28 October 2025
Dear Diary,
It isnt a fleeting fancy, Emma, I told her, as I nervously rolled a pen across the desk.
If this is a joke, its in terribly poor taste, Emma replied, bewildered.
For weeks shed sensed something was off with her husband. Id always been consumed by workconstant business trips, late nights at the office, endless stress. And then the girl? Where did she come from?
This is serious. This is my reality. And now, its yours too, I said, standing and moving slowly toward the window.
What? Weve been married twentysix years. We have two grown sons studying abroad. Weve always been the perfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Have I heard you right? Emmas voice shook.
You heard right, Emma. But thats not all.
She froze, unable to find words.
Shell be living with us from next week. Theres no discussion, no other options.
Youre imposing this on me without even asking my opinionso if I disagree I can just leave, is that it?
Dont dramatise. Im not seeking a divorce. Things just happened that way, I replied, exhausted.
If youve said your piece, Im leaving. My lunch break is clearly over, Emma said coldly.
Leave, I said curtly, not taking my eyes off the street below.
She walked out, holding back tears, her head spinning.
Emma Taylor, are you alright? Would you like a glass of water? the secretary asked, concerned.
No, thanks. Call a cab; I cant drive, she snapped.
In five minutes a car will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman replied.
Thank you, Emma said as she entered the lift, finally letting the tears flow.
She dialed a number.
Sarah, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my meetings. Do what you have to do.
Twenty minutes later she was standing in front of her motherinlaws house.
Margaret, did you know James has a daughter with another woman? Emma asked sharply.
Margaret sighed and nodded.
Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? James was terrified and insisted I should know for my granddaughters sake.
You already call her your granddaughter? Brilliant, Emma retorted sarcastically.
What do you propose, reject the child? Margaret answered calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Jamess blood runs in her veins.
Emma stared at her motherinlaw, hurt.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Margaret said gently.
Emma broke into sobs and clung to her.
Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Emma shouted suddenly. He built another life and now I have to forgive and accept it?
You need to talk to your husband and get the full story, Margaret advised.
For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passed. They barely spoke. One day James brought the young girl home.
Come in, love, this is where youll stay from now on. And this is Emma Taylor, your second mum.
Emma clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looked at her with the same blue eyesan exact copy of Jamess.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
Emily was polite and bright. Within a few weeks Emma grew accustomed to her, though she stayed chilly toward James.
A few days later Emma filed for divorce. Margaret backed her up.
I would have done the same, Margaret admitted.
Emily suffered greatly. Emma decided to speak to her.
Emily, please, lets talk.
The girl burst into tears.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Emma held her tightly.
And I love you too, dear.
The next morning Emma entered Emilys room.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then well go out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the high street.
Where are we? Emily asked.
Emma stopped, smiled, and said, Were going to see your mother. Well buy flowers and thank her for you.
Emily hugged her tightly.
Reflecting on all this, I realise that secrets have a way of surfacing, no matter how tightly we try to keep them hidden. Honesty may shatter a perfect façade, but it also paves the way for genuine healing. The lesson I carry forward is simple: live openly, for the truth, however painful, is always the steadier ground.
