“Nadine, I’m Home—Surprise! Wait, Leon? Why Are You Back Three Days Early? A Husband Returns Unexpec…

Sophie, Im home, love! Come and greet me!

R-Robert?! What are you doing back so early? You werent supposed to return for another three days

A woman in her early thirties appeared hastily in the hallway, quickly pulling a silk robe around herself, casting a bewildered glance at the man stood at the door.

Wanted to surprise you, Soph. Seems Ive managed, eh? Or are you not pleased to see me? Robert, tall and broad-shouldered, beamed with open delight, clearly proud of his little scheme.

Of course Im happy! Come straight to the kitchen, Ill warm up your dinner.

Basking in her welcome, Robert nodded and made his way to the kitchen. There, a feast awaited him: strawberries, chocolate, dinner fresh from the oven It was as if it had all been prepared especially for him.

Well, Sophie, youve really outdone yourself! How on earth did you know Id be home? You must be psychic! he laughed.

He piled his plate high, settling in to devour the meal. Still, his wife didnt join him, but he thought nothing of it probably changing into something nice for her returning husband, making an effort

Robert, I We

Your roast is simply delicious, Soph! And these pancakes absolutely divine Wait, Matthew?

Turning, Robert saw Sophie standing in the doorway, her hand tucked under the arm of his own brother, Matthew. She looked shamefully at the floor, while Matthew, in t-shirt and shorts, rubbed at his nose, as if only just woken.

Yes, Rob. Its me. Hello, brother

Afternoon. Right, now perhaps youd both be so good as to tell me whats going on here? Though I expect its just as well

Rob, I Ive wanted to tell you for a long time. I love your brother, Matthew, and I want to be with him. Im sorry. Sophie blurted out in a rush, glancing up at her clearly soon-to-be former husband through her lashes.

Roberts plate slipped from his hands, the remains of his dinner crashing and skittering across the floor with a ringing clang.

And, am I to assume youve only just

Yes. We were together just now. Its true.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, Sophie! And you, Matt well done, truly! My dear sweethearts! Now, its all clear thats why dinner was so spectacular And most importantly, for whom!

Sophie could not bring herself to look at her husband. She was certain that the moment she did, whatever courage shed mustered would wither away.

And what about Emily? What about our daughter? Does she know any of this?

No, she she doesnt know.

And where is she now?

Next door, watching telly with Mrs. Turner.

And is shuffling her off to the neighbours a regular thing now?

Its been about six months

Robert had no more questions in him, nor energy for outrage. He was bone-tired from the journey and saw no sense in causing a scene. Hed always been a calm, even-tempered man, not one for holding grudges.

But, as they say, push a man far enough Even then, it was the exception rather than the rule.

The whole sorry situation with his brother and wife left Robert truly speechless for a moment.

I want you out of here in ten minutes. Times started. he said, taking a sip of tea. He didnt even glance at Matthew.

And whats she see in Matt, I wonder? Looks just like me, same birthmark even, but cant hold a job, not the brightest bulb… Shell only lose out by choosing him. But, alas, thats her choice. Robert mulled over his tea.

Im not going anywhere til we have your agreement, Matthew suddenly stood up.

What sort of agreement, Matt?

For the divorce Let Sophie go, Rob, she doesnt love you!

Oh I can see all too well whom my wife loves Robert managed a smile. A divorce? Fine, youll get your divorce. But through the courts! Lets see how you two like spending your savings on solicitors.

Robert Sophie laid her hand gently on his wrist. Please, cant we part on good terms? I know youre better than this youre kind.

Robert shook his head.

All right, if it must be so. But youre no brother of mine anymore, Matthew Jameson!

Theres one more thing we wanted to request.

Oh? And whats that?

Leave me the flat after the divorce, Rob, please! Sophies smile tried to be dazzling as she stroked his wrist soothingly.

Emilys so attached to this place, all her friends are at the local school If we have to split the flat, we couldnt afford another in Londonwould have to move back to my mums in the country

Resting his chin on his hands, Robert fell silent. Noticing his reluctance, Sophie pressed on, her tone syrupy:

Rob, darling Give your daughter a gift, wont you? Youre the clever one youll earn plenty more with that job of yours! Please after all, shes your only daughter. I only want whats best for her

Enough, Sophie, Robert cut her off sharply. Ive got a better idea.

Whats that? Sophies eyes lit up hopefully. Are you going to let us keep the car, too? Emily would be over the moon

Emily will be living with me.

