Victor is happily married to his wife Veronica for 8 years. They have a son Evan and a daughter Ellen. Evan had just started primary school while Ellen was in her graduating year in kindergarten.
One day, Victor received a message from someone he least expected, his ex-wife Mabel, whom he had been divorced from 10 years ago. She claimed that his friend, Dan, whom she was acquainted with, had given her his contact details, and asked about his current situation. This puzzled Victor, as it was the first time after their divorce that Mabel had contacted him, and that she had initiated the divorce back then, saying that she had found someone better than him. He told her about his current status as a family man and asked her not to contact him again unless due to an emergency, as he did not want Veronica to have misunderstandings. He wished her luck before ending the chat.
A few days later, Mabel messaged Victor again. She told him that she found out about her pregnancy shortly after their divorce, and that it was his flesh and blood. The news came too sudden for Victor, as Mabel had never mentioned about being pregnant until now. Mabel further claimed that she did not have the courage to tell him about her pregnancy, as she had initiated the divorce back then. She apologized profusely, saying that she did not want to inconvenience him. She then introduced the aforementioned child as Abigail, 9 years of age. While Victor questioned his paternity, Mabel suggested for him to do a DNA test to clear his doubt. She then claimed to have been suffering from a terminal illness, and that she did not have much time to live. "I have initially wanted to send Abigail to an orphanage, butmy mind is overwhelmed with memories of you. If possible, can you take her in?" Mabel pleaded. Victor's mind was in a whirl. He told her that he needed to discuss the matter with Veronica, and that he would get back to her.
Victor told Veronica about Mabel's recent messages about her supposed predicament and the sudden discovery about Abigail's existence. Veronica was initially shocked, but since everything happened before they met each other, she quickly accepted the news and requested to meet Abigail. Victor got back to Mabel, and they arranged for Abigail to meet.
A day after Victor and Veronica's 4th meeting with Abigail, Mabel messaged him again to discuss about Abigail's future. Victor asked to meet up to discuss, and Veronica would also be present. They arranged to meet at the cafe where they met Abigail. When they met, Veronica told Mabel that both she and Victor liked Abigail. "That's good to hear," Mabel said happily. "Abigail can finally have someone to take care of her, and I will finally die without regrets..." Before she could finish, Victor interrupted her, saying that she would be able to live a longer life. Mabel continued to claim that her health was worsening, and that she would be hospitalized the following month, so she expressed her hope for Victor and Veronica to take Abigail in quickly. "No need," Victor said abruptly. "We won't be taking Abigail in. She's not my biological daughter." He then revealed what he and Veronica had found out.
It turned out that Victor had brought Abigail to do a DNA test during their first meeting. During that time, Mabel claimed to have some emergency matters to attend to and asked Victor and Veronica to wait for her at the cafe. When she left, Victor collected Abigail's hair andsaliva samples with her permission. "Victor Yau, how dare you do this behind my back?" Mabel said angrily. "You suddenly contacted me after our divorce of 10 years, telling me that you gave birth to my child. If I don't do that, Veronica would not have agreed to take Abigail in. Not only does this concern my future, but it also concerns Abigail's future. Furthermore, it was you who suggested doing a DNA test," Victor retorted. "But...I didn't expect you to do the DNA test," Mabel argued. "Looks like you come prepared," Victor snorted with laughter. "Anyway, what do you want from me?"
"If you already know Abigail is not your biological daughter after doing the DNA test, why did you and Veronica ask to meet her again?" quizzed Mabel. Victor said that he needed time to find out what she was up to, and to help Abigail. It turned out that when he and Veronica first met Abigail, they already suspected something was amiss, as they felt that she was briefed on what to say. They also noted that when Mabel was present, Abigail was nervous and kept looking in her direction. They felt strongly that she would not be able to tell them the truth with Mabel around, so Veronica suggested having dinner at their place. "Which means you have no intention of taking Abigail in from the start?" Mabel asked. "No, Mabel, you're wrong," Veronica said. "Both Victor and I are serious about taking her in. But before that, Victor has the right to establish his paternity."
