Stepfather

**Stepfather**

Because youve got no business hanging around a young girl like that! snapped James.
Excuse me?
Youve completely messed with Emilys head! Think we dont notice shes not just your stepdaughter to you?

Peter lost his tempergrabbing James by the collar with one hand and raising the other to land a punch.

Pete! Emilys frightened voice stopped him. He let go.

Peter had married Louise when her daughter, Emily, was ten. The girl still remembered her real father, who had died two years earlier, and at first, she was wary of her mothers new husband. But Peter had won her over. She never called him Dad, but the way she said Pete sounded so affectionate that no one doubted their bond.

It was Emily who had saved their family six years later, whenafter too many drinks at an office partyPeter foolishly cheated with a colleague named Ingrid. He barely remembered it, but Louise found out. The row that followed was explosive. Peter begged for forgiveness, but Louise threatened divorce. They argued while Emily was at school, but the kind, sensitive girl still sensed something was wrong and grew deeply upset.

Im only forgiving you for Emilys sake, Louise hissed through gritted teeth. But never again.

Peter hated himself for it. He worked hard to make amends, spending more time with his family, and was relieved when Emilys smile finally returned.

But the years passed, and at eighteen, Emily brought home her boyfriend to meet them. James rubbed Peter the wrong way immediatelylanky, fidgety, and arrogant, with a constant smirk. Still, for Emilys sake, Peter kept his cool.

Em, are you sure hes right for you? Peter asked quietly after James left.

Why, Pete, dont you like him? Emily looked hurt. You just dont know him yet. James is lovely.

Peter sighed but forced a smile. Well see. You wouldnt make a bad choice.

James, however, clearly sensed Peters dislike. He kept his distance, staying polite, though it seemed forced. Then Peter had bigger problemsLouise accused him of cheating again with Ingrid.

What, did you like her so much the first time you couldnt resist? Louise raged. Then go to her! Why torture me?

Lou, what are you on about? Peter was baffled. Hed never even considered cheating again. Wheres this coming from?

People told me!

Peter didnt argue. He called Ingrid on speakerphone.

Pete, she said flatly when he asked about their relationship, are you drunk? I got married six months ago and Im expecting my husbands baby. Did you even notice when I treated everyone at work for it?

Sorry, Peter muttered. My mistake.

Louise looked chastened but huffed and stormed off. She didnt speak to him for days before things settled. Peter even had to invent a vague excuse for Emily, who, though wrapped up in James, had noticed the tension.

Then Peter was hit by a car. A bizarre accidentas if someone had shoved him into the road. The impact was minor, but he ended up with a sprained ankle and mild concussion.

Emily cared for him tirelessly, bringing meals to his armchair (despite his protests), playing board games, reading to him, just chatting.

Why bother with him? Peter once overheard James whisper harshly in the hallway. Hes a grown manlet him

James! Emily hissed back, furious. Petes like a father to me! I love him, and Ill take care of him, no matter what!

James scoffed but backed down. Peter smiledtheyd raised a good girl.

Months later, trouble struck again. A client named Leonard accused Peters team of shoddy work installing plaster ceilings and even claimed Peter had demanded a bribe.

Leonard swears one ceiling sags and the corners are uneven, Peters boss said. And he whispered that you extorted money for proper work.

Thats rubbish! Peter choked on his outrage. Leonard had been nitpicky but seemed satisfied at the time. Why the sudden complaint?

Fix it, his boss ordered. Or youre all sacked.

That evening, Peter vented at home.

Pete, dont worry! Emily said at once. Hes just confused. Want me to come with you?

No need, Louise sighed. Sort it yourself.

Leonard faltered when Peter arrived.

What do you want? he blustered. Well settle this in court! Hack workers! Ill have you fired!

Show me the problem, and Ill fix it, Peter said tightly.

No need! Leonard screeched. Experts will handle it! Not frauds like you!

Peter pushed past him. The ceilings were flawless.

And the bribe? Leonard tried weakly.

Peter stepped closer. Leonard shrank back, babbling about police.

Quiet, Peter said coldly. Who put you up to this?

Leonard cracked instantly. A young man named James had suggested complaining for compensationeven paying Leonard to target Peter specifically.

Hes done it before! Leonard babbled.

Peter showed a family photo. Him?

Yes! Leonard nodded eagerly. You know him?

Peter found James waiting outsideodd, since he usually came up for Emily.

Why? Peter demanded.

Because youve got no right hovering over her! James spat. Youve twisted her headshes not just your stepdaughter, is she?

Peter grabbed him.

Pete! Emilys cry stopped him.

The truth hurts! James sneered, scrambling back. I wanted you gone! I even told Louise you cheated again! Who knew shed check?

Did you shove me into traffic too?

No! James yelped. Dont pin that on me!

Peter scoffed. Not worth dirtying my hands.

When Emily learned the truth, she dumped James, despite his pleas. She focused on her studies, supported by her parents.

**Sometimes, loyalty isnt about bloodits about who stands by you when the world tries to tear you down.**