Opening the Door to My Ex-Husband, I Was Stunned—Beside Him Stood a Blonde in Patent Leather Heels

Opening the door to her ex-husband, Emily frozestanding beside him was a blonde woman in glossy high heels.

“Mummy, why does Aunt Sophie have such pretty shoes, and you dont?” asked six-year-old Lily, peering through the window at their neighbours feet.

Emily set down her lukewarm mug of tea and glanced at her daughter. The little girl stood by the windowsill in her favourite pink pyjamas, her nose pressed to the glass.

“Dont you like mine?” Emily smiled, though something twisted inside her.

“Yours are nice, but theyre old. Aunt Sophies are shiny, with little heels. You always wear trainers.”

Emily walked over and wrapped an arm around Lilys shoulders. Outside, their neighbour Sophie was indeed walking past in sleek patent heels, a smart coat, and a designer handbag. A polished woman in her forties, recently divorced and clearly doing well for herself.

“Lily, beauty isnt in shoes,” Emily said softly. “Its whats inside that matters.”

“But shoes matter too,” Lily insisted. “Daddy used to buy you nice things, didnt he?”

At the mention of her father, Emily stiffened. Richard had left six months ago, saying he wasnt happy anymore. The divorce wasnt final yet, but their family had already fallen apart.

“Daddy bought a lot of things,” she answered carefully. “But its just you and me now.”

“Whens Daddy coming back?”

Lily asked this every day, and every time, Emily didnt know what to say. Richard visited once a week, took Lily out for a few hours, and brought her home. Each time, Lily hoped hed stay.

“I dont know, sweetheart. Maybe hell call today.”

As if on cue, the phone rang. Emily glanced at the screenRichard.

“Hello,” she answered, keeping her voice steady.

“Hi. Hows Lily?”

“Shes fine. Asks about you.”

“Right. Listen, we need to talk. Seriously.”

His tone was formal, businesslike. Emilys stomach clenched.

“About what?”

“Not over the phone. Im coming over. Now.”

“Lilys here.”

“It involves her too.”

He hung up before she could reply. Emily looked at her daughter, still by the window.

“Lily, Daddys coming over.”

The little girls face lit up. “Really? Will he stay for dinner?”

“I dont know, love. He just wants to talk.”

Lily dashed off to change. Alone in the kitchen, Emily tried to steady her nerves. Something in Richards voice had set her on edge. He usually just called to arrange visitswhy the urgency?

She tidied up, smoothed her hair, and changed into a fresh blouse. Not for him. For herself. She wanted to face whatever was coming with dignity.

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Lily burst out in her best dress, saved for special occasions.

“Daddys here!” she squealed.

Emily opened the door to Richard. He stood there in an expensive suit, smelling of unfamiliar cologne, looking happy. Beside him was a young womana blonde in her twenties, wearing a stylish coat and the same shiny heels Lily had admired.

“Hi,” Richard said, as if bringing a stranger was perfectly normal.

Emilys face burned. Lily peeked around her, staring at the woman.

“Daddy, whos that?”

“Lily, this is Grace,” Richard said, patting her head. “My girlfriend.”

Grace smiled, but it didnt reach her eyes. “Hello, Lily. Daddys told me so much about you.”

“Can we come in?” Richard asked. “We really need to talk.”

Emily stepped aside, letting them into the cramped hallway. Graces gaze swept over the worn furniture, faded wallpaper, and Lilys drawings pinned to the wall.

“Sit in the living room,” Emily said, holding her head high.

They settled around the table. Lily perched beside her father, eyeing Grace curiously. Emily sat opposite, hands folded in her lap.

“So whats this about?” she asked.

Richard cleared his throat. “Grace and I are serious. Were moving in together.”

“Congratulations,” Emily said flatly. “Whats that got to do with me?”

“We want Lily to come live with us.”

The room tilted. Lily frowned.

“Live where, Daddy?”

“With us, princess. Weve got a big house. Youll love it.”

“And Mummy?”

Richard and Grace exchanged glances. Grace answered first.

“Mummy will stay here. Youll live with Daddy and me. Ill be like your new mum.”

Lily scowled. “I already have a mummy. I dont want another one.”

“Dont be silly,” Richard said gently. “You wanted us to be a family again, didnt you? Now we can be.”

“Not without Mummy.”

Emily clenched her fists. “Richard, can we talk alone?”

“No need for secrets,” he shrugged. “Grace is family now.”

“Family?” Emily nearly choked. “Richard, we have a child. You cant just take her like shes a possession!”

“No one said that,” Grace cut in. “But be honestshed have a better life with her father. We can give her stability, opportunities.”

“Are you saying I cant?”

Grace glanced around. “Well your flats a bit small. And Lily deserves to see what a proper family looks like.”

Emily stood. “Lily, go to your room.”

“But Mummy”

“Please.”

Once Lily was gone, Emily turned on them. “Have you lost your mind? You bring your fling here and announce youre taking my child?”

“Emily, be reasonable,” Richard said. “Look at the facts. Youre working two jobs just to scrape by. Lily deserves more.”

“I give her everything she needs!”

“The bare minimum. We can give her private school, holidays, a future.”

Grace nodded. “And she needs a fathers influence.”

“Influence?” Emily scoffed. “You walked out for a younger woman, and now youre lecturing me on parenting?”

“Enough,” Richard snapped. “I didnt abandon anyone. We grew apart. It happens.”

“Not to me. I see a coward who ran when things got hard.”

Grace bristled. “I wont be insulted! Richard and I love each other. And as for Lily, Ill be a wonderful mother.”

“Really?” Emily stepped closer. “Do you know she hates custard but loves pancakes? That shes terrified of thunder and needs a nightlight? That shes allergic to strawberries? Do you know how to calm her when shes upset?”

Grace faltered. “IIll learn.”

“Youll have to. Because I know. Im her mother. I held her when she was sick, taught her to walk, read her stories. You think you can just replace that?”

Richard sighed. “No ones replacing you. But children need their fathers.”

“And their mothers! Or have you forgotten?”

He stood. “Fine. If you want a fight, youll get one. I can afford the best lawyers. Can you?”

Emilys blood ran cold. He was righthe had money, connections. All she had was love.

“Richard, money isnt everything.”

“It is when it comes to raising a child properly.”

Grace smirked. “Charity shops only go so far.”

Emily flushed. Yes, she bought Lilys clothes second-handbut always clean, always cared for.

“Theres nothing wrong with thrift shops.”

“Of course not,” Grace said patronisingly. “But new is better, dont you think?”

“And shiny heels matter more than a mothers love?”

“Whats that got to do with anything?”

“Everything. This morning, Lily asked why she didnt have pretty shoes like other girls. And you know what? I felt ashamed. Ashamed I couldnt give her more. But I give her everything I can.”

Richards voice softened. “Were not trying to hurt you. We just want whats best for Lily.”

“And if you find someone new in a year? What then?”

“That wont happen,” Grace said firmly. “Were in love.”

“So was he. Once.”

Silence fell. From Lilys room came muffled sobs.

“Happy now?” Emily headed for the door. “She hears everything.”

Inside, Lily was curled on her bed, crying into her pillow.

“Mummy, I dont want to go,” she whimpered. “I dont like that lady. Shes mean.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Her eyes are cold. And she looked at our flat like its ugly.”

Emily sat beside her, stroking her hair. “Darling, Daddy just wants you to be happy”

“But I am happy! With you!” Lily clung

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Opening the Door to My Ex-Husband, I Was Stunned—Beside Him Stood a Blonde in Patent Leather Heels
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