Is that your sister in the photo?
No, thats my wife.
No way! Thats the wife of my nephew.
*
Mr Thomas, theres a lady here who absolutely insists on seeing you. Ive run out of ways to tell her youre snowed under, said his assistant, Rebecca, poking her head into the office.
Who is she? What does she want? Richard Thomas looked up from his paperwork with a warm grin, but his eyes soon drifted back to his documents.
If I had any idea! She just keeps repeating its urgent and personal.
Well, let her in, if its that crucial and private, Richard replied, ever the gentle soul who simply couldnt ignore someone in distress. Thats why people often turned up hoping for his help. Rebecca, who’d been by Richards side since the very beginningback when they worked endless hours building the company from scratchtried her best to shield her boss from being swamped by too many visitors. She would handle what she could herself, or diplomatically tell people theyd got the wrong place. Only she knew how hard Richard had worked to get his business off the ground. There were nights theyd both end up sleeping in the office. Rebecca would pop home, whip up a proper meal, and bring it back for her boss. Richard valued her support and kindness so deeply that he couldnt imagine coping without her. He sometimes wondered what hed do if Rebecca ever got married and went on maternity leavehed be completely lost. Hed never dream of sharing his trade secrets with anyone else. There were plenty of rivals circling as soon as his business started to take off. Typical, reallyeveryone ignores something until one person stops and takes a closer look, then suddenly a crowd gathers. Same with ideas: no one dares start, but the minute someone tries, others copy, and sometimes the copycats do even better! Thats why Richard always tried to handle key matters with just Rebecca on his sidehe trusted her with everything.
Rebecca quietly showed in the visitor and slipped out, closing the door behind her. Richard looked up, standing in surprise as he took in the womans black dress.
Mrs Williams? What brings you here? he asked.
She looked exhausted, her whole frame heavy with grief.
Theres no more Emily, she uttered in a flat voice, her gaze falling to the floor.
Richard loosened his tie and wiped the sweat from his brow. Suddenly, his whole life flashed before his eyes.
Emily was Richards first love. They met at uni, and right from the first day hed noticed the striking blonde in the front row. Shed glance at him too, now and then. When she failed her first set of exams, he offered to help, and she accepted. They started studying together, and Emily used to laugh that if Richard ever taught, everyone would pass with flying colourshe just explained things so clearly. Thanks to him, she passed!
They kept seeing each other, going to classes and out for coffee, and by the time they were finishing their degrees, nobody doubted theyd get married soon. Richards parents had even started quietly getting readyhis dad taking on extra shifts, his mum sewing for neighbours to save up for the wedding. Emilys mum was over the moon at the thought of finally being a grandma. But, though everyone assumed, neither Richard nor Emily had actually talked seriously about getting married. Richard still dreamt of launching his own businesssomething thatd help people and make good moneyever since he sat in the back row at school. By the end of uni, though, hed started thinking they ought to make things official. After all, it was daft sneaking round to visit her while Mrs Williams was at work. He spent ages planning how to propose. Finally, he took a bouquet of flowers and turned up at her door, unannounced. Emily didnt open straight away, and when she finally did, she only let him in after a long pause. But even before Richard could step over the threshold, a half-dressed young man came out of the bedroom, pulling on his jeans. He looked Richard up and down, while Emily stammered, guiltily:
I was going to tell you this is Jamie, my old schoolmate. Were getting married. I always loved him, even before we met you
Richard dropped the flowers on the side table and dashed down the stairs, taking them two at a time. Of course he was upsethed thought Emily was so pure and gentle, but well, he didnt let himself wallow for too long. Instead, he decided to focus on his goals, got a job at a company to learn the ropes, and started formulating his own business strategy. A few months later he bumped into Mrs Williams again, who told him Emily had married Jamie, was about to become a mum, and that she, as a mother, wasnt at all happy with her son-in-lawhed always been a troublemaker, and Emily had been infatuated with him since year seven. When Emily dated Richard, her mum was delighted, but the minute Jamie reappeared, Emily didnt think twiceshe was obsessed. Chased after him like a puppy. Richard couldnt really say anything to that, just wished Emilys mum well and hoped everything would turn out OK.
Now, all these years later, Mrs Williams had come to him in tears.
What happened? Richard asked, barely recognising his own voice.
He used to beat her, Mrs Williams said bitterly. But she put up with it, wouldnt listen to me. I pleaded and pleaded for her to come home, but she refused. I always feared it would end badly, but what could I do? Once I called the police; he got taken away, but she ran after him and lied that shed just fallen by accident. After that, she threatened to cut me off completely if I involved myself again. So I kept silent, terrified Id lose my own child altogether. And now now I really will never see my girl again.
Do you need help with the funeral? Richard choked out.
