This isnt just a passing fling, Victoria. Ive been leading a double life for seventeen years, announced Damian, anxiously spinning a pencil between his fingers at his desk.
Victoria stared at him as if hed started speaking in riddles. If this is some sort of joke, its in remarkably poor taste, she managed, bewildered.
Something had been off for weeks, she couldnt deny it. Damian always claimed work was the culpritbusiness trips left, right, and centre, late nights at the office, stress eating away at his hairline. But a girl? Where had she appeared from?
Im not joking. This is serious. My realityand now, I suppose, yours as well.
He stood and gazed forlornly out the window.
Sorry, what? Weve been together for twenty-six years, Damian. Our two grown sons are at university abroad. Weve been the model family. Now, are you telling me youve got a fifteen-year-old daughter as well? Did I hear that correctly?
You heard, Damian murmured. But thats not all.
Victoria frozeutterly blindsided.
Shes coming to live with us. Next week. Thats just how it istheres no room for debate.
So youre not even going to ask me? Youre simply presenting me with a fait accompli. What am I meant to dopack a suitcase and leave if I dont like it?
Oh, dont be dramatic, Victoria. I want to stay married. Its all come out this way, thats it, Damian mumbled, looking like someone in desperate need of sleep.
Well, if thats all, Ill be off. My lunch break sailed by a hundred years ago, anyway, Victoria replied bleakly.
Without turning from the glass, Damian replied, Go, then.
Victoria left the room, determined not to let anyone see how unglued she felt.
Mrs. Lawson, are you alright? Would you like some water? asked the receptionist, eyeing her worriedly.
No, thank you. Please call me a cabI cant trust myself to drive right now, Victoria said crisply.
In five minutes, one will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman assured her.
Thank you, Victoria murmured, stepping into the lift, letting the tears fall as soon as the doors slid closed.
She whipped out her mobile.
Monica, I wont make it to the office today. Postpone everything, will you? Do whatever you must.
Twenty minutes later, she was standing on her mother-in-laws doorstep.
Diane, did you know Damian has a daughter with another woman? she asked, voice chilly as January.
Diane heaved a sigh and nodded. Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? Damian was so rattled, he thought I ought to know about my granddaughter.
Granddaughter already, is it? Well done, you! snapped Victoria, full of venom.
And what do you want me to do, Victoria? Pretend the child doesnt exist? Diane replied, calm as a librarian. Had I known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But she exists. Damians blood runs in her veins.
Victoria searched Dianes face, barely holding herself together.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre now feeling, Diane said softly.
Victoria broke down and clung to her mother-in-law, sobbing.
Youll be alright, love. Youre made of sterner stuff than most.
I dont owe forgiveness to anyone! Victoria blurted suddenly. He built this other life and now expects me simply to pardon him and carry on?
You need to talk to Damian and get the whole story, Diane advised.
For now, I cant even look at him.
A week crawled by. They spoke not a word to each other. And then one day, Damian ushered the girl into their home.
In you come, darling. This is where youll be living from now on. And heres Victoria Lawsonyour well, your other mum.
Victoria balled her fists, forced a smile.
Lovely to meet you.
The girls blue eyesevery inch Damiansstared back at her.
I hope we can be friends, she said shyly.
Lydia was polite, bright, and even charming. In a few weeks time, Victoria found herself warming to her. Damian, however, was still greeted with frosty indifference.
A few days later, Victoria filed for divorce. Diane backed her without hesitation.
Id have done the very same in your shoes, Diane admitted.
Lydia was heartbroken. Victoria thought it only right to clear the air.
Lydia, darling, may we have a word?
The girl started to sob.
Mum, please dont go. I love you.
Victoria pulled her into a tight hug.
And I love you, too, sweetheart.
The following morning, Victoria strolled into Lydias room.
Up you get! Were having breakfast and heading out.
Where to?
Its a surprise.
Twenty minutes later, they were ambling down the street.
Where are we going? Lydia asked.
Victoria stopped, smiling, Were going to see your mum. Well buy her some flowers and thank herfor giving me you.
Lydia flung her arms around her, clinging as if shed never let go.
This Isn’t Just a Fling, Victoria: For Seventeen Years I’ve Led a Double Life, Damien Admitted, Nerv…
