Wife and Father Karina only pretended that she wanted to meet Vadim’s parents. What did she need them for, anyway? She wasn’t planning to live with them, and as for his father—supposedly well-off—the only thing to expect from him was trouble and suspicion. But if you’re playing the game, you have to see it through—especially when you’re getting married. Karina dressed up, but kept it simple—she wanted to be seen as a sweet, unpretentious girl. Meeting your fiancé’s parents is always a minefield; meeting clever parents is a full-blown trial by fire. Vadik, thinking she needed reassurance, said, “Don’t worry, Karin, honestly. Dad’s a grump, but he’s reasonable. They won’t say anything terrible to you. And they’ll love you. Dad’s a bit odd, but Mum’s the life of any party.” He gave her a pep talk outside the family home. Karina just smiled, flicking a strand of hair off her shoulder. A grumpy dad and a social butterfly mum—a combination, if ever there was one. An inward smirk. The house didn’t surprise her. She’d been in fancier ones. They were greeted at the door. Karina wasn’t particularly anxious. Why should she be? They were just people. Nina—Vadim’s mum—was a long-time homemaker, vaguely familiar from stories, sometimes going on trips with her friends, but nothing out of the ordinary. The father, Valery—aloof, but silent. But the name—there was something familiar about it… They met face to face. And Karina froze, not setting foot across the threshold. This was the end… She didn’t know her future mother-in-law, but her future father-in-law she recognised in an instant. They’d met before. Three years ago. Not often, but for their mutual benefit. In bars. Hotels. Restaurants. No one—least of all his wife or son—knew about that. Well, this was it. Valery recognised her, too. There was a flash in his eyes—could have been surprise, shock, or something darker, some scheme already taking shape—but he kept silent. Vadim, blissfully unaware, introduced her. “Mum, Dad, meet Karina. My fiancée. I’d have brought her sooner, but she’s a bit shy.” Oh dear… Valery shook her hand. A firm, almost hard grip. “Pleased to meet you, Karina,” he said, with a subtle undertone she couldn’t quite place. Anger? Warning? Or…? Karina wondered how she’d get out of this, half-expecting Valery to reveal everything. “Delighted to meet you too, Mr. Matthews,” she replied, keeping up appearances, heart pounding with adrenaline. What next? But… nothing. Valery even gave a strained smile and pulled out her chair at the dining table. Perhaps he was saving the embarrassment for later. But nothing happened. That’s when it dawned on Karina—he wouldn’t reveal her. If he did, he’d be exposing himself, too. Once she relaxed, the evening was almost easy-going. Nina recounted childhood anecdotes about Vadim, while Valery, unexpectedly attentive, asked Karina about her job—he already knew more than he let on, but his subtle irony didn’t unsettle her. He even cracked a few jokes, and to her surprise, she laughed. But the jokes were laced with meanings only they could decode. Like when, looking at Karina, he remarked, “You know, you remind me of an old… colleague. She was clever. Good with people—all kinds of people.” Karina didn’t skip a beat. “Talents come in all shapes, Mr. Matthews.” Vadim, as a besotted fiancé should, gazed at her adoringly, hearing no subtext. He truly loved her. That was both the sweetest and the saddest part—at least, for him. Later, the conversation turned to travel. Valery, looking smoothly at Karina, said, “Me—I like remote places. No fuss. Peace to sit and think, with a good book. What about you, Karina?” He was baiting her. “I like crowds—life, noise, fun,” Karina answered, not playing along. “Though, I’ll admit, extra ears can be dangerous sometimes.” Briefly, just a flicker, Nina seemed to notice something. Karina caught her future mother-in-law frown, but she dismissed it. Valery knew Karina was never one for peace and quiet. He knew why. At evening’s end, as they prepared for bed, Valery hugged Vadim. “Son, look after her. She’s… special.” It sounded like both a compliment and a warning, though only Karina got it. She felt a sudden chill at the word “special.” Only he could have chosen that word. * That night, Karina lay sleepless, replaying their fateful encounter and pondering how to live with their newfound secret. Odds weren’t great. She imagined Valery was just as sleepless—for the same reason, plus the coming showdown. Honestly, for everything. She slipped out of bed, pulled a sweatshirt over her shorts and tee, and tiptoed downstairs. For effect, she made sure her steps were audible enough to be noticed. She slipped outside to the veranda, positive Valery would find her there. She didn’t have to wait long. “Can’t sleep?” he asked, coming up behind her. “Not tonight,” Karina replied. A breeze carried the familiar scent of his cologne. He studied her. “What do you want from my son, Karina? I know what you’re capable of. I know how many like me have been in your life. And I know you’ve only ever cared about money. You never hid your price. So, why Vadim?” If he wasn’t going to get sentimental about their past, neither was Karina. She bared her teeth in a fake smile. “I love him, Mr. Matthews,” she sang. “Why shouldn’t I?” He was unconvinced. “You? Love? It’s laughable. I know you, Karina. And I’ll tell Vadim everything—what you did, who you really are. Do you think he’ll still want to marry you?” Karina stepped closer, barely an arm’s length between them. She tilted her head, studying him. As if she hadn’t seen enough over the years. “Go