No, its all been and gone. Forty days now. Theyve put him behind bars, but it doesnt help hell be out soon enough, and Emilys lost for good
Richard poured her a glass of water and tried to offer a calming word.
Would you like Rebecca to get you something to settle your nerves? he asked.
She shook her head.
Ive really come to confess something, Richard. I shouldve done it ages ago, but Emily wouldnt let me. She had your baby. Thats why she suffered so much. He found out the truth, that day I shouldnt have listened to her and kept quiet all these years, but whats done is done.
Richards mind reeled. Could it be true? Did he really have a child hed never known about?
Yes, thats right, Mrs Williams continued, Emily finally broke down to her old friend, Annabel Fox. Theyd had a bit to drink and when Annabel asked why Emily stayed in that mess, she admitted itshe was raising another mans child. She was wracked with guilt. Next day, Annabel told Jamie. He went berserk when he found out
Richard was stunned. How could clever, lovely Emily have got herself so deeply entangled with someone so awful, and put up with it for so long?
But how do you know she had my child? he asked, barely able to speak.
Emily told me herself, straight after she found out. But she begged me not to tell you. She said shed met Jamie again and couldnt let him goand she rushed into bed with him so soon after us she convinced him the baby was his. He married her, never realising a thing. I cried for weeks, but I kept her secret. Maybe I shouldnt have, she said, wringing her hands.
Richard glanced out of his office and called Rebecca in to make some proper tea and bring some biscuits.
Why dont we both sit on the sofa, have a cuppa, and you can tell me everything in detail, he said. She nodded. Rebecca brought the tea and biscuits, and slipped out quietly.
All Richard could think about was what hed just learned. Hed thought he was long over Emily, but the news of her death reopened an old wound. But knowing his own child had grown up with such a manhe could barely process it.
After a few sips of tea, Mrs Williams continued.
Charlotte will turn ten next month. Shes got Emilys looks, but your eyes, Richard. Jamie always wondered whose eyes shed inherited, but quickly forgot about ithe never cared about Charlotte or Emily much, always out boozing or with other women. Emily did everything to keep the peace, but he trampled all over her. Charlotte spent most of her time with me. Shes a lovely girl, never complains, straight-As at school, plays pianoEmilys old one is still in my front room. But now shes withdrawn, its as if she fades a little every day. She misses her mother desperately and I cant reach her.
Richard reached across the coffee table.
Ill be honest: all this is a lot to take in. Im sorry for Emily, but she chose her own path. As for CharlotteI need proof that shes really my daughter. You must understand. I want to arrange a paternity test, and depending on the result if shes mine, I swear I wont turn my back on her. But this is all very difficult for me to get my head around. I hope you understand that.
Of course, Richardno hard feelings. Lifes complicated, she replied gently.
Good. Ill arrange the test and ring you with all the details. Heres my card; please write your number for me.
Mrs Williams jotted her phone number on a scrap of paper, glanced at a playful photo on Richards desk, and asked:
So is that your sister in the photo? I had no ideaEmily never said, but then she and Julia never really met, maybe once or twice at most.
No, thats my wife, Richard answered, caught off guard.
Your wife? No, surely not! Thats Juliashes my nephews wife, theyve been married eight years now.
Richard picked up the photo and handed it to Mrs Williams.
Look closelyI think youre mistaken.
Id know her anywherelook, theres the lilac bush under the kitchen window, and the red roof of their old place. Thats Julia, my niece-in-law.
Richard stared at the photo, completely baffled. Words failed him. Mrs Williams carried on.
I was there at their wedding, popped round plenty of times afterwards. Shes a wonderful woman, never left my nephew even after the accidenthes wheelchair-bound now.
That bad? Richard asked gently.
Yes, Julia was with him that day at the marketselling produce from their little farm. While he was gone, some brute started hassling Julia for a deal. She stood her ground. My nephew came back and she said, Show him whos boss! Well, the bloke did, all rightattacked poor David, who fell straight onto the metal countertop. Damaged his back. Julia and his mum did everything to keep the farm going, but moneys tight with the medical bills. Julia found a good job with a wealthy family. Said her brother helped her. Shes home less, but now brings groceries, buys clothes for her son, bought him a computer and a mobile.
Julia has a son?
YesWill, hes seven now.
Richard massaged his temples. So many surprises in one day!
Could I ask you something? he said quietly.
Of course, she nodded, sitting forward.
This conversation, about Juliaplease keep it between us. I need to figure things out before anyone else hears about it.
No problem, but they could be sisters, you know. Still, thats definitely Julia.
Mrs Williams left. Richard buzzed Rebecca again.
Rebecca, would you please order some snacks. Actually, get a nice bottle of brandy. When it arrives, lock the doorsdont let anyone disturb me.
