Dont you dare bother that young woman! Liam shouted, springing to his feet.
Whatwhat are you on about? Peter retorted, baffled.
Youve been twisting Emilys head round and round! Dont you think its obvious she isnt your stepdaughter at all?
Peters anger flared; he grabbed the boys jacket with one hand and raised the other as if to strike.
Liam!!! Emilys frightened voice cut through the tension, and he let the boy go.
Peter had married Laura when her daughter Emily was ten. The girl still remembered her biological father, who had died two years earlier, and at first regarded her mothers new husband with suspicion. But Peter managed to find common ground with her.
Emily never called him dad, yet the nickname Petey slipped from her lips with such affection that everyone accepted they were close. Because of Emilys influence, the family stayed together when, six years after the wedding, Peters old colleague Ingrid coaxed him into an evening of drinks at a work function. He drank far more than he should have, let the merriment take over, and, in a hazy blur, made a mistake he could not later recall.
Someone told Laura what had happened. The scandal erupted, and Peter begged for forgiveness, pleading with tears. Laura refused to listen, threatening divorce.
While Emily was still at school, the couples arguments grew louder, and the sensitive girl sensed that something was wrong, which left her deeply upset.
Only because of Emily will I forgive you, Laura snapped through clenched teeth. But this is the first and last time. The next time it will be divorce.
Peter cursed himself a hundred times, tried to atone by spending even more time with his family, and was relieved to see Emilys eyes brighten again.
When Emily turned eighteen, she brought home a boyfriend to meet her parents. Liam, a lanky, smuglooking fellow, made a terrible first impression on Peter. Yet for Emilys sake, who stared at the young man with adoring eyes, Peter forced himself to stay calm.
Emily, are you sure hes the right one? he whispered after the suitor left.
What? Petey, didnt you like him? Emily pouted. You barely know him. Liams a good lad.
Peter sighed heavily but forced a smile. Well see. You cant make a bad choice.
Liam sensed the stepfathers coldness and kept his distance, behaving politely even though it was difficult for him.
Soon after, Peters own troubles resurfaced. Laura accused him again of an affair with Ingrid.
What, did you fancy her so much you couldnt control yourself? Laura snapped. Go to her then! Stop torturing me!
Laura, what are you talking about? Peter was stunned. After that drunken night, the thought of cheating never crossed his mind again. Where did you get this idea?
Someone told me there are decent people out there, was the vague reply.
Peter didnt waste time arguing; he dialed Ingrids number and put it on speaker.
Peter, Ingrid said, her tone soft, are you drunk again?
Im sorry, Im a mess, he muttered. Ive just gotten married six months ago and were expecting a baby.
Ingrid sneered, So you went out on the town while I was covering for you at work?
Sorry, Peter mumbled.
Laura gave him a reproachful look, then huffed and left the room. She refused to speak to him for a few days, showing her stubborn side, but eventually they patched things up. Emily, though busy with Liam, worried about her parents silence.
A few weeks later Peter was hit by a car. Hed been suddenly pushed onto the road, and a small hatchback clipped his legs. The vehicle was traveling slowly, so he escaped with a sprained leg and a mild concussion, though he landed awkwardly on the pavement.
He limped around the flat, and Emily tended to him as best she could, bringing him meals on a tray, playing board games, reading aloud, or simply chatting about nothing.
What are you doing with him? Peter overheard Emily and Liam arguing in the hallway. Hes an adult, let him be
Liam! Petey is practically my father now. I love him and will look after him no matter what anyone says! Emily whispered fiercely.
Liam muttered a weak protest, and Peter smiled, proud of the good girl they had raised together.
Not long after, a new problem hit Peter. His boss, acting on a clients complaint, accused him of shoddy work on a stretchceiling installation.
Leonard Smith says the ceiling in one room is sagging, the corners are crooked. He also claims you extorted money from him, saying youd finish the job properly if he paid, the boss whispered, eyes darting.
What rubbish! We did the job perfectly and never asked for extra cash, Peter sputtered, his anger rising.
Leonard was a notoriously fastidious client, demanding perfection. The crew answered his endless questions, and ultimately he seemed satisfied, so why the sudden grievance?
The boss told me to go talk to him and sort it out, or well all be in trouble, the manager said.
That evening Peter returned home, his mood heavy, and recounted the ordeal to his family.
Dont worry, Petey, Emily said immediately, taking his hand. Maybe hes just confused. Shall I go with you?
Dont let it cost you your job, Laura sighed. Figure something out.
When Peter arrived at Leonards office, the client seemed unsettled.
What do you want? Leonard demanded. Well settle this in court! Ill see you sacked!
Peter tried to keep his voice steady. If you could show us where we went wrong, well fix it.
Leonard shouted, Theres nothing to see! The experts will handle it, not you!
Peters patience snapped. He stepped forward, apologised briefly, and entered the flat despite Leonards protests. As expected, the ceilings were fine.
Peter raised an eyebrow, stared Leonard down, and asked, And the money? You said youd been extorted.
Leonard stammered, then admitted that a young man named Valery had fed him the idea to complain and demand compensation, hoping to get Peter dismissed.
Peter glanced at his phone, displaying a family photo that also included the future soninlaw.
Its him? Leonard asked, eyes narrowing.
Yes, Peter confirmed.
Valery, who had been waiting outside for Emily, saw his future fatherinlaw and jumped back in alarm.
Why are you here? Peter asked.
Because I dont want to bother a young woman, Valery snapped, pointing at Liam. Youve been making Emilys head spin! Dont you see she isnt just your stepdaughter?
Peters hand shot out, grabbing Valerys jacket, the other hand poised to strike.
Petey!!! Emilys frightened cry halted him, and he released the boy.
Your eyes are sharp enough already! Valery retorted, backing away. I just wanted you out of the picture!
Did you push me under the car as well? Peter demanded.
Nonono! Valery protested, raising his hands. Dont blame me for everything!
Peter sneered, Im not even keen on getting my hands dirty with you.
Emily, learning the details of the scandal, broke off with Liam, even as he begged for forgiveness. She decided to focus on her studies, with her parents full support.
Through all the turmoil, Peter learned that honesty, humility, and the willingness to face ones mistakes are far stronger than pride or deception. The family, though battered, emerged more united, proving that love and integrity can survive even the fiercest storms.
