the same freckle Cant hold a job, thick as two short planks Shell only lose out with him. Still, thats her choice! Oliver thought, continuing to drink his tea.
Im not leaving without your agreement, Matthew said abruptly, standing up straight.
And what sort of agreement is that supposed to be?
For the divorce Let Emily go. She doesnt love you!
I can see perfectly well who my wifes fallen for, Oliver replied, with a wry smile. You want a divorce? Fine, youll have your divorceonly itll be settled through court. Lets see how much you spend on solicitors.
Oliver Emily rested her hand on his wrist. Oliver, please, cant we handle this sensibly? Youve always been kindI know youre not a cruel man.
He shook his head.
Fine, so be it. But youre no longer my brother, Matthew Frederickson!
We we had one more thing to ask.
What else?
Leave me the flat after the divorce, Oliver! Emily flashed a beguiling smile while stroking his wrist.
Charlottes really attached to this place, shes got friends at school If we split the flat, we wont have enough to buy another, and wed have to go back to the village
Oliver rested his chin on his clasped hands for a moment, pondering. Sensing the internal struggle, Emily pressed on:
Oliver, darling Think of it as a gift for your daughter. Youre doing so well at work, youll earn more in no time! Please, shes your only child. Im only thinking of her…
Thats enough, Emily, he snapped. I have a better idea.
And whats that? Emily blinked, hope flickering in her eyes. Youre thinking of leaving us the car, too? Charlotte would love that
Charlotte will live with me.
What?! Emily couldnt believe her ears. Have you gone mad? You dont have a clue about children! Youre always away with work She probably barely even remembers you!
Lets see about that, Oliver replied, heading for the door.
A few minutes later, Oliver returned, holding his daughters hand. Ten-year-old Charlotte, just up to Year 4, gripped her fathers hand tightly and smiled, relieved.
And whats the point of bringing her here? To drag her into this mess as well?! Emily snapped.
Oliver didnt answer. He took his seat at the kitchen table, gathered Charlotte onto his lap, and spoke gently:
Charlotte, darling, can I ask you a few questions?
Of course! Charlotte grinned, loving the attention.
But you must promise to answer honestly! We need to talk like grown-ups.
Like grown-ups? Like when youre at work with your colleagues?
Exactly.
Charlotte nodded eagerly, hardly able to contain her excitement.
Tell me, does Mummy ever hurt you? Has she smacked you in the last week?
Charlotte glanced away, embarrassed, nervously twisting the hem of her dress.
Whats the meaning of this?! Emily shrieked. Have you completely lost it? Leave her out of this!
Quiet, Emily. Im having a conversation with my daughter, Oliver barked, stroking Charlotte’s hair gently. Dont be afraid, love. Remember you promised to answer honestly?
Charlotte gave a tearful nod, hugged her father, and whispered into his chest:
Yes, she smacked me three times. Once for getting a bad mark, once for spilling milk, and once for shouting at Uncle Matt. She She was kissing him when you were away on business.
There, there, sweetheart, dont cry! Oliver whispered, comforting his daughter. Im here, youre safe now. Mummy wont hurt you again.
Shes lying through her teeth! Emily protested. I never laid a finger on her!
So you want the flat and car for Charlies sake, is that it? Oliver asked, with a sly smile. Charlotte, can I ask one more question?
Yes
If you could choose who to live withme or Mummywhom would you choose?
Charlotte fell silent, darting her eyes between her parents. Emily stretched out her hands, desperate to draw her daughter to her.
Will you promise not to go away so much? Charlotte asked tentatively.
I promise, Oliver answered immediately.
Then I want to stay with you, Dad.
You little! Emily shrieked, raising her hand at Charlotte, but Oliver swept his daughter into his arms, shielding her. Matthew, whod hovered at the back the whole time, stayed silent.
That settles it, Emily. You wont see her again. he said quietly, and with that, took Charlotte to her bedroom.
Within minutes, Oliver helped his daughter pack her things. Fortunately, his overnight bag for business was already prepared. He and Charlotte left, going to a hotel on the far side of the citya place he often stayed for work.
A few months later, the court hearing took place. Given Emily and her new mans lack of steady income, no home of their own, and inability to provide for Charlotte, the judge awarded custody to Oliver.
Especially as Charlotte herself said she only wanted to live with her dad.
Oliver split the flat as planned, sold his share, and used the funds to buy a new place. Emily was permitted to see their daughter at weekends, but Charlotte lived with her father in their new home.
Oliver completely rearranged his life to prioritise time with his daughter. No more months-long business trips in his schedule. And for Charlotte, the newfound smiles meant more than money or any job ever could
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