"Besides, I'm no longer the same Victor Yau whom you can wrap around your little finger," Victor added coldly. "If that's the case, you might as well tell me from the start that you have no intention of taking Abigail in. Don'tyou know how much she has been looking forward to it? She has been looking forward to you taking her in, and she mistakenly thought her father is a kind man," Mabel said exasperatedly. However, Veronica interrupted her. "That's where you're wrong, Mabel," she said. "Abigail has been looking forward to escape from your wrath." "What?" Mabel exclaimed in shock.
"You had Abigail with your affair partner,didn't you?" Victor challenged her. "When we divorced, you claimed you found someone better than me. You also claimed nothing happened between you and your affair partner when both of you had Abigail. But unfortunately for you, Mabel Cheung, your affair partner dumped you shortly after our divorce." Other patrons in the cafe were shocked by what they heard, and they started whispering among themselves. "How did you know that? Did Abigail tell you all this?" Mabel asked in a tone which was close to a whisper. "Victor and I have already hired a private investigator to check on you," Veronica said coldly. Realizing she was being exposed, Mabel started hurling insults at both Victor and Veronica, but they remained unaffected.
"You know what? The private investigator also uncovered your mistreatment towards Abigail. You pretended to be a loving mother towards her when meeting your boyfriend Philip. People around you thought you were a long-suffering single mother, which is of course, not true," Victor added. Mabel denied the allegations, claiming that Abigail was a compulsive liar, but Victor quickly refuted her claims.
"Not only Abigail said that," he said. "I have also spoken to Abigail's friends and other parents. Everyone has long disapproved of your teaching methods, but felt they did not have the right to meddle in your affairs."
"I am giving Abigail the best education," Mabel argued, but Victor quickly dismissed her argument. According to whathe and Veronica found out from the private investigator, Mabel would order Abigail to say as she had instructed when meeting Victor and Philip. She would hit and scold Abigail should the latter not do as told. "You're not fit to be called a mother," both Victor and Veronica said and shook their heads in disgust. While Mabel tried to justify herself by claiming to face difficulties as a single mother, Victor said that it was the result of her extramarital affair, and that since she had birthed Abigail, she had the responsibility of looking after her. He added that while he acknowledged the difficulties of raising a child as a single parent, Mabel was bathing in luxury, while Abigail did not even have the essentials, to the extent that she was eating Mabel's leftovers. Mabel continued to justify her actions, claiming that neither Victor nor Veronica had the right to interfere, as Abigail was not their daughter.
"You're wrong, Mabel," Victor said. "Veronica and I took action because we just can't stand idly by when a child is being abused." He paused for a while and continued, "We heard that you and Philip are getting married, so you consider Abigail a burden. You even went as far to lie that you're dying of a terminal illness to trick us into taking Abigail in. People like you deserve the worst punishment." Mabek was shocked that Victor and Veronica had investigated her love life too.
"Philip has already accepted Abigail and considered her his daughter. But you told him that she will be cared for by her biological father," Victor said. Upon hearing this revelation, Mabel's hand flew to her mouth. "How... how did you know that?" she asked shockingly.
"Philip told me that," Victor replied. "What? Are you joking? Why did you dothat? I'm getting married to him soon," Mabel bombarded him with questions.
"You told me you're dying of a terminal illness, and even told me Abigail is my daughter, hoping I will take her in. When Philip found out, he was shocked. He also found out about your mistreatment towards Abigail," Victor said.
"Philip is a nice man, and is very rich. He is my golden ticket to a better life," Mabel said.
"We don't really care," Victor snapped. "Initially, Veronica and I were wondering why you tried to get rid of Abigail when Philip is ready to accept her as his daughter. Now we found out why. That's because you're afraid Philip would find out your true nature. You constantly told Abigail how her father abandoned you, and how pathetic her existence was. You're afraid Philip would ditch you if you send her to an orphanage, so you decided to use me."
"That's enough," Mabel shouted. "Why must you ruin my chance at happiness? Marrying you is my biggest mistake."
"This should be my line," Victor retorted. "It was you who appeared out of nowhere and tried to ruin my happy family life. But anyway, Veronica and I are glad to have helped Abigail." Mabel demeaned both Victor and Veronica, and blamed Abigail for her downfall.