ahead, Mr. Matthews,” she purred, drawing out his name. “But then your wife will learn our little secret.” “That’s…” “It’s not blackmail. It’s fair warning. If you spill about my… ‘intentions,’ you’ll have to explain our relationship too. Trust me—I’ll fill in every detail.” “That’s different—” “Really? Will you tell your wife the same thing?” Valery froze. His threat had failed. He realised he was cornered. They were in it together. “What would you tell her?” he asked. “I’d tell everyone—Vadim most of all. I’ll tell him what a loyal husband you are, and just where those long nights at work really happened. The whole story. I’ll have nothing left to lose. You want to save your son from me? Go on then. Try.” A hard choice. Advising his son against the marriage would be signing his own marital death warrant. “You wouldn’t dare.” “I wouldn’t dare?” Karina laughed. “You would, but I wouldn’t? I’ll stay quiet if you do. But you know it—if I fall, you fall. Nina values loyalty above all else.” He remembered, blindingly drunk, confessing to Karina about his cheating. How kind his wife was, how loyal, how he was the scoundrel. Nina would never forgive him. Never. So he had to choose. He knew Karina wasn’t bluffing. “Fine,” he choked. “I won’t say a word. And you… keep quiet too. No one says anything. We’ll forget it ever happened.” That’s why Karina wasn’t worried. He’d lose more than she would. “As you wish, Mr. Matthews.” The next morning, they left Vadim’s parents’ house. With a stare of pure loathing from her future father-in-law, Karina said goodbye to his wife, who had already started calling her “my dear.” Valery’s eye twitched. He was torn—unable to warn his son about his cunning fiancée, for fear of exposing himself. Losing Nina would mean losing not just his wife, but a fair chunk of his fortune—and his son would probably never forgive him. On another visit—this time for a two-week stay—Valery kept his distance, always inventing errands. But one day, home alone, curiosity got the better of him. He decided to snoop through Karina’s things, hoping to find a weakness. He rifled through her make-up bag, diary, notebook—and found a white-and-blue item. A pregnancy test. Two pink lines. “I thought my son marrying someone like you was a disaster… But this… This is a catastrophe!” He put it back, trying to hastily close the bag. Karina caught him red-handed. “Tsk, tsk. Snooping isn’t very polite,” she chided with a sarcastic glint—but she didn’t seem too upset. Valery didn’t bother denying. “You’re pregnant with Vadim’s baby?” Karina walked over, took the bag, looked him in the eye, and said, “Congratulations, Mr. Matthews—you’ve spoiled the surprise.” Valery was livid. Now Karina truly had a grip on his son. If he spoke out, the fallout would be even worse. Now he really had to keep quiet. But it was torture—watching his son walk into a trap. * Nine months passed… then half a year more. Vadim and Karina had a daughter, Alice. Valery avoided visiting altogether. He refused to see or even think about them. He didn’t see Alice as his real granddaughter. And Karina frightened him—with her indifference to Vadim, and her shadowy past. And now—again. Nina was planning a visit to Vadim and Karina. “Valer, are you coming?” “No, I’ve got a headache.” “Again? This is getting serious.” “It’s nothing. Go without me.” Fake migraines, colds, aching limbs—he always had an excuse. He even took tablets for good measure. He just couldn’t bear to see Karina. But neither could he tell the truth. The evening dragged by. He read. Relaxed. But then noticed Nina was very late. It was 11 p.m. No sign of his wife, and her phone went unanswered. He called Vadim. “Hi son—everything all right? Has Nina left? She’s not home yet.” “Dad, you’re the last person I want to talk to right now.” Click. Valery was about to set off to the house when Karina’s car pulled up outside. Seeing her, he nearly passed out. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, shaking her. “What happened?” Karina, cool as ever, poured herself a glass of wine and settled in. “We’ve crashed.” “What do you mean ‘crashed’?” “Our secret. It’s out. Vadim found our photos on a café website—remember that ‘Oasis’ party four years ago? He was booking the place for our anniversary and found their photo album online… We’re both in it, clear as day. Flipping photographer… Now Vadim’s in bits. Your Nina’s filing for divorce. And me? Well, you got what you wanted—I might just be leaving your son, after all.” Valery stared at her, his mind spinning. That website, that party… He remembered warning them not to take photos, but who could have predicted this? He slumped to the floor. “Why did you come here?” “I needed to get away for a bit,” Karina smiled. “It’s chaos at home. Alice is with her nanny. Fancy some wine?” She offered his favourite wine. They sat on the veranda, drinking, interrupted only by the droning of crickets—the only thing left in common. “This is all your fault,” Valery said. Karina nodded, staring at her glass. “It is.” “You’re unbearable.” “So they tell me.” “You don’t even pity Vadim.” “I do, but I pity myself more.” “You only love yourself.” “On that, we agree.” He reached out, turning her face to his. “You know I never loved you,” he whispered. “Glad to hear it,” she answered, deadpan. *** The next morning, when Nina did return, ready to forgive her husband even at the cost of her sanity, she found Karina and Valery asleep together. “Who’s there?” Karina stirred. “It’s me,” said Nina, staring at the wreckage of her life. Karina smiled softly. Valery woke up a little later, but didn’t follow his wife.

