Victor Grigoryevich kept a watchful eye on Oliver, though the young man remained none the wiser. With years of experience in his line of work, Victor was no amateuryet so far, Oliver had given him no reason for suspicion. He never brought anyone home, nor did he act in any questionable manner. Still, Victor knew patience would pay off. Sooner or later, Oliver would slip up. His instincts had never failed him before.
This mattered deeply to Victor, for it concerned his own flesh and blood. His family. How lovely it had been when little Eleanor was small! When she was born, Victor had been disappointedhed hoped for a son. Of course, he never let it show, but deep down, the thought nagged at him. A daughter! Him, a man of standing, blessed with a girl instead of a boy. Who would he share those quiet, manly conversations with when life grew heavy? Who would he teach the ways of the world, shaping into a proper man?
Ah, but fate had other plans. Hed married latehis demanding career had always stood in the way. Women never took kindly to his long hours. Then he met LucyLucy, his lovethough by then, she was nearing forty, and the dream of a son slipped further away.
Yet something unexpected happened. Without even realizing it, Victor found himself utterly enchanted by his little girl. The first time she smiled at him, tiny fingers squeezing his nose, he was lost. Then came the day she took her first unsteady steps, suddenly overcome with excitement, racing toward him with cries of, Daddy! Daddy! He swept her into his arms, holding her close, and in that moment, he understoodher happiness was all that mattered. His little girl, his shining star. He would never let harm come to her.
Lucy would laugh. Victor, you spoil us! And he did, showering his beloved girls with gifts, their joyful eyes filling him with contentment.
But how had time flown so quickly? It seemed only yesterday hed walked Eleanor to nursery, her small hand tucked in his, her bright head tilted back as she gazed up at him. Daddy, youre so tall! Will you buy me a teddy bear? Please? Her hopeful look made him feel invincible. Now, shed finished school, enrolled in university, and taken a joball her own decision. Its time I stood on my own feet, Daddy, shed said. Work will teach me more than waiting ever could. And Victor had swelled with pridehis Eleanor was so clever.
Then, one evening, Lucy baked a pie, her eyes twinkling with secrets. Victor assumed the girls had some purchase in mind, something they wished to ask of him. But no. The truth was far differentsomething he hadnt dared consider. Eleanor was barely twenty!
Daddy, she began, brushing an invisible speck from his shoulder. Theres someone Id like you and Mum to meet. Dont fuss, now. Olivers wonderfulwere thinking of putting in the banns. Ive invited him for tea tonight. Oh, that must be him at the door!
Lucy was first to greet him. Good evening! Do come in. Im Lucy, and this is Eleanors father, Victor. Victor nodded stiffly, shaking Olivers hand, his mouth dry. This stranger had come to take his Eleanor awayhis only child, his darling girl!
A voice of reason whispered: What did you expect? Dont you want her happy? The lad seems decent, strong. Or would you have her live with you forever?
But Victor refused to listen. Oliver was unworthythat was that. And so, a plan took shape. He would test this young man. He wouldnt let his daughter be wronged.
For weeks, he waited, watching from his car outside Olivers flat after escorting Eleanor home, using work as his excuse. What if Oliver had another? What if he wasnt what he seemed? The banns were already postedEleanor had her dress, the celebrations planned.
Then, one evening, Victor saw it: a woman with a little girl approached Olivers building. He kissed her, took her bag, clasped the childs handand vanished inside. Just as hed suspected!
Yet, strangely, Victor found himself liking the lad. There was something honest about him, much like hed been in his youth. Had his professional suspicions led him astray?
Eleanor greeted him with joy. Daddy, the weddings in a week! Oliver and I booked the hall today. Im so happy!
Victor gazed at her, ashamed of his spying. Then she added, Olivers parents arrive tomorrowtheyll come round in the evening. Tonight, his sister visited with her daughterNatalie, from out of town. Her husbands away on business; hell join us later.
At the wedding, Victor danced with Lucy like a young man again. Hed decided: enough suspicion. There was no sense mixing work with life.
A year later, Eleanor gave him a grandsonlittle Samuel. The new grandfather wept. Dreams did come true. Now he had someone to share manly talks with, to teachOliver had proven himself a fine man indeed.
And as young Samuel grew, toddling about, babbling his first words, Victor knew this was lifes true joy. As for his surveillance of Oliver? That was a secret hed take to the grave. Trust was the foundation of family.
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