**When Fate Comes Knocking**
*April 30*
Marketing manager Edward, a self-assured bachelor, couldn’t resist the new hire—a vibrant, bold girl named Emily. The moment she walked into the office, he strode toward her, interest undisguised.
“Good morning, colleague,” he said, his smile so warm it nearly burned, making Emily hold his gaze a second too long.
“Morning,” she replied softly, yet with a spark, the corners of her lips twitching in return.
“Well then, let’s get started. Olivia will show you the ropes—she’s our go-to mentor,” Edward nodded toward the senior colleague. “Familiarise yourself with the guidelines. Best of luck—hopefully, we’ll work well together.”
The office chatter quieted as the women watched him go. The moment Edward left, Olivia leaned toward her desk mate, Charlotte, whispering:
“Since when does our Ed put on such a show for newcomers?” They briefly locked eyes before stifling laughter.
Emily was cautious at first—new colleagues, unfamiliar faces. She wasn’t shy; at twenty-three, she’d already had her share of whirlwind romances. Back in college, she’d toyed with a professor twenty years her senior. He ended things when rumours reached his family, while Emily shrugged and moved on, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind.
Two weeks later, Edward asked her out for coffee after work at a riverside café.
“Why not? You’re my boss—best to stay on your good side,” she teased, her smile daring him to challenge her.
Her tone was so innocent, Edward almost thought she was joking. But his pulse leapt anyway. At thirty-two, he’d never committed seriously—always backing out halfway. With Emily, things spiralled fast: dates, passion, love. Soon, the whole office buzzed—Edward and Emily were engaged.
**A Family on the Edge**
Edward adored her, indulging her every whim. She laid down one rule:
“No kids, Ed. I want to live for myself. I’ll say when I’m ready, but until then—no prams, no sleepless nights.”
He waited, believing she’d change her mind. That she’d realise a family without children was only half the joy. But months passed, and she only waved him off:
“Ed, I warned you. Don’t push me. I’m not ready.”
Then, one day, he found her in the bathroom, pale, clutching a positive pregnancy test.
“Emily… you’re pregnant?” he whispered, almost afraid to hope.
She nodded silently, eyes welling. Overjoyed, Edward swept her into his arms—but she burst into tears.
“I don’t want a baby! I don’t want to get fat, don’t want this life! Fix it!”
He held her tight, kissing her tear-streaked cheeks.
“Don’t cry—it’s a miracle. I love you, Em. We’re having a baby!”
But Emily refused to budge. She booked an appointment to terminate. Edward stormed into the clinic at the last moment, dragging her out in a fury.
“Emily, please, don’t do this. Let our child live. I’ll be there—I’ll handle everything,” his voice shook.
She relented, on one condition: nappies, night feeds—none of it was her problem. Through the pregnancy, Edward doted on her. When the time came, he drove her to the hospital. Only when he saw their healthy daughter did he finally breathe.
**The Daughter Left Behind**
Exhausted but happy, he went home to rest. The next day at the hospital, a nurse handed him a note:
“Your wife’s gone. She left the baby.”
“That’s impossible!” Edward refused to believe. “Check again!”
But Emily had vanished—no calls, a new number. A month later, she rang:
“Pack my things. My new man, Henry, will collect them. You file for divorce—I’m not coming back.”
Not a word about their daughter. The baby meant nothing to her—just like Edward. So he became both father and mother to little Lily. His mum, living nearby, helped care for her granddaughter.
**Shadows of the Past**
Anna snatched up her phone when the school called. Her eight-year-old son, Michael’s teacher, Miss Thompson, wasted no words:
“Anna, come to school now! Your son’s caused trouble!”
Anna’s heart pounded as she rushed in, mind racing.
*Michael? Quiet, well-behaved Michael?*
He’d been born against all odds. Her husband, William, had admitted before marriage—he was infertile. It was his third marriage. His first wife cheated; the second left when she learned the truth. With Anna, he was honest. Yet, miraculously, she conceived.
“William, look! We’re having a baby!” she beamed, waving the scan.
Instead of joy, he slapped her.
“Whose child is this? You’ve shamed me!”
That night, he cooled:
“Fine. Keep it. Even if it’s not mine.”
Michael was born—William’s double. At first, he humoured the boy. But the rage returned.
“Tramp! Bet you’ve told your lover about this bastard! Why put my name down? Let *him* pay!”
Michael grew up hearing the abuse. William sneered:
“Go find your *real* dad!”
Anna got a DNA test proving William was the father. He scoffed:
“Bribed them, did you?”
She left, moving in with her mother. William tracked them down. She rented a flat across town, filed for divorce—but he wouldn’t relent. Desperate, she moved cities. Only then did peace come.
At school, Anna found Michael with a scratch on his cheek, glaring at Lily—his classmate, the teacher’s darling.
“Good afternoon,” Anna managed, just as Miss Thompson approached.
“Finally,” the teacher sighed. “Michael pushed Lily. She fell and got hurt.”
**A World Repaired**
“Mum, it wasn’t me!” Michael blurted. “She started it! She called me names, scratched me—so I…”
“Dad, *I* didn’t!” Lily muttered, shoving Michael before stopping short.
“Lily, enough,” the man beside her said firmly.
“Michael, apologise,” Anna urged.
“And you too, Lily,” the man added.
The children stood, glowering. The teacher sighed:
“Parents, sort this out yourselves?”
“Will do,” Anna and Edward said in unison, exchanging glances before laughing.
“Edward—Lily’s father.”
“Anna—Michael’s mum.”
“Lily, sorry,” Michael mumbled.
“You too,” Lily muttered, nudging his sleeve.
“Well done!” Edward grinned. The kids cracked smiles.
“Let’s celebrate,” Edward suggested. “Pizza?”
“Yes!” Michael cheered.
Lily shot Edward a look:
“We really are sorry.”
“Course you are,” Anna smiled, catching Edward’s eye.
Over pizza, the kids chattered like old friends. Michael even promised:
“Anyone bothers you, I’ll sort them.”
The parents watched, sensing something—a spark. From then on, there were cinema trips, park strolls, cosy evenings. The kids noticed first, grinning behind their hands.
Months later, Edward and Anna laughed about that first meeting—how a schoolyard spat brought them together. If not for misfortune…
Now, Anna was expecting. Michael and Lily had already named their brother—he’d be called Oliver.
*Sometimes, fate knocks softly. Other times, it barges in.*