Author Emily TaylorReading 11 minViews 2

My Wife and My Father

Sophie pretended she was eager to meet my parents. But honestly, what did she care? She wasnt going to live with them, and apart from my fathers reputation for wealthwhich, in truth, brought more headaches and suspicion than anything elseshe had no use for them.

But once youve set your mind to marriage, you have to play things through.

Sophie dressed up with careful plainness, aiming to be taken for a sweet, modest girl.

Meeting your fiancées parents is always a tightrope walk, and if the parents are clever, the whole thing turns into an obstacle course.

I sensed Sophie needed a bit of reassurance.

Dont fret, Soph. Dads a bit dour, but hes reasonable. They wont say anything dreadful. Youll win them over, youll see. Hes odd, but Mum is an absolute delight, I said as we stood outside my childhood home.

Sophie just smiled, flicking a strand of hair from her shoulder. Dour dad and life-of-the-party muma proper combination. She nearly laughed to herself.

The house didnt impress her much; shed seen grander.

We were welcomed at once.

Sophie showed little nerves. Why worry? People were just people. Mum, Sarah, had been a full-time homemaker for ages. She darted off on holidays with friends now and then, but nothing out of the ordinary. Dad, Richardhe was as rumoured: never exactly cheerful but not much of a talker either. Still, his name rang a bell in Sophies mind

They greeted us.

And Sophie froze, stopping dead at the threshold. This was a disaster. Shed never met Sarah, but Richard she recognised in a heartbeat. Theyd crossed paths beforethree years back. Not often, but on business handy to them both. Pubs, hotels, restaurants. Nobody, least of all his wife or son, ever found out.

Here we go.

Richard knew her as well. His eyes glimmered with something darksurprise, maybe, or something more calculatingbut he held his tongue.

Oblivious, I introduced her, smiling widely.

Mum, Dad, this is Sophie. My fiancée. Id have brought her round sooner, but shes ever so shy.

Oh dear.

Richard shook her hand; his grip was firmalmost punishing.

