Is he really all right with it? Charlotte asked in disbelief.
Emma nodded. Jenny stared at her with open amazement.
Yes, I told Daniel before we got married, Emma tucked her legs beneath her on the sofa. I was frank; I said I cant have children, and nothing could be done about it.
And what did he say?
He told me wed still be a happy family without children, Emma smiled softly. He has two sisters and loads of nieces and nephews. Hes quite content.
Jenny shook her head, her eyes alight with a gentle, almost admiring envy.
Youre really lucky, Em, she said, edging closer. Men like that are few and far between.
Emma looked down at her hands, turning the wedding band on her finger. Four years on and she still sometimes couldnt believe her good fortune. Shed lost count of the relationships that had ended because of her diagnosis, how many men bolted after a heart-to-heart. Each one was still vivid in her memory: the awkward excuses, the cowardly exits.
Honestly, Jenny, Id already made peace with being alone, Emma said quietly. Started believing I was faulty somehow, incomplete.
Jenny squeezed her hand. Emma gave her a grateful look and went on.
Then Daniel came along and it was as if everything slotted into placeall the pieces just fit, Emma sat straighter. He didnt run, didnt make excuses. He just accepted me, as I am.
You deserve it, Jenny stood, grabbing her bag. But Id best head offearly train tomorrow.
Emma walked her to the door and they hugged goodbye. Jenny was off on a two-week business trip, and Emma already knew shed miss their evenings together
Daniel arrived from work an hour later, by which time Emma had reheated supper. He looked exhausted but happy, and made a beeline for her to plant a kiss on her cheek.
Everyones asking after you at the office, Daniel said, hanging up his jacket. They miss youwondering when youre back.
Emma laughed, smoothing her hair where Daniels kiss had left it tousled. Their romance had started there, at the London consultancy where theyd both worked for years. First exchanged glances at the coffee machine, then joint projects, then Daniels dinner invitation.
My breaks only just started, Emma replied, turning to him. Tell them Ill return full of beans and well-rested.
Will do, Daniel grinned, sitting at the table. Although Maya from accounts has already asked about you three times.
Emma rolled her eyes, remembering the office gossip who always knew everything. Four years ago, Maya was the first to spot their attraction and interrogate Emma about it.
…The days off hurtled past. Emmas birthday was fast approaching; she wondered what Daniel had in store this year. He was always imaginativeonce orchestrating a city-wide treasure hunt, another time throwing her a surprise party.
But this birthday began strangely. Emma woke in a cold, empty bedDaniel must have left hours ago. She stretched and smiled, convinced he was out getting flowers or a cake.
Then her phone rang, flashing an unknown number. Emma frowned. It might be important, so she picked up.
Hello? Emma sat up straight.
Is this Emma? A frosty female voice. Daniel Carters wife?
Yes, speaking? Who is this? Emma tensed. No one ever rang her this early.
My names Victoria, the woman paused. And Im expecting a baby with your husband.
Emma gripped her phone tighter, blinking. Was this some mistake, a prank, somebodys twisted joke?
What did you say? Emma asked, nerves quivering.
I said Im pregnant with Daniels child, the voice repeated, irritation rising. You need to divorce him so he can marry me.
Emma turned thirty-five that day. Until five minutes ago, shed felt perfectly happy. Five minutes ago
She sat frozen, phone pressed to her ear, trying to process what shed heard. The world fell unnaturally still on what should have been a joyful morning.
Are you hearing me? Victoria snapped. For goodness saketalk to him and step aside! My children need a father!
Children? What children? Emma repeated mechanically, seizing on the plural.
Yes, children, Victorias snort was audible. Im having twins, can you believe it? I need a husband and a father, and hes still playing house with you!
Emma stayed silent, bereft of words.
If youve got any decency, youll sort this out, Victorias voice sharpened. Five months gone, Ill be giving birth soon!
The line disconnected abruptly. Emma lowered the phone, staring at the wall without seeing it. Four years of faith and hope had crumbled in a handful of minutes
Moments later, the front door crashed open and Daniel swept in, arms laden with a vast bouquet of white peonies, a string of colourful balloons, and a birthday cake. His face was radiant.
Happy birthday, my love! he grinned. Ive planned a full day for usyoull be over the moon!
Emma looked up at him, and Daniel stopped dead, the tension thickening the air, balloons nodding absurdly around his head.
Whats wrong? Daniel set the flowers on the table. Emma, youre frightening me. Are you feeling ill?
Victoria called, Emma replied quietly. Congratulationsyoure going to be the father of twins. Or had you heard?
Daniel went ashen. Emma watched, detached, as fear, confusion, and panic flickered across his face.
You shouldve told me sooner, she said, rising to her feet. I wouldnt have stood in the way of your happiness. Especially not with two children
Daniel dropped to his knees before her.
Emma, please! It was a mistakea foolish, one-off mistake!
Emma looked down at him, feeling nothing. No anger or heartbreak or urge to scream. Just an empty, icy void inside.
I dont love her, Daniel clung to her hands. It only happened once, I swear!
Once? Emma raised an eyebrow. And twins?
Shes got entirely the wrong idea! Daniel pleaded. I never promised her anything! Never!
Emma gently peeled his fingers from hers and stepped back. Daniel remained kneeling, pitiful and lost.
Thank you for the flowers, Emma nodded at the bouquet. But could you pack your things and go today?
Emma, Im begging you! Daniel lurched upright. Lets talkplease, lets work this out!
Emma walked to the bathroom door.
Theres nothing left to discuss. Youve got children coming, Daniel. Theyll need their father.
He still tried to explain, to beg forgiveness, but Emma waited patiently for him to finish. By evening, Daniel realised it was hopeless. He gathered his belongings and left.
…Soon after, Emma returned from her break. The office greeted her with wary glances, whispered conversations, and contrived politeness. Some looked at her with pity, others with thinly-disguised curiosity.
How are you? Maya from accounts sidled up in the café. Were all thinking of you.
Im fine, Emma shrugged. Working, getting divorced, carrying on.
Maya nodded and dropped the subjectsomething for which Emma was genuinely grateful. Gossip travelled faster than a wildfire, but Emma no longer cared.
From those same whispers, Emma learned Daniel never did marry Victoria. It turned out the other woman worked in their own company, just in a different department. Emma had never run into her, so hadnt recognised her voice.
Can you believe it? Shes from procurement, Maya shared. Met Daniel at last years Christmas do.
Emma couldnt help a wry smile. Her ex-husband seemed to have a tendency for office romances: his wife from work, his lover from workall conveniently close.
…Victoria gave birth four months later, and soon word spread about the twins. Emma saw Daniel now and again, dragging himself through the corridors, dark shadows under his eyes. Hed lost weight and looked like he hadnt slept for weeks.
Not long after the birth, Victoria demanded child support. That too made its way to Emma. Daniel was now paying a hefty chunk of his salary towards his two children. Maya said hed taken a second job and sold his car.
Dont you feel sorry for him? Jenny asked on the phone. It was four years you were together.
No, Emma replied honestly. Hes not my concern anymore.
Emma continued working. She met up with friends and made plans for her future. Occasionally, shed pass Daniel in the corridor. These days, they nodded politely; Emma felt only vague surprise that shed once loved this man.
Life continued, and Emma learned to see the world clearlyno more rose-tinted spectacles, no more illusions. In the end, she realised: happiness can mean letting go of what hurts you, and that self-worth is never determined by someone elses choices.