"Unfortunately, Abigail won't be living with you any longer," Victor said. "I have already told Abigail's teacher what you did and the evidence gathered." He paused and looked at his mobile phone for incoming messages. "Oh yes, Social Services has contacted me. They told me they agreed to take on Abigail's case." Mabel continued denying her wrongdoings, but Veronica stopped her and said, "Whether or not you have done anything wrong is up to the staff. Besides, Abigail has always expressed her hope to be free from your wrath.Don't you realize the gravity of the situation?" Hearing this, Mabel screamed and shouted, claiming that her life was ruined. However, neither Victor nor Veronica could care less. As they were leaving the cafe, Victor told Mabel that due to her mistreatment towards Abigail, Social Services might contact her, the police might be looking for her, and whether or not she could get married was a big question mark. Mabel went up to them, got on her knees and asked them to cover up for her. However, Victor and Veronica refused to help her and asked her to admit her guilt instead. Hearing this, Mabel pointed accusing fingers at them, blaming them for trying to ruin her chance at happiness. Just then, Philip appeared. "No, Mabel," he said. "It was you who ruined your own happiness. I'm glad my sister and brother-in-law told me everything." Philip paused for a while and continued, "Yes, Veronica is my sister and Victor is my brother-in-law. Mabel, you are I are done. I can't marry a vile woman like you." Upon hearing that Philip would not be marrying her, Mabel, who had been pretending to be a sweet and caring woman towards him, revealed her true colours. She hit and scolded him, and tried to attack him with a fork. However, a few staff and patrons held on to her, while Philip called the police. The police arrived within minutes and arrested Mabel.
After the ordeal was over, Abigail's custody was given to her maternal grandparents, whom Mabel had long been estranged from. Abigail's grandparents treated her with love and care that she became cheerful and lively. She also remained in contact with Victor's family and Philip, who would visit her regularly. She was very close with Evan and Ellen and they would spend timetogether after school. Some time later, Philip moved on from his relationship with Mabel and dated Abigail's teacher Miss Man, who had helped Abigail report Mabel's mistreatment. A year later, Philip and Miss Man got married, which Abigail is one of the flower girl.
One day, Victor received a message from someone he least expected, his ex-wife Mabel, whom he had been divorced from 10 years ago. She claimed that his friend, Dan, whom she was acquainted with, had given her his contact details, and asked about his current situation. This puzzled Victor, as it was the first time after their divorce that Mabel had contacted him, and that she had initiated the divorce back then, saying that she had found someone better than him. He told her about his current status as a family man and asked her not to contact him again unless due to an emergency, as he did not want Veronica to have misunderstandings. He wished her luck before ending the chat.
A few days later, Mabel messaged Victor again. She told him that she found out about her pregnancy shortly after their divorce, and that it was his flesh and blood. The news came too sudden for Victor, as Mabel had never mentioned about being pregnant until now. Mabel further claimed that she did not have the courage to tell him about her pregnancy, as she had initiated the divorce back then. She apologized profusely, saying that she did not want to inconvenience him. She then introduced the aforementioned child as Abigail, 9 years of age. While Victor questioned his paternity, Mabel suggested for him to do a DNA test to clear his doubt. She then claimed to have been suffering from a terminal illness, and that she did not have much time to live. "I have initially wanted to send Abigail to an orphanage, butmy mind is overwhelmed with memories of you. If possible, can you take her in?" Mabel pleaded. Victor's mind was in a whirl. He told her that he needed to discuss the matter with Veronica, and that he would get back to her.
Victor told Veronica about Mabel's recent messages about her supposed predicament and the sudden discovery about Abigail's existence. Veronica was initially shocked, but since everything happened before they met each other, she quickly accepted the news and requested to meet Abigail. Victor got back to Mabel, and they arranged for Abigail to meet.