Pleased to meet you, Sophie, he said, his tone carrying something Sophie couldnt pin down. Anger? Warning? Or…?

Sophie wondered how this would play out. Any moment now, Richard might reveal all.

Lovely to meet you too, Mr. Harris, Sophie parried, keeping her cards close, adrenaline thumping in her veins.

But… nothing.

Richard, forcing a smile, pulled out her chair at the dining table.

Perhaps hes planning to humiliate her publicly…

But, no. The evening rolled on.

Suddenly Sophie realised: he wouldnt expose her. Blowing her cover would only incriminate him as well.

As she relaxed, things picked up. Sarah told embarrassing childhood tales about me, while Richard feigned interest, asking Sophie about her work. He knew plenty, but his subtle digs no longer ruffled her. Sometimes, he even jokedjokes only she would understand.

At one point, looking directly at her, he said:

You remind me of a former… colleague. Bright, good with peoplealmost anyone.

Sophie replied smoothly, There are all sorts of talents in the world, Mr. Harris.

Lost in love, I gazed at Sophie adoringly, blind to the tension. I really loved her. Perhaps that was the crux of the problemat least for me.

Later, talk turned to travel. Richard glanced at her and mused, I prefer secluded spots, somewhere peaceful where one can ponder with a good book. What about you, Sophie?

A little trap.

Sophie shrugged. I love a crowda bit of noise and festivity. Then, with a knowing glance, Though occasionally, too many ears can be a hazard.

Sarah frowned for a moment; Sophie caught the flash of doubt but saw her set it aside.

Richard knew Sophie didnt avoid noisehe understood why.

When that long evening finally ended, and bedtime called, Richard hugged me.

Look after her, son. Shes… one of a kind.

It sounded like praiseand mockery. Only Sophie caught both notes.

She felt the temperature drop, inwardly repeating, One of a kind. That word said everything.

***

That night, Sophie couldnt sleep.

She lay awake, turning over the evening, mulling over the chaos their past encounter suddenly threatened. The outlook was bleak. She guessed that, like herself, Richard wasnt sleeping eithereach of them lying in separate rooms, dreading the conversation to come.

She rose silently, pulled on an old hoodie over her pyjamas and padded out of the room. She went noisily enough down the stairs so the awake would hear her, then stepped outside, heading to the veranda where she suspected Richard would find her.

She didnt have long to wait.

Not sleeping? he asked, approaching quietly.

Struggling tonight, Sophie replied.

The wind carried a sharp tang of his cologne.

He watched her keenly.

What do you want from my son, Sophie? His voice was cold and blunt, I know what youre capable of. I know how many men like me have crossed your pathand I know youve only ever cared about money. You never hid your price. So, what do you want with Alex?

Since he wasnt mincing words, neither would she. She bared her teeth in a thin smile.

I love him, Mr. Harris, she liltingly replied. Why shouldnt I?

He didnt buy it.

You? Love? Please. I know who you are. And Im going to tell Alexeverything. Who you really are, what youve been. Do you think hell still marry you?

Sophie stepped closer, mere inches between them now, head cocked as if examining a curiosity.

Go ahead, Mr. Harris, she said, stretching out the words. But remember: then your wife will discover our little secret.

Thats…

Its not blackmail. Its plain sense. You tell everyone where we met, you can hardly hide what we were up to, can you? Trust me, Ill fill in any gaps you miss.

Thats not the same as your… hustle.

Isnt it? Tell your wife that, shall we?

Richard froze. The threat bounced back at him, trapping him. Now they were yoked togetherfor better or worse.

You wouldnt dare.

Sophie laughed. You will, but I wont? Oh, I wouldnt, so long as you dont. Ill keep your little indiscretion safe, unless you betray my mercenary wayswhich could cost you your marriage. And Sarah… she values faithfulness above all else.

Hed once drunkenly confessed his misdeeds to Sophie, bemoaning how loyal and good Sarah washow unforgivable his own failings. Sarah would never forgive. Not in this lifetime. This was checkmate.

He knew Sophie wasnt bluffing.

Fine, he managed. Ill say nothing. And you… will keep your mouth shut too. This never happened.

