“Its not a passing adventure, Victoria,” David said, twisting a pencil nervously on his desk.
“If this is a joke, its in terrible taste,” Victoria replied, confusion lacing her voice.
For weeks shed felt something was wrong with her husband. David had always been consumed by his jobconstant business trips, endless hours, relentless stress. But a daughter? Where had she come from?
“Its serious. This is my reality. And now its ours too.”
He rose and drifted toward the window.
“What? Weve been together twentysix years. Two wonderful adult sons studying abroad. Weve always been the perfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear that right?”
“You heard right, Victoria. And thats not all.”
She stood frozen, unsure how to react.
“Shell live with us starting next week. No discussion. No other options.”
“Youre imposing this on me without even asking my opinion. If I disagree, I can just leave, right?”
“Dont dramatise. I dont want a divorce. Things just happened that way,” David said, voice weary.
“If thats all you have to say, Im out. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over,” Victoria answered, cold.
“Leave,” David said briefly, eyes never leaving the window.
She left the office, emotions held tight, her head spinning.
“Ms. Clarke, are you all right? Would you like some water?” the receptionist asked, concerned.
“No, thank you. Call a taxi; I cant drive,” Victoria snapped.
“In five minutes a car will be waiting at the main entrance,” the young woman replied.
“Thanks,” Victoria said as she stepped into the lift, finally letting her tears flow.
She dialed.
“Emma, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what you need to.”
Twenty minutes later she stood on the doorstep of her motherinlaws house.
“Diane, did you know David has a daughter with another woman?” she demanded.
The older woman sighed, nodded.
“Yes. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? David was terrified and insisted I be told for the sake of my granddaughter.”
“You already call her your granddaughter? Bravo!” Victoria snapped sarcastically.
“And what do you suggest? Cast the child out?” Diane replied calmly. “If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Davids blood runs in her veins.”
Victoria stared at Diane, pain raw.
“Why didnt you tell me?”
“To spare you the hurt you feel now,” Diane answered softly.
Victoria burst into sobs, clutching her.
“Itll be okay, love. Youre strong.”
“I owe nothing to anyone!” Victoria shouted suddenly. “Hes built another life and now I have to forgive and accept it?”
“You need to talk to your husband and get the whole story,” Diane advised.
“For now, I cant even look at him.”
A week passed. They stopped speaking. One day David brought the young girl home.
“Come in, sweetheart, this is where youll stay from now on. And this is Victoria Clarke, your second mum.”
Victoria clenched her fists but forced a smile.
“Nice to meet you.”
The girl met her gaze with blue eyesa perfect copy of Davids.
“Me too. I hope we become friends.”
Poppy was a polite, intelligent teen. Within weeks Victoria grew used to her, but toward David she remained cold.
A few days later Victoria filed for divorce. Diane backed her.
“I would have done the same,” Diane admitted.
Poppy suffered greatly. Victoria decided to speak to her.
“Poppy, please, lets talk.”
The girl sobbed.
“Mum, dont go. I love you.”
Victoria held her tight.
“And I love you, dear.”
The next morning Victoria entered Poppys bedroom.
“Get up. Were having breakfast and then we go out.”
“Where to?” the girl asked.
“Its a surprise.”
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the street.
“Where are we?”
Victoria stopped, smiled.
“Were going to see your mother. Well buy flowers and thank her for you.”
Poppy hugged her tightly.
