MARRIED TO MY EX FATHER IN LAW

INSECURE

Willow doesn't leave London.

I thought maybe after that first visit she'd go back to wherever she came from. Paris, I heard Hannah say. But she doesn't leave. She stays. And suddenly she's everywhere.

The first time I see her again is three days after her initial visit. I'm in the sitting room reading when she's shown in by one of the staff. She's dressed impeccably as always. This time it's a navy dress that probably costs more than my wardrobe, paired with heels that make her already tall frame even more imposing.

"Lola! How lovely to see you again." Her smile is warm. Friendly. "I hope I'm not intruding. I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to see if Ocean was available."

"He's in a meeting," I say, closing my book. "I'm not sure when he'll be done."

"Oh, that's alright. I don't mind waiting." She sits down across from me without being invited. "Actually, this gives us a chance to chat. Get to know each other a bit."

I don't want to chat with Willow. Don't want to get to know her. But I can't exactly be rude.

"Sure. That would be nice."

"What are you reading?" She gestures to my book.

I show her the cover. It's a mystery novel. Nothing sophisticated or intellectual. Just something entertaining.

"Oh how fun. Light reading. I love a good beach read." She says it kindly but there's something in her tone that makes me feel like I should be reading something more serious. More literary. "I'm reading a biography of Churchill at the moment. Absolutely fascinating but quite dense. Not exactly light entertainment."

There it is. The subtle comparison. Her reading important biographies. Me reading beach reads.

"I like mysteries," I say quietly.

"Of course! There's nothing wrong with that. We all need an escape sometimes, especially given everything you've been through." She leans forward slightly. "Ocean mentioned you had a difficult first marriage. I'm so sorry you had to experience that. It must have been terrible."

My stomach clenches. I don't want to talk about Ethan with this woman.

"It's in the past."

"Of course. Of course it is. Although I imagine it's complicated given that Ethan is Ocean's son. That must create some awkward family dynamics."

"Ethan and I don't have any contact."

"Still. It must be strange being married to your ex-husband's father. I can't even imagine how you navigate that." She shakes her head sympathetically. "You're very brave to handle such an unusual situation."

The words sound supportive but they feel like little cuts. Reminding me that yes, this situation is strange. Yes, it's unusual. Yes, everyone probably thinks it's weird.

"It's not something I think about much," I lie.

"Well, that's probably healthy. No point dwelling on the complicated parts." She crosses her legs elegantly. "How are you adjusting to Ocean's world? It can be quite overwhelming for outsiders. All the politics and social dynamics and unspoken rules. It took me months to figure it all out when Ocean and I were together."

When Ocean and I were together. She makes sure to slip that in. A reminder that she was here first. That she knows things I don't.

"I'm managing," I say.

"I'm sure you are. Ocean is very protective. I'm sure he shields you from the worst of it." She smiles. "You're lucky to have someone looking out for you like that. Given your background, having that kind of security must be such a relief."

My background. Meaning I'm an orphan with no family and no resources. Meaning I'm dependent on Ocean for everything.

She's not wrong. But the way she says it makes me feel small. Pathetic.

"Ocean has been very kind," I manage to say.

"He's always been kind. It's one of his best qualities. He has this instinct to protect people who need help." She tilts her head, studying me. "He saved me too, in a way. When we met I was in a bad situation and he helped me out of it. That's just who he is."

So I'm not special. I'm just another person Ocean saved because that's what he does.

The message is clear.

Before I can respond, Ocean walks in.

"Willow. I didn't know you were here."

"I stopped by hoping to catch you. Lola has been keeping me company." Willow stands, smoothing her dress. "I was hoping we could grab lunch. Catch up properly. There's a new restaurant in Mayfair I've been dying to try."

Ocean glances at me. I look down at my book.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Ocean says.

"Why not? We're old friends. There's no harm in lunch." Willow's tone is light but there's an edge to it. A challenge.

"Another time maybe."

"Of course. I understand you're busy." Willow picks up her purse. "It was lovely chatting with you, Lola. We should have coffee sometime. Just us girls."

I nod even though the thought of spending more time alone with Willow sounds like torture.

After she leaves, Ocean sits down next to me.