Rebeccas eyes widened. Richard never, ever drank, especially with an important deal in the pipeline. But she didnt argue.
Soon enough, Rebecca wheeled in a trolley with everything hed ordered. Richard was so lost in thought that he barely noticed. She quietly collected the documents hed abandoned and slipped out.
That evening, after shed finished everything to keep the business running, Rebecca peeked into the office. Richard sat there, head bowed over an empty bottle, food untouched.
Are you all right, Richard? asked Rebecca, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. He only nodded faintly.
Maybe you should sleep it offshall I help you get home?
No need, this is my home, he whispered, curling up on the sofa.
Rebecca took out the inflatable pillow and the old office duvet, relics from those all-nighters, and made sure he was comfortable before leaving. On her way out, she checked there was plenty of bottled water in the fridgehed need it in the morning.
Rebecca got in early the next day, ducking into the chemist for some hangover tablets. Richard was standing by the window when she opened the door, and he startled.
How are you doing? she asked.
My head is absolutely splitting. What a mess
Rebecca mixed a fizzy painkiller in a glass and handed it to him, then started tidying the office.
Rebecca, Ive ruined everything. The paperworks not ready
No need to worry, Richard, she said gently, its all taken care of.
Rebecca, what would I do without you? You have no idea how grateful I am that youre part of my life.
She smiled sadly and got up to leave, but he caught her hand.
Please dont go. I feel worse than I ever have. I dont know how Ill get through this on my own.
You always manage, Richard. Remember when you had no way out, business-wise? You found a way every single time. Youll do it again, I promise.
Thats only because you were always there for me.
Richard found himself thinking of Rebeccanot just as his trusted assistant, but as the one truly constant person in his whole life. Far more than his wife Juliawho might not even be his wife, as things stood. He remembered when hed first met Julia. It was a chilly January evening. He was walking to his car, ready to set off, when out of nowhere a woman dashed across the road and slipped just in front of his bumper.
Are you all right? Richard called, running from the car.
I I think Ive twisted my ankle, she winced, struggling to stand.
Let me help you. Hop in, Ill take you to A&E, Richard offered.
She looked uncertain, but nodded.
At the hospital, Julia was told to rest completely for a few daysstrictly no walking.
Where shall I take you home to, then? Richard asked, but Julia hesitated.
I havent really got a home at the moment, she admitted, embarrassed. I was just on my way to view a flat to rent, but I missed the appointment Honestly, I dont know what to do.
Are you all right with a hotel for a few nights? Ill pay for ityou fell near my car, after all.
No, that’s too much! I couldn’t possibly Maybe you could help me find somewhere cheap?
I insist. Ill sort the food deliveries, too.
Julia looked close to tears and could only mumble, Thank you, really
Richard booked her a comfortable hotel room, paid for meals for the next three days, and visited her the next day with a basket of fruit and juice.
Im already feeling much better, Julia called with a smile. Sleeping in a bed like that is a lifelong dream! Thank you again.
Something about her really drew him in. He helped her find a pleasant flat, and thought thatd be the end of it. But, on a hunch as he passed her new home a week later, he knocked at the door.
Julia looked dreadfulred-eyed and distraught.
Whats happened? Richard asked, worried.
She broke down in tears, and he helped her onto the sofa with a glass of water.
I was running away from my husband the night I twisted my ankle. Hes a monster. Kept me locked up, wouldnt let me work, treated me like dirtbrought other women home, and punished me if I ever objected. One night he forgot to lock the door behind him; I bolted. Today he called and threatened to track me down if I didnt come back. I dont know what to do. I dont even have any familyI grew up in foster care. Im out of savings soon, cant really work, and theres no one to turn to.
Richard could hardly bear it.
Cant you just get a divorce?
He told me if I tried, Id regret it for the rest of my life.
Ill see what I can do, Richard promisedhe called his solicitor. The lawyer explained that, if there are no children, and you cant locate your spouse, theres a way to file for divorce listing the wrong address. If the partner doesnt respond, the divorce will still go through.
Richard passed the plan on to Julia. It worked, and bit by bit they started seeing more of each other. Sometimes shed cook for him, sometimes hed take her out. Before long, he realised he wanted her in his life and asked her to marry him. Julia was quietly delighted, but wanted no fussjust a quick ceremony at the registry.
Julia moved into his place, but they struggled to have children. She told Richard she was having treatments at a clinic and needed to go several times a month. It didnt even cross his mind to check what she was up to. Only now did he wonder why shed never let him drive her there
Richard shook off these memories and looked at Rebecca, always there for him, always reliable, far kinder and brighter than Julia had ever been
Rebecca, I cant cope alone. Theres too much.
He told Rebecca everything. She listened, barely containing her emotions, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
What a mess, eh? Do you know where to get a DNA test fast?
