This Isn’t Some Random Affair, Victoria. I’ve Been Living a Double Life for Seventeen Years,” Dominic Said, Nervously Twirling a Pencil on His Desk.

“This isnt some random fling, Victoria. Ive been living a double life for seventeen years,” Dominic said, nervously spinning a pen on his desk.

“If this is a joke, its a really bad one,” Victoria replied, completely thrown.

Lately, shed noticed something off about her husband. Dominic had always been busy with workendless business trips, late nights at the office, that constant edginess. But a daughter? Where had she come from?

“This is serious. This is my reality. Ours now, I suppose.” He stood and walked slowly to the window.

“What? Weve been together twenty-six years. Weve got two amazing grown-up sons studying abroad. We were always the perfect family. And now youre telling me you have a fifteen-year-old daughter? Is that what Im hearing?”

“Youve got it right, Victoria. But theres more.”

She froze, not knowing how to react.

“Shes moving in with us. Starting next week. And its not up for discussion. Theres no other way.”

“Youre not even asking meyoure just dropping this on me. So if I say no, I can just leave, is that it?”

“Dont be dramatic. I dont want a divorce. This is just how things have turned out,” Dominic said, exhausted.

“If youre done, Im going. I need to get back to worknot that my lunch break hasnt already been ruined,” Victoria said coldly.

“Go then,” Dominic muttered, still staring out the window.

She left the office, holding everything in, her head spinning.

“Victoria Bennett, are you alright? Do you need some water?” the secretary asked, concerned.

“No, thanks. Just call me a cabI cant drive,” she said flatly.

“Onell be at the main entrance in five minutes,” the young woman told her.

“Thanks,” Victoria said, stepping into the lift and finally letting the tears fall.

She dialled a number.

“Monica, Im not coming in today. Reschedule all my meetings. Just handle what you can.”

Twenty minutes later, she was at her mother-in-laws doorstep.

“Diana, did you know Dominic has a daughter with another woman?” she demanded.

The older woman sighed and nodded.

“Yes, I knew. I met the girl when she was eleven. Remember when I had that heart attack? Dominic panicked and thought I should know about my granddaughter.”

“Youre calling her your granddaughter already? Brilliant!” Victoria shot back sarcastically.

“And what would you suggest? Should I reject the child?” Diana replied calmly. “If Id known fifteen years ago, Id have done everything to stop it. But the girl exists. Shes Dominics blood.”

Victoria stared at her mother-in-law, heartbroken.

“Why didnt you tell me?”

“To spare you the pain youre feeling now,” Diana said softly.

Victoria burst into tears and hugged her.

“Itll be alright, love. Youre strong.”

“I dont owe anyone anything!” Victoria suddenly shouted. “He built another life, and now Im just supposed to forgive and accept it?”

“You need to talk to your husbandget the full story,” Diana advised.

“Right now, I cant even look at him.”

A week passed. They didnt speak. Then one day, Dominic brought the girl home.

“Come on in, sweetheartthis is your home now. And this is Victoria Bennett, your well, your other mum.”

Victoria clenched her fists but forced a smile.

“Nice to meet you.”

The girl looked at her with those blue eyesjust like Dominics.

“Nice to meet you too. I hope we can be friends.”

Lily was polite and bright. After a few weeks, Victoria got used to her. But with Dominic, she stayed cold.

A few days later, Victoria filed for divorce. Her mother-in-law backed her.

“Id have done the same,” Diana admitted.

Lily took it hard. Victoria decided to talk to her.

“Lily, love, lets chat.”

The girl sobbed.

“Mum, please dont go. I love you.”

Victoria pulled her into a tight hug.

“And I love you, sweetheart.”

The next morning, Victoria peeked into Lilys room.

“Up you get. Well have breakfast, then head out.”

“Where?”

“Its a surprise.”

Twenty minutes later, they were walking down the street.

“Where are we?”

Victoria stopped and smiled.

“At your mums. Were buying flowers to thank her for you.”

Lily hugged her tight.