"What did she say to you?"

"Nothing. Just making conversation."

"Lola."

"Really. It's fine. She was perfectly nice."

But it wasn't fine. And she wasn't nice. Not really.

She was polite. Friendly on the surface. But every word was designed to remind me that I'm young, inexperienced, damaged, dependent, out of my depth.

That she belongs here and I don't.

The next time I see Willow is at a charity event that Ocean has to attend. He asked if I wanted to come and I said yes even though the thought of it terrifies me.

I spend hours getting ready. Hannah helps me pick out a dress, do my hair and makeup. I look in the mirror and think maybe I look okay. Maybe I can pull this off.

Then we arrive at the event and I see Willow.

She's wearing a stunning red dress, her hair perfect, her makeup flawless. She's talking to a group of people who are all laughing at something she said. She looks confident. Comfortable. Like she owns the room.

I feel like a child playing dress-up.

Willow sees us and waves. Comes over.

"Ocean! Lola! How wonderful to see you both." She kisses Ocean on both cheeks. European style. Then turns to me. "Lola, you look lovely. That dress is so pretty on you. Very age-appropriate."

Age-appropriate. Like I'm a teenager at prom.

"Thank you," I say quietly.

"I was just talking to the Westbrooks. Have you met them yet, Lola?" Willow links her arm through mine before I can answer. "Come on, I'll introduce you. They're lovely people."

She leads me away from Ocean before he can object.

The Westbrooks are a couple in their fifties. Distinguished. Wealthy. They look at me with polite curiosity.

"This is Lola Moretti. Ocean's new wife." Willow makes the introduction smoothly. "Lola, David and Patricia Westbrook. David runs one of the largest private equity firms in London."

"Nice to meet you," I manage.

"Congratulations on your marriage," Patricia says. "It was quite a surprise to everyone when we heard Ocean had remarried."

"Yes, well, it was a bit sudden," Willow says before I can respond. "But Ocean has always had a soft spot for people in need. It's one of his most admirable qualities."

People in need. She makes me sound like a charity case.

"How did you and Ocean meet?" David asks.

I freeze. I can't tell them the truth. That I was married to his son. That Ocean married me to keep me from being killed.

"Through family," I finally say.

"Lola was married to Ocean's son before," Willow supplies helpfully. "Ethan. It's a bit complicated but Ocean stepped in after the divorce to help Lola through a difficult situation."

The Westbrooks' expressions change. I can see the judgment. The confusion. The pity.

"How... modern," Patricia says carefully.

"Very unconventional," David adds.

I want to disappear. Want the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

"If you'll excuse me," I say. "I need to use the restroom."

I escape before anyone can respond.

In the bathroom, I lean against the sink and try to breathe. Try not to cry and ruin my makeup.

Willow just told complete strangers the most humiliating details of my life. Made me sound like some pathetic girl who Ocean took pity on.

And she did it with a smile. With concern in her voice. Like she was helping.

The bathroom door opens and another woman walks in. She glances at me, does a double-take.

"Are you alright, dear?"

"Fine. Just needed a moment."

She nods and goes into a stall.

I look at myself in the mirror. My makeup is still perfect thanks to Hannah. My dress is beautiful. But I still feel like I don't belong here.

Like everyone can see that I'm just a girl pretending to be something she's not.

When I come out, Ocean is waiting in the hallway.

"Are you okay? Willow said you weren't feeling well."

Of course she did.

"I'm fine. Just needed some air."

Ocean studies my face. "What did Willow say to you?"

"Nothing. She was just introducing me to people."

"Lola—"

"Can we go home? Please? I have a headache."

It's not a lie. My head is pounding.

Ocean nods immediately. "Of course. Let's go."

In the car on the way home, he tries to talk to me but I pretend to be too tired. Close my eyes and lean against the window.

I can't tell him what Willow is doing. Can't explain how she makes me feel small without ever saying anything directly cruel.

Because if I tell him, I'll sound paranoid. Jealous. Insecure.

All the things I actually am.

So I say nothing.

And Willow continues to appear. At events. At the house. Always with a smile. Always perfectly polite.

Always reminding me with every word and gesture that I don't belong in Ocean's world.

And that she does.