**Dark Secrets of the Past**
*— Alex, don’t be late tonight, please,* Anna said to her husband, stirring soup on the stove in their London flat. *Our Emily wants us to meet her boyfriend, James!*
Leonard sighed heavily. His little girl had grown up—already bringing home a suitor. How quickly time flew! James turned out to be charming—clever, well-read, with an easy smile. Leonard liked him instantly; Anna was pleased too. Emily glowed with happiness—everything had gone perfectly. But one day, wandering through a shopping centre searching for Anna’s birthday gift, Leonard heard a voice that made his heart stop.
For two years, Leonard had led a double life. He met Vera by chance when she nicked his car in a car park. The scratch was minor, but she apologised so earnestly that she persuaded him into a nearby café. Leonard agreed. There was something captivating about her—fragile, full of life. She turned out to be single, quick-witted, with a spark in her eyes. The conversation stretched on.
They started meeting at her flat. Leonard admitted upfront that he was married. It didn’t deter Vera—she fell for his quiet confidence.
Anna and Leonard had been married seven years. She was warm, devoted; their London home a cosy refuge. Both earned well, but the absence of a child cast a shadow. Doctors could find no reason—yet no miracle arrived.
Leonard never planned to leave Anna—their life was comfortable. He saw Vera when schedules allowed, careful not to neglect his wife. Perhaps it dulled the guilt.
*— Alex, I’m pregnant,* Vera blurted out one evening. *Time to choose: us or your wife. I’m tired of waiting.*
Leonard froze. They’d always been careful—he thought he was safe. A child outside his marriage wasn’t part of the plan. Yet here they were.
*— How?* he choked out. *We took precautions.*
*— It’s not foolproof,* she shrugged.
*— I want children,* he admitted. *Just not like this. Give me time to think.*
Driving home, he resolved to tell Anna and file for divorce. Honesty was the only way. He couldn’t live with her knowing his child grew up elsewhere. The lies were suffocating.
When he walked in, Anna’s eyes shone.
*— Alex, why so stiff?* she beamed. *I saw the doctor today. We’re having a baby! At last! I’m so happy—you’ve no idea!*
Her joy was infectious. He hadn’t seen her like this in years.
*— Seriously? That’s… incredible,* he exhaled, hiding his turmoil.
He wasn’t lying—the news stunned him. Two pregnancies in one day? How could he tell Anna about Vera? Why now?
By morning, his decision was made: he’d stay with Anna. Vera would have to let go. He couldn’t—wouldn’t—split himself between two families. He’d convince her to terminate.
That evening, he sat at her kitchen table while she poured tea.
*— Vera, listen,* he began. *Anna’s pregnant. After years of trying… I can’t leave her. I’ll cover the procedure. You’re young—you’ll find someone else.*
Vera listened silently. No tears, no reproach.
*— Understood,* she said calmly. *I’ll book it tomorrow. Don’t come back. Be happy with your wife. Go. And keep your money.*
Leonard clenched his jaw. This was brutal. He left without another word, door slamming behind him.
Twenty-two years passed.
*— Alex, don’t be late,* Anna reminded. *Emily’s bringing James. I’ve heard so much—time to meet him. Just… go easy on the questions. She’s in love, and I hope he’s decent.*
Leonard smiled. His Emily—grown, with a fiancé. She’d always be that little girl with pigtails, first steps imprinted on his heart.
Emily had been a delicate baby. Anna was the perfect mother, enveloping her in care. She’d inherited Anna’s gentle features—same eyes, same grace.
Leonard found peace. He had everything: a loving wife, a daughter, stability. Vera barely crossed his mind—he hoped she’d moved on.
Meeting James went smoothly. He studied with Emily at uni—quick-witted, ambitious. Still lived with parents but saving for his own place. Leonard approved; Anna did too. Emily radiated joy—her choice accepted.
Then, one afternoon, Leonard wandered a shopping centre, hunting for Anna’s gift. Nothing stood out, so he stopped for a coffee.
*— Hello, Leonard,* came a voice. *Enjoy your meal.*
He turned—and nearly choked. James stood there… with Vera.
She’d hardly aged, just softened slightly.
*— This is my mum, Vera,* James said. *And this is Emily’s dad.*
Vera awkwardly extended a hand.
*— Nice to meet you,* she mumbled.
*— Likewise,* Leonard forced out.
*— Mum, I’ll catch up later,* James said. *Mate needs help picking a jacket. Meet at the car in half an hour.*
Once he’d gone, Vera sat opposite.
*— Congratulations, Alex,* she murmured.
*— He’s yours? You married?* Leonard struggled to process.
*— Yes, my son. Married. I didn’t know Emily was yours. James never said her surname. Small world…*
*— Too small,* he exhaled. *This is…*
*— Alex,* she hesitated. *I’d never say this, but I must. Our children can’t be together.*
*— Why not?* he frowned. *Still angry? But this isn’t about us. They’re in love!*
*— God, you don’t understand,* she met his gaze. *James is your son.*
Leonard froze.
*— My son? You said—*
*— I couldn’t go through with it,* she cut in. *Decided to keep him. Never regretted it. He’s wonderful. Married two years later—no more children. James thinks my husband’s his father, carries his name. He knows nothing about you. So now what? How do we tell them?*
*— I don’t know,* Leonard stammered. *Like some bloody soap opera. We’ll figure it out. Here’s my number—call me.*
He sat on a bench outside for hours, weighing options. Only one path remained: the truth, however painful.
Anna was ironing when he returned.
*— Where’ve you been?* she asked. *Dinner’s cold. Emily’s out with James.*
*— Anna, we need to talk,* he said gravely. *This won’t be easy.*
*— What’s wrong?* She switched off the iron, uneasy.
*— Years ago, there was another woman,* he began. *She got pregnant. I planned to leave, but then you told me you were expecting. I stayed. Told her I wouldn’t abandon you. We ended it. She promised not to keep the baby. Today, at the mall… James is my son.*
Anna clutched her head, pacing.
*— How?* she whispered. *A son…*
*— I’m sorry,* he said. *I was a fool. After her, there was no one else. But how do we tell Emily? Of all the boys, she picks him…*
*— Alex,* Anna stopped. *Don’t tell her.*
*— What?* he gaped. *They’re siblings! What if they marry?*
*— Revelations tonight,* she laughed bitterly. *Emily isn’t yours.*
Leonard chuckled, thinking she joked.
*— Then whose is she?*
*— I had an affair,* Anna admitted. *With a colleague. Remember how distant we were? He was attentive… I gave in. I wanted a child, and you didn’t seem to care. I’m certain she’s his. That month, we’d barely touched. Him? Several times. So Emily and James aren’t related.*
*— You… lied?* Pain choked him.
*— I’m sorry,* she looked away. *I never meant to say. Wanted a child, a family. Ended it with him straight after. He moved abroad—no contact since. Now it’s your turn to forgive.*
Leonard grabbed his keys and bolted. He drove through London’s night streets, grappling with it all. Emily—not his. Anna’s deception spanning decades. How could he face them? He’d never stop loving Emily… but Anna?
He pulled over and called Vera.
*— Told Anna everything,* he said. *About us, James. And guess what? Emily’s not mine. Anna had someone else.*
Vera laughed down the line.
*— What a pair you are! Even now. At least the kids need never know. You won’t claim James, will you?*
*— No,* Leonard sighed.Leonard stared at his reflection in the rearview mirror, wondering if forgiveness was even possible—or if some secrets were meant to stay buried forever.