A day after Victor and Veronica's 4th meeting with Abigail, Mabel messaged him again to discuss about Abigail's future. Victor asked to meet up to discuss, and Veronica would also be present. They arranged to meet at the cafe where they met Abigail. When they met, Veronica told Mabel that both she and Victor liked Abigail. "That's good to hear," Mabel said happily. "Abigail can finally have someone to take care of her, and I will finally die without regrets..." Before she could finish, Victor interrupted her, saying that she would be able to live a longer life. Mabel continued to claim that her health was worsening, and that she would be hospitalized the following month, so she expressed her hope for Victor and Veronica to take Abigail in quickly. "No need," Victor said abruptly. "We won't be taking Abigail in. She's not my biological daughter." He then revealed what he and Veronica had found out.
It turned out that Victor had brought Abigail to do a DNA test during their first meeting. During that time, Mabel claimed to have some emergency matters to attend to and asked Victor and Veronica to wait for her at the cafe. When she left, Victor collected Abigail's hair andsaliva samples with her permission. "Victor Yau, how dare you do this behind my back?" Mabel said angrily. "You suddenly contacted me after our divorce of 10 years, telling me that you gave birth to my child. If I don't do that, Veronica would not have agreed to take Abigail in. Not only does this concern my future, but it also concerns Abigail's future. Furthermore, it was you who suggested doing a DNA test," Victor retorted. "But...I didn't expect you to do the DNA test," Mabel argued. "Looks like you come prepared," Victor snorted with laughter. "Anyway, what do you want from me?"
"If you already know Abigail is not your biological daughter after doing the DNA test, why did you and Veronica ask to meet her again?" quizzed Mabel. Victor said that he needed time to find out what she was up to, and to help Abigail. It turned out that when he and Veronica first met Abigail, they already suspected something was amiss, as they felt that she was briefed on what to say. They also noted that when Mabel was present, Abigail was nervous and kept looking in her direction. They felt strongly that she would not be able to tell them the truth with Mabel around, so Veronica suggested having dinner at their place. "Which means you have no intention of taking Abigail in from the start?" Mabel asked. "No, Mabel, you're wrong," Veronica said. "Both Victor and I are serious about taking her in. But before that, Victor has the right to establish his paternity."
"Besides, I'm no longer the same Victor Yau whom you can wrap around your little finger," Victor added coldly. "If that's the case, you might as well tell me from the start that you have no intention of taking Abigail in. Don'tyou know how much she has been looking forward to it? She has been looking forward to you taking her in, and she mistakenly thought her father is a kind man," Mabel said exasperatedly. However, Veronica interrupted her. "That's where you're wrong, Mabel," she said. "Abigail has been looking forward to escape from your wrath." "What?" Mabel exclaimed in shock.
"You had Abigail with your affair partner,didn't you?" Victor challenged her. "When we divorced, you claimed you found someone better than me. You also claimed nothing happened between you and your affair partner when both of you had Abigail. But unfortunately for you, Mabel Cheung, your affair partner dumped you shortly after our divorce." Other patrons in the cafe were shocked by what they heard, and they started whispering among themselves. "How did you know that? Did Abigail tell you all this?" Mabel asked in a tone which was close to a whisper. "Victor and I have already hired a private investigator to check on you," Veronica said coldly. Realizing she was being exposed, Mabel started hurling insults at both Victor and Veronica, but they remained unaffected.
"You know what? The private investigator also uncovered your mistreatment towards Abigail. You pretended to be a loving mother towards her when meeting your boyfriend Philip. People around you thought you were a long-suffering single mother, which is of course, not true," Victor added. Mabel denied the allegations, claiming that Abigail was a compulsive liar, but Victor quickly refuted her claims.
"Not only Abigail said that," he said. "I have also spoken to Abigail's friends and other parents. Everyone has long disapproved of your teaching methods, but felt they did not have the right to meddle in your affairs."
"I am giving Abigail the best education," Mabel argued, but Victor quickly dismissed her argument. According to whathe and Veronica found out from the private investigator, Mabel would order Abigail to say as she had instructed when meeting Victor and Philip. She would hit and scold Abigail should the latter not do as told. "You're not fit to be called a mother," both Victor and Veronica said and shook their heads in disgust. While Mabel tried to justify herself by claiming to face difficulties as a single mother, Victor said that it was the result of her extramarital affair, and that since she had birthed Abigail, she had the responsibility of looking after her. He added that while he acknowledged the difficulties of raising a child as a single parent, Mabel was bathing in luxury, while Abigail did not even have the essentials, to the extent that she was eating Mabel's leftovers. Mabel continued to justify her actions, claiming that neither Victor nor Veronica had the right to interfere, as Abigail was not their daughter.