That settled it. Richard stood to lose more than she ever would.

As you wish, Mr. Harris.

Next morning, we left my parents house. Richards glare could have curdled milk as Sophie bid farewell to his wife, whod already started calling her daughter. Richards eye nearly twitched out of its socket.

To warn me about Sophie would mean risking divorceand Sarah was entitled to half his wealth. Not to mention, Id never forgive him.

Some time later, we stayed with my parents for a fortnights holiday.

Richard busied himself, always too swamped with business to engage with Sophie. But one afternoon, restless and alone at home, he acted on mean curiosity. He rifled through Sophies handbagmakeup, diary, pocketbookuntil his eyes landed on something blue and white. A pregnancy test, unmistakably positive.

I thought Alex marrying… someone like you was bad enough. This? This is a disaster. He crammed the test back into her bag, but couldnt close it before Sophie rounded the corner.

Snooping, Mr. Harris? Thats terribly rude, she said, barely looking bothered.

Richard didnt even try to deny it.

Youre pregnant by Alex?

Sophie took the bag from his hands, held his gaze and said softly, Well, youve rather ruined the surprise, Mr. Harris.

Fury overtook Richard. Now Sophie had even more of a hold over his sonand even less reason to reveal anything. Telling the truth would destroy everything. All he could do was keep silent, watching helplessly as his son wandered into disaster.

***

Nine months passed, then another six.

Sophie and I now had a daughter, Alice.

Richard avoided us altogether. Refused visits. He glared at me, ignored Alice, and loathed Sophies cold indifference and ominous past.

Then it happened again.

Sarah was planning to visit.

Coming with me, Richard?

No, Ive got a splitting headache.

Again? This is starting to seem serious.

Just tired. Go on without me.

Migraines, colds, an aching leghe always had an excuse. He even took extra paracetamol for effect. He couldnt stand the sight of Sophie, couldnt forgive what shed brought into his life. But he also couldnt reveal anything.

That day passed uneventfullyapart from his gnawing thoughts.

He read. He napped.

Evening came. It was eleven, and Sarah still wasnt home. The line was dead. He rang me.

Alexeverything all right? Did Sarah leave? Shes not home.

Dad, honestly, you are the last person I want to speak to right now.

He hung up.

Richard was about to leave for our house when Sophies car rolled up. His stomach turned.

What do you want? Tell mewhats happened? He grabbed her, shaking with anger.

Sophie seemed cool as ever. She poured herself a glass of his wine. Sat back.

Its all gone wrong.

Whats happened?”

All of itme and you. Alex found some old photos onlineyears back, from that party at The Blue Willow. Remember? He was searching for a place for our anniversary, found them on the cafés site and there we are. In full colour. The photographer posted the lot. Now Alex is in pieces, your Sarah wants a divorce, and, welllike you always dreamedIll likely be free of your son too.

Richard slumped, stunned. That damned website, that wretched partyhed told them not to take photos. Whod have expected this?

He sunk down next to her.

So whyve you come here?

I fancied a bit of peace and quiet, Sophie replied, almost smiling. Its chaos at home. Alice is with the nanny. Wine?

She pushed his own bottle his way.

They sat together on the veranda, sharing a silence broken only by the hum of insects.

Everythings your fault, Richard muttered.

Sophie nodded, eyes on her glass. Yes.

Youre insufferable.

So Ive been told.

You dont even pity Alex.

I do, but I pity myself more.

You only love yourself.

I wont argue.

He reached out and lifted her chin, making her face him.

You know I never loved you, he murmured.

Glad to hear it, she said simply.

***

In the morning, Sarah came round, determined to patch things up, no matter what it cost her nerves. She found Sophie and Richard asleeptogether.

Whos here? Sophie started.

Just me, Sarah replied, staring at the ruins of her life.

Sophie met her gaze and smiled, serenely unbothered. Richard woke later and never went after his wife.

That was the moment that changed everything for me. I learned that secrets eventually come outand the longer you bury them, the harder it hurts when they finally surface. In families, as in life, its not just love or loyalty that holds us together, but the courage to face uncomfortable truths. And without that, everything falls apart.