It wasnt a fleeting escapade, Mrs. Hartley, Ive been living a double life for seventeen years, Damien said, nervously twirling a pencil over the desk.
If this is a joke, its a very poor one, replied Eleanor, bewildered.
For weeks she had felt something was amiss with her husband. Damien had always been consumed by his workconstant business trips, endless hours in the office, relentless stress. But a girl? Where had she come from?
Its serious. This is my reality. And now its also ours.
He rose and walked slowly toward the window.
What? Weve been together for twentysix years. We have two wonderful grown sons studying abroad. Weve always been the perfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Have I heard you correctly?
You have, Eleanor. And thats not all.
She froze, unsure how to react.
Shell be living with us from next week. Theres no discussion, no other options.
You dont even ask my opinionyou simply impose the situation. If I dont agree, I can leave, is that it?
Dont dramatise. I dont want a divorce. Things just turned out this way, Damien said, his voice weary.
If youve said everything, Im leaving. I must get back to work, even though my lunch break is clearly over, Eleanor replied coldly.
Leave, Damien said bluntly, never taking his eyes off the window.
She left the office, holding back her emotions. Her head spun.
Eleanor Hartley, are you all right? Would you like a glass of water? the secretary asked, concerned.
No, thank you. Call a cab, I cant drive, Eleanor snapped.
In five minutes a car will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman informed her.
Thank you, Eleanor said as she stepped into the lift, finally letting her tears flow.
She dialled a number.
Mabel, I wont be at the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what needs to be done.
Twenty minutes later she stood on the front step of her motherinlaws house.
Mabel, did you know Damien has a daughter with another woman? Eleanor asked sharply.
The older lady sighed and nodded.
Yes, I know. I met the child when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? Damien was terrified and I insisted I be told about my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Well done! Eleanor retorted sarcastically.
And what do you propose? To cast this child away? Mabel replied calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, I would have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Damiens blood runs in her veins.
Eleanor stared at her motherinlaw, hurt.
Why didnt you ever tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Mabel said gently.
Eleanor broke down, clutching Mabel to her chest.
Itll be all right, my dear. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Eleanor suddenly shouted. He built another life and now Im supposed to forgive and accept it?
You must speak to your husband and learn the whole truth, Mabel advised.
For now, I cant even look at him.
A week passed. They stopped talking. One afternoon Damien brought the young girl home.
Come in, love, this is where youll stay from now on. And this is Eleanor Hartley, your second mother.
Eleanor clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Delighted to meet you.
The girl met her with blue eyesa perfect replica of Damiens.
Me too. I hope well become friends.
Liliana was a polite, bright girl. Within weeks Eleanor grew accustomed to her, though she remained cold toward Damien.
A few days later Eleanor filed for divorce. Mabel stood by her.
I would have done the same, Mabel admitted.
Liliana suffered greatly. Eleanor decided to speak with her.
Liliana, please, lets talk.
The girl sobbed.
Mum, dont go. I love you.
Eleanor held her tightly.
And I love you too, my dear.
The next morning Eleanor entered Lilianas room.
Get up. Well have breakfast and then well go out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later they were walking down the street.
Where are we?
Eleanor stopped and smiled.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy flowers and thank her for you.
Liliana hugged her tightly, and for a moment the past seemed a little less heavy.