"You're wrong, Mabel," Victor said. "Veronica and I took action because we just can't stand idly by when a child is being abused." He paused for a while and continued, "We heard that you and Philip are getting married, so you consider Abigail a burden. You even went as far to lie that you're dying of a terminal illness to trick us into taking Abigail in. People like you deserve the worst punishment." Mabek was shocked that Victor and Veronica had investigated her love life too.
"Philip has already accepted Abigail and considered her his daughter. But you told him that she will be cared for by her biological father," Victor said. Upon hearing this revelation, Mabel's hand flew to her mouth. "How... how did you know that?" she asked shockingly.
"Philip told me that," Victor replied. "What? Are you joking? Why did you dothat? I'm getting married to him soon," Mabel bombarded him with questions.
"You told me you're dying of a terminal illness, and even told me Abigail is my daughter, hoping I will take her in. When Philip found out, he was shocked. He also found out about your mistreatment towards Abigail," Victor said.
"Philip is a nice man, and is very rich. He is my golden ticket to a better life," Mabel said.
"We don't really care," Victor snapped. "Initially, Veronica and I were wondering why you tried to get rid of Abigail when Philip is ready to accept her as his daughter. Now we found out why. That's because you're afraid Philip would find out your true nature. You constantly told Abigail how her father abandoned you, and how pathetic her existence was. You're afraid Philip would ditch you if you send her to an orphanage, so you decided to use me."
"That's enough," Mabel shouted. "Why must you ruin my chance at happiness? Marrying you is my biggest mistake."
"This should be my line," Victor retorted. "It was you who appeared out of nowhere and tried to ruin my happy family life. But anyway, Veronica and I are glad to have helped Abigail." Mabel demeaned both Victor and Veronica, and blamed Abigail for her downfall.
"Unfortunately, Abigail won't be living with you any longer," Victor said. "I have already told Abigail's teacher what you did and the evidence gathered." He paused and looked at his mobile phone for incoming messages. "Oh yes, Social Services has contacted me. They told me they agreed to take on Abigail's case." Mabel continued denying her wrongdoings, but Veronica stopped her and said, "Whether or not you have done anything wrong is up to the staff. Besides, Abigail has always expressed her hope to be free from your wrath.Don't you realize the gravity of the situation?" Hearing this, Mabel screamed and shouted, claiming that her life was ruined. However, neither Victor nor Veronica could care less. As they were leaving the cafe, Victor told Mabel that due to her mistreatment towards Abigail, Social Services might contact her, the police might be looking for her, and whether or not she could get married was a big question mark. Mabel went up to them, got on her knees and asked them to cover up for her. However, Victor and Veronica refused to help her and asked her to admit her guilt instead. Hearing this, Mabel pointed accusing fingers at them, blaming them for trying to ruin her chance at happiness. Just then, Philip appeared. "No, Mabel," he said. "It was you who ruined your own happiness. I'm glad my sister and brother-in-law told me everything." Philip paused for a while and continued, "Yes, Veronica is my sister and Victor is my brother-in-law. Mabel, you are I are done. I can't marry a vile woman like you." Upon hearing that Philip would not be marrying her, Mabel, who had been pretending to be a sweet and caring woman towards him, revealed her true colours. She hit and scolded him, and tried to attack him with a fork. However, a few staff and patrons held on to her, while Philip called the police. The police arrived within minutes and arrested Mabel.
After the ordeal was over, Abigail's custody was given to her maternal grandparents, whom Mabel had long been estranged from. Abigail's grandparents treated her with love and care that she became cheerful and lively. She also remained in contact with Victor's family and Philip, who would visit her regularly. She was very close with Evan and Ellen and they would spend timetogether after school. Some time later, Philip moved on from his relationship with Mabel and dated Abigail's teacher Miss Man, who had helped Abigail report Mabel's mistreatment. A year later, Philip and Miss Man got married, which Abigail is one of the flower girl.
Support Yong Choi Chin
