**Diary Entry October 12th**
Bloody hell, what a mess today turned out to be.
Whats your problem, then? Val shot back, his voice sharp as a knife.
Excuse me?
Youve got Emily wrapped around your finger, havent you? Dont think I havent noticedshes not just some stepdaughter to you, is she?
Peter lost it. He grabbed the lad by the collar with one hand and raised the other, ready to knock some sense into him.
Pete! Emilys frightened voice cut through the air. He let go.
Peter had married Sarah when her daughter, Emily, was ten. The girl still remembered her real father, whod died two years before, and at first, shed been wary of this new man in her mothers life. But Peter managed to win her over. She never called him DadPete was as close as it gotbut the way she said it, so warm and familiar, left no doubt they were family.
Honestly, it was Emily who kept them together six years later when Peter, drunk on success (and too much ale) at the office Christmas do, made a stupid mistake with a colleague, Claire. He barely remembered it afterward, but someone made sure Sarah found out.
The row that followed couldve shattered windows. Sarah threatened divorce, and Peter begged forgiveness. In the end, she relentedbut only for Emilys sake. One more slip, and youre out, she hissed.
Peter hated himself for it. He spent every spare moment making it up to them, and slowly, Emilys smile returned.
Then she turned eighteen and brought home a boyfriend.
Val? Peter took one look at the skinny, smirking git and knew he was trouble. But Emily gazed at him like he hung the moon, so Peter bit his tongue.
Em, love you sure about this one? he asked quietly after Val left.
Dont you like him, Pete? Her face fell. You just dont know him yet. Hes lovely, really.
Peter sighed but forced a smile. Well see. Youve got a good head on your shoulders.
Val, though, clearly sensed Peters dislike. He kept his distance, overly polite but tense. Then Sarah accused Peter of cheating*again* with Claire.
Fancy her that much, do you? Sarah spat. Go on, then! Why bother with me?
What? Are you mad? Peter gaped. Hed never dreamt of straying again. Who told you this?
People talk!
Too tired for another row, Peter rang Claire on speakerphone.
Pete, she laughed when he asked about them, are you pissed? Ive been married six monthsexpecting, too. You missed the drinks at work, didnt you?
Peter glared at Sarah, who huffed and stormed off. Two days of silence followed before things settled. He made up some half-baked excuse for Emily, though she was too wrapped up in her own drama to press.
Then Peter got hit by a car. Stupid thingone minute he was on the pavement, the next, shoved into the road. A car clipped his legs. Not seriousjust a sprain and a knock to the headbut moving hurt. Emily fussed over him like a nurse, bringing meals to his armchair, playing cards, chatting nonsense to keep his spirits up.
Why bother with him? Peter overheard Val whisper in the hall one day. Hes a grown manlet him sort himself.
Val! Emily hissed. Petes family! I love him, and Ill *always* look after him!
Peter smiled. Theyd raised her right.
Then work went sideways. A client, Mr. Thompson, accused Peters team of shoddy work on his ceilingclaimed theyd demanded extra cash to do it properly. Peter was livid. The job had been flawless.
Next day, Peter confronted Thompson, who shrieked about lawsuits until Peter barged in. The ceiling was perfect.
And the money! You *extorted* me! Thompson blustered, backing away as Peter stepped closer.
Who put you up to this? Peter growled.
The man cracked. Some bloke named Val had suggested iteven paid him to complain. Said hed done it before.
Peter showed a family photo. Him?
Thompson nodded. You know him?
Outside, Val waited for Emily. Peter cornered him.
*Why?*
Because youre too close to her! Val snapped. Think I dont see it? Shes not just your stepkid!
Peter grabbed him, fist raiseduntil Emilys cry stopped him.
Truth hurts, doesnt it? Val sneered, dodging back. I wanted you gone! I even told Sarah about Claire! Didnt expect *that* to backfire!
Did you shove me into traffic?
No! Dont pin that on me!
Peter scoffed. Not worth the effort.
Emily dumped Val after learning the truth. Now shes focusing on uniwith her parents full support.
**Lesson learned:** Familys worth fighting for. Even when you mess up, lovereal lovefinds a way.