Ill find out, she promised.
Soon Rebecca had sorted everythingdifferent appointment times for him and Charlotte at the clinic, so there wouldnt be an awkward first meeting.
Ive sorted it for you and the girl at different timesthought itd be easier that way.
Rebecca, youre a marvel! Thank you.
Oh, do stop thanking me, Richard she blushed at his familiar way.
And call me Richard, please! Ive asked so many times
Youre my boss, she murmured.
I thought we were friends by now. Richard shrugged.
He told Julia hed be away on business for a few days and asked Rebecca to help tail her.
Julia would spot my car in a heartbeat, but if we use yours, she wont notice a thing.
Rebecca agreed.
Within an hour, they saw Julia leave in a taxidressed in unfamiliar, cheap clothes. She went to a supermarket, stocked up with groceries, then set off for a remote cottage. When they arrived, the lilac bush and red roof from the photo left no doubt theyd found the right place.
A small boy ran out and hugged Julia tight, then helped her drag the shopping bags inside.
Rebecca cast Richard a sympathetic look.
Are you terribly upset?
Whats odd, Rebecca, he answered, is that I dont even feel sad anymore. Justwhat a waste of time. But now its over. Im honestly free.
They drove back in silence.
Two days later, Julia returned to their house during working hours. As she headed to change clothes in their room, Richard appeared behind her.
Bit of a strange outfit for you, dear, he said calmly. Best not bother changingyoull need to wear those things from now on. In fact, you should leave, but first, tell me everything. The truth, mind. No more wild stories.
Julia slumped and quietly confessed the lot: When David, her disabled husband, had his accident, she was distraught but, feeling trapped, started looking for a way out after hearing from Mrs Williams about Richarda kind, generous man, the sort her aunt described as a real catch. She deliberately orchestrated their first meeting (not expecting to actually injure herself!), and played the part of damsel in distress. With Richards help, she managed her divorce by hiding her past and creating a new identity. Julia told her real husband shed found a job elsewhere, and only visited now and then when Richard was away.
Leave your new passport and all your cards. Goodbye. And I suggest you tell David the truth yourselfhis aunt will spill the beans soon enough.
Julia left without a word, and Richard sat there, feeling sick. He couldnt believe hed fallen for such a storynot only had he stolen another mans wife, but he hadnt seen through any of it.
A few days later, the DNA results arrivedRichard was Charlottes father. He was still stunned to realise he had a child, but resolved to do whatever he could to give his daughter happiness.
Rebecca, will you help me pick out some gifts for my daughter? he asked, suddenly aware that it wasnt just that he couldnt cope without herhe genuinely needed her for more than just help.
Of course, if you really need me.
I do, he smiled, pressing her shoulder.
After work, they shopped up a stormfour bags each.
Are you sure Charlotte will like all this? Richard asked as they loaded the car.
My niece is just about her age. Trust me, these are perfect.
Rebecca flushed a little, and Richard grinned. He liked hearing her use you rather than Mr Thomas.
Meeting Charlotte went much more smoothly than Richard expected. Mrs Williams had prepared her, and Charlotte greeted her new dad with shy arms, soon distracted by presents. Richard watched, heart full, as she excitedly unpacked her new toys, clothes, sweet treats.
I havent seen her smile in weeks. Thank you, Richard, for not turning your back on her.
I could never
I know, I knowIm just so happy for her. Will it be all right if she stays with me to start? Shell need time to get used to this.
Of course. I need a moment myself to take it all in. But Mrs Williams, could I ask one more favourif you find out what operation David needs, Ill pay for it.
Oh, bless youyou really are a good person! Ill find out. By the way, Julia left a note saying shes not coming back. Poor Will will be all right, hes attached to his granny and dad.
Life really is complicated
Richard annulled his marriage to Julia and let the authorities handle the false documents if they wished. He felt not a shred of regret. With his help, David had successful surgery and started recovering. Richard moved Charlotte and her gran into his housePlenty of room! Mrs Williams, Id feel better if you stayed close to Charlotte, and itll be more cheerful for everyone.
Too right! she cried, delighted.
Rebecca became a regular visitor, at first just as a supportive friend and invaluable assistant then as Richards soon-to-be fiancée. She and Charlotte got on brilliantly, and Charlotte grew happier by the day.
Daddy, if you marry Rebecca, can I call her Mum?
Id love that, and Im sure she would too.
Will you give me a baby brother or a sister? Ive always wanted one.
Well, now you mention itthat sounds like a plan!
For the first time in years, Richard felt truly happy and free. Rebecca, blossoming by his side, was the perfect May flower; Mrs Williams made friends with Richards parents, becoming a cherished part of this new, big, joyful family.
