This is not a random affair, Victoria. I have been living a double life for seventeen years, said Dominic, nervously twirling a pencil at his desk.
If this is a joke, it’s a very bad one, Victoria replied, confused.
For the past few weeks, she had sensed that something was wrong with her husband. Dominic had always been busy with work—frequent business trips, late nights at the office, stress. But a daughter? Where did she come from?
This is serious. This is my reality. More precisely, now it’s ours.
He stood up and slowly walked to the window.
What? We’ve been together for twenty-six years. We have two wonderful grown sons who are studying abroad. We were always the perfect family. And now you’re telling me you have a fifteen-year-old daughter? Did I understand correctly?
You understood correctly, Victoria. But that’s not all.
She froze, not knowing how to react.
She will live with us. Starting next week. And that is not up for discussion. There are no other options.
You’re not even asking me—you’re just presenting it as a fact. If I’m against it, I can leave, is that it?
Don’t be dramatic. I don’t want a divorce. This is just how things turned out, Dominic’s voice carried exhaustion.
If you’ve said everything, I’ll go. I need to get back to work, though my lunch break is obviously over, Victoria replied coldly.
Go, Dominic answered briefly, his gaze fixed on the window.
She left the office, holding back her emotions. Her head was spinning.
Victoria Lawrence, are you alright? Would you like some water? the concerned secretary asked.
No, thank you. Call me a taxi, I can’t drive, she answered dryly.
In five minutes, a car will be at the main entrance, the young woman informed her.
Thank you, Victoria stepped into the elevator and finally let her tears flow.
She dialed a number.
Monica, I won’t be coming in today. Reschedule all my clients. Do whatever needs to be done.
Twenty minutes later, she was at her mother-in-law’s house.
Diana, did you know that Dominic has a daughter with another woman? she asked sternly.
The older woman sighed and nodded.
Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember when I had a heart attack? Dominic was really scared then and decided I should know about my granddaughter.
You’re already calling her your granddaughter? Bravo! Victoria snapped sarcastically.
And what would you suggest? To reject the child? her mother-in-law replied calmly. If I had known about this fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to prevent it. But the girl exists. Dominic’s blood runs through her veins.
Victoria looked at her mother-in-law in pain.
Why didn’t you tell me anything?
To spare you the pain you’re feeling now, Diana answered softly.
Victoria broke down in tears and embraced her.
It will be alright, my dear. You are strong.
I don’t owe anyone anything! Victoria suddenly shouted. He built another life, and now I have to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to your husband and find out everything, her mother-in-law advised.
Right now, I can’t even look at him.
A week passed. They didn’t speak. One day, Dominic brought the girl home.
Come in, sweetheart, this is your new home. And this is Victoria Lawrence, your… second mother.
Victoria clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looked at her with her blue eyes—an exact copy of Dominic’s.
Nice to meet you too. I hope we become friends.
Lily was a polite and intelligent girl. Within a few weeks, Victoria got used to her. But toward Dominic, she remained cold.
A few days later, Victoria filed for divorce. Her mother-in-law supported her.
I would have done the same, Diana admitted.
Lily took it very hard. Victoria decided to talk to her.
Lily, please, let’s talk.
The girl sobbed.
Mommy, don’t leave. I love you.
Victoria hugged her tightly.
And I love you, sweetheart.
The next morning, Victoria looked into Lily’s room.
Get up. We’ll have breakfast and go.
Where?
It’s a surprise.
Twenty minutes later, they were walking down the street.
Where are we?
Victoria stopped and smiled.
At your mother’s place. We’ll buy flowers and thank her for you.
Lily hugged her tightly.
