Its not a fleeting fling, Victoria. Ive been leading a double life for seventeen years, Damien said, nervously twirling a pen on his desk.
If this is a joke, its in terrible taste, Victoria replied, bewildered.
For weeks shed felt something was off about her husband. Damien had always been absorbed by his jobconstant business trips, long hours, endless stress. But a daughter? Where did that come from?
Its serious. Its my reality now, and frankly, its ours too.
He stood and walked slowly toward the window.
What? Weve been together for twentysix years. We have two wonderful adult sons studying abroad. Weve always been the perfect family. And now you tell me you have a fifteenyearold daughter? Did I hear you right?
You heard me, Victoria. And theres more.
She froze, unsure how to respond.
Shell be living with us starting next week. Theres no room for discussion. No alternatives.
Youre not even asking my opinionyoure just imposing this on me. If I dont agree, I can leave, right?
Dont dramatize. Im not looking for a divorce. Things just happened that way, Damien said, his voice weary.
If youre done saying it, Im leaving. I have to get back to work, even though my lunch break is obviously over, Victoria answered coldly.
Leave, Damien said briefly, without taking his eyes off the window.
She walked out of the office, holding back her feelings. Her head spun.
Victoria Laurent, are you alright? Would you like some water? the secretary asked, concerned.
No, thank you. Call a taxi for me; I cant drive, Victoria replied sharply.
In five minutes a car will be waiting at the main entrance, the young woman informed her.
Thanks, Victoria said as she entered the elevator, finally letting her tears fall.
She dialed a number.
Monique, I wont be coming into the office today. Cancel all my appointments. Do what needs to be done.
Twenty minutes later she stood in front of her motherinlaws house.
Diane, did you know Damien has a daughter with another woman? she asked, her tone harsh.
The older woman sighed and nodded.
Yes, I know. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember my heart attack? Damien was terrified and decided I should know, for the sake of my granddaughter.
You already call her your granddaughter? Bravo, Victoria replied sarcastically.
What do you suggest? Throw the child away? her motherinlaw answered calmly. If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But this girl exists. Damiens blood runs in her veins.
Victoria looked at her motherinlaw with pain.
Why didnt you tell me?
To spare you the pain youre feeling now, Diane said softly.
Victoria broke into sobs and pulled her into an embrace.
Itll be okay, my dear. Youre strong.
I owe nothing to anyone! Victoria 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 whole story, her motherinlaw advised.
For now, I cant even look at him.
A week went by. They stopped speaking. One day Damien brought the young girl home.
Come in, sweetheart, this is where youll live now. And this is Victoria Laurent, your second mother.
Victoria clenched her fists but forced a smile.
Nice to meet you.
The girl looked at her with blue eyesa perfect copy of Damiens.
Me too. I hope we become friends.
Liliane was a polite, bright teenager. Within a few weeks Victoria got used to her, but she remained cold toward Damien.
A few days later Victoria filed for divorce. Her motherinlaw backed her.
I would have done the same, Diane admitted.
Liliane suffered greatly. Victoria decided to talk to her.
Liliane, please, lets talk.
The girl began to sob.
Mom, dont go. I love you.
Victoria held her tightly.
And I love you, sweetheart.
The next morning Victoria entered Lilianes 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?
Victoria stopped and smiled.
Were going to see your mother. Well buy flowers and thank her for you.
Liliane hugged her tightly.
This Isn’t Just a Fleeting Adventure, Victoria: I’ve Been Living a Double Life for Seventeen Years, Damien Confessed as He Nervously Twirled a Pencil on His Desk.
