Victor drives his fiancée, Olivia, to his parents house for the first introduction. What if they dont like me? Olivia frets as they step onto the driveway. That wont happen. Youre my best, Victor assures, reaching for the front door. In the hallway, Victors mother, Evelyn Bennett, greets them. Mum, this is Olivia, Victor says. You wanted to introduce your bride, Evelyn remarks, eyeing Olivia. Well, here she is! Victor beams. Evelyn raises an eyebrow, Is that so? but the meeting has just begun, and Olivia knows she will remember this day forever.
Olivia fell for Victor the instant she saw him. Tall, lightbrown hair, clear blue eyes, and a calm, thoughtful manner win her over. Despite a tenyear age gap, Victors prior marriage and a teenage daughter, Lily, do not deter Olivia; she gladly agrees to become his wife.
When they arrive, Evelyn watches Olivia with a dissatisfied grunt and asks Victor, You said youd bring your bride. Victor replies cheerfully, Shes right here! Meet Olivia. Evelyn sighs, Fine, and retreats to the sitting room, muttering, I thought youd hired a housekeeper. Olivia, puzzled, looks to Victor. Dont mind her, Victor says, She just doesnt get jokes.
All evening Evelyn pretends not to notice Olivia, chatting with her son about his exwife, Margaret. Maggie used to call you every day, asking after your health. Shed drop by with a homemade cakebest Ive ever tasted, she gushes, then shoots Olivia a condescending glance. Maggie was always a wonderful cook. Victor wraps an arm around Olivia, Olivias a great host too. Evelyns tone drips with disdain, Where will you live? Ive turned your guest room into my wardrobe, so
Victor quickly reassures, Dont worry, Mum, Olivia has her own flat. As they leave, Olivia whispers, I think you didnt win over my parents. Victor laughs, Youre overthinking. Rachelmy friends daughteris just a family acquaintance. My dad and Leon have been business partners for years. Rachel and I were set up as kids; we married young and, when Lily was born, I realised Rachel wasnt right for me. She cares only about shopping and parties. I hoped wed part amicably and shed gladly give me Lily, but she held on. We fought, and Lily stayed with her.
Evelyn questions, Why are you so soft on her? Victor answers, She was a convenient match. Our families are tightknit in business. Youll get used to her, Mum, and see Im the best partner for Olivia. Over time Evelyns sarcasm turns into open criticism. She tells Olivia, You look dreadful next to my son. Fix your hair, wear proper makeup, dress betterhow are you spending his salary? Victor snaps, Mum, if I hear you insult my wife again Ill cut ties with you. Stop it now, or Ill speak to Dad. Olivia is the most wonderful woman and I love her. From then on Evelyn tones down the attacks, but she continues to glorify Margaret, who suddenly starts calling Victor daily. Victor, youve stopped talking to Lily! Shall we all get together this weekend? Victor snaps, You wont let me see my child! Maggie retorts, Im her mother! How can I let her go? Victor replies, Shell stay with her father. Maggie snarls, Youve got a new girlfriend! Victor counters, Olivia is kind, caring, and will look after Lily far better than you.
Olivia, encouraged, meets Lily at the doorstep: a little girl with bright orange curls and eyes the colour of her dads. Lily clings to Victor, eyes wary of Olivia. Lets have tea, Olivia suggests, instantly falling in love with both the child and the man. Lily, shy at first, gradually opens up, playing and laughing like any other child. Maggie increasingly brings Lily to Victors house under the excuse that shes bored. Olivia and Victor enjoy the chaos, returning Lilys affection in kind.
One afternoon, while Victor is at work, Lily confides, Mum never talks to me. Olivia asks, What do you mean? Lily explains, When I go to her, she sends me to my room and tells me not to bother her. She never plays or goes anywhere with me. Can I live with you? Tears well in Lilys eyes. Olivia, voice trembling, replies, Id love that, Lily, but your mum probably wont agree. Lily protests, Why? Im useless to her anyway! Olivia comforts, Your mum loves you, shes just busy. Lily retorts, She doesnt work! Shes always out with friends or shopping and never takes me. Olivia promises, Ill speak to your dad; hell sort something out. Victor, hearing this, sighs, Rachael is stubborn. She says she doesnt need a daughter, but she wants to prove she can live without me. Well find a solution.
Days pass, Victor still cant convince Maggie to hand over Lily, even though Maggie keeps sending her to Victors home. When Olivia discovers shes pregnant, the couples joy knows no boundsuntil Maggie storms in with Lily, shouting, You betrayed your daughter by trying for another child! She exits the flat in fury. Lily, wailing, throws Olivias hand and cries, Youre not my mother any more! Youll have your own baby! Olivia and Victor try to soothe her, promising shell always be their beloved child. Lily calms but remains distant.
Soon a baby boy, Danny, is born. Maggie suddenly announces a holiday, leaving Lily with Victor. Youre doing this on purpose! You know Olivias busy with the baby, Im at work! Who will look after Lily? Maggie shrugs on the phone, I thought youd take her with you, why else have a child? Victor hears a long, irritated sigh. Olivia pats his shoulder, Its actually good Lily will be with us; itll help me. Unexpectedly, Lily begins caring for Dannychanging his nappies, rocking him, and later sitting with Olivia for tea, chatting like friends. When Maggie returns, Olivia says goodbye to Lily with tears.
Christmas approaches. Evelyn invites Victors family to celebrate at her home. Olivia feels something is off, but Victor assures her it will be fine. I think Mum wont spoil the holiday. My dad will keep things in order, and youll finally get a break from the housework. Grandparents will help. Victors father, a stern yet fair man with a thick grey beard that hints at a hidden sense of humour, is welcomed. Evelyn, determined to embarrass Olivia again, invites Maggie. Dressed in a flawless designer dress, flawless hair and makeup, Maggie draws Evelyns admiration. The elderly grandmother barely notices Lily. Victor, his father, and Lily aid Olivia, allowing her a moment of peace as Danny sleeps.
Later, Victor and his father slip into the study for a mens chat. Evelyn, feeling triumphant, gushes about Maggie, recalling childhood memories of her and Victors father. She laughs loudly about how Victor left such a wonderful girl like Maggie. Danny starts crying, prompting Evelyn to snap, Olivia, whats wrong with you? Why cant you keep your baby calm? Maggie never had this problem! Olivia, tears streaming, rushes to Dannys room, hearing Evelyns angry outburst. Lily, overhearing, shouts, Youre terrible, Grandma! The room falls silent. Evelyn, stunned, asks, What did you? Lily retorts, Youre awful! All you do is gossip and shop! You cant even look after me! She bursts into tears and bolts from the room, pushing surprised men aside.
Olivia dresses Danny, who is now sleeping peacefully. She refuses to stay any longer in the house. Suddenly, little hands grasp hers. Olivia, can I go with you? Lily pleads. Lily, who will let us? Victors father, standing in the doorway, says, Lily, dear, you can go with Olivia if shes okay with it. Thank you, Dad! Victor enters, smiling, and pushes a sled down the snowcovered lane, his favourite girls laughing behind him.