What?! Sophie couldnt believe what shed heard. Lost your mind? You never knew how to handle children! Always off on business trips She barely even remembers your name!

Then lets see about that, shall we? said Robert, heading for the door.

A few minutes later, Robert returned, holding his daughters hand. Ten-year-old Emily, having just finished Year Four, gripped her fathers hand tightly and wore a bright smile.

And whats the point, bringing her in here? You want her part of the drama too? Sophie snapped bitterly.

Robert said nothing. He sat down at the kitchen table, lifted Emily onto his lap, and began gently:

Emily, sweetheart, may I ask you a few questions?

Of course! said the girl, beaming at her fathers rare, total attention.

Promise to answer honestly. Because Im going to speak with you now just as I would with a grown-up.

Like when you talk to the blokes at your office?

Just like that.

She nodded eagerly, mouth parted in anticipation.

Has mummy ever hurt you? Did she smack you this past week?

Emilys smile faded and she looked away. Fiddling unconsciously at her dress hem, her cheeks coloured with shame.

How dare you! Sophie shrieked. Leave her out of this! Youre unwell!

Quiet, Sophie. Im speaking to my daughter, Robert cut in, stroking Emilys hair. Dont be afraid, love. Remember, you promised to be honest?

She nodded, tears springing to her eyes. Throwing her arms round his neck, she whispered fiercely into his chest,

Yes, she smacked me three times once for a bad mark at school, once for spilling milk, and yesterday when I yelled at Uncle Matthew. She kissed him when you were away

There there, darling, dont cry he soothed, hugging her close. Im here. Mum wont hurt you again.

Shes lying! Sophie protested hotly. I never laid a finger on her!

So you want the flat and the car for the sake of our daughter, do you? Robert asked with a sly smile. Emily, will you answer just one more question for Dad?

All right

If you could choose, who would you rather live with me or your mum?

The girl fell silent. Her eyes darted between both parents. Sophie reached out, desperate, arms extended to lure her over.

But you promise not to go away for long anymore?

I promise, Robert replied instantly.

Then I want to live with you, Daddy.

Why, you little! Sophie burst out, hand raised to strike, but Robert swiftly gathered Emily in his arms, shielding her. Matthew, standing behind, didnt so much as step forward.

There we have it, Sophie. You wont see her again, Robert said calmly, carrying Emily out and into her bedroom.

Within minutes, he had helped her pack her things. Thankfully, his travel bag from work was still by the door. Robert and his daughter left for a hotel on the other side of town, one he often stayed at on business.

A few months later, the court hearing took place. Given Sophie and her new partners lack of regular employment, permanent residence, or ability to provide properly for Emily, the judge granted Robert full custody.

All the more so as Emily herself wanted to live with her father, and only with him.

Robert divided the property, just as hed said, and sold his share of the flat. Emily was allowed to see her mother on weekends, but she now lived with her father in their new place.

Robert reorganised his entire work schedule, business trips scrapped, to put Emily first. She began to smile more often and that, more than anything, was worth more to him than all the pounds hed ever earnAs the seasons changed and Londons chill gave way to softer greens, Robert and Emily settled into their new rhythm. Mornings were spent over mismatched mugs of cocoa and laughter, evenings with board games and whispered stories beneath a patchwork of blankets. For the first time, their little family of two felt whole.

On Emilys eleventh birthday, Robert picked her up from school in the rainno hurried suitcases or missed recitals, just her father waiting with a bright yellow umbrella and her favorite jam tarts. She threw her arms around him and, for a moment, the years of confusion and loneliness melted away.

At home, after the candles were blown out, Emily looked up at her father with shining eyes. Daddy, are you happy?

Robert nodded, brushing her hair back. Happier than Ive been in a long, long time, kiddo. Were okay, arent we?

She smiled, the kind that erased all doubt. Were more than okay.

Across the city, Sophie watched from a distanceher own world quieter than she imagined, echoing with the laughter of a daughter she saw only on weekends. She sometimes wondered at her choices, memories tinged with regret, but life moved forward, and so did she.

As night fell, Robert tucked Emily in, promising to leave the bedroom door open, just in case. Before he turned off the light, Emily whispered, Promise youll always come home?

He squeezed her hand, voice steady with certainty neither of them had known before. Always.

And in that small room, filled with the quiet certainty of new beginnings, father and daughter finally found the family theyd lostand the future waiting, unbroken, just ahead.