Billionaire’s Secret Baby

Mandy threw another skirt onto the growing pile of clothes on her bed—nothing fit right anymore.

“There was nothing wrong with that black skirt,” her older sister said as rolled her eyes. Kim had stopped by their parent’s home that morning for moral support.

“I look like a fatty,” Mandy cried out in disgust.

Kim’s lips twitched. “No, you look pregnant, which is exactly what you’re.”

Kim had married Andrew five years ago, and they were blissfully happy. Or at least, they had always seemed like they were. However, they had not yet been blessed with children. When Mandy had first discovered she was expecting it caused a rift between the usually impenetrable sisterhood.

It was only in the past few weeks that Kim had started acting more like her old self. Mandy had missed her sister more than she cared to think about. Flopping down onto the pile of clothes, Mandy moaned helplessly.

“Why would Mr. Brand want to hire me? Who hires a woman in her third trimester?”

Kim laughed as she got up from the overstuffed faded pink chair that they had picked up at a consignment store when Mandy was about twelve. Money had always been tight. But her sister had found a way to pay for the hideous thing.

“Mandy, you’re smart, funny and talented. If this man doesn’t hire you, just because you’re pregnant, he is an idiot.”

Mandy’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears. It seemed everything these days brought on emotions that she couldn’t quite control. “Do you really think so?”

Kim picked up the black knit skirt that had been previously discarded. “Yes, now put this on, and I will curl your hair.”

Mandy did as she was told and sat in front of her mirror as Kim grabbed the hot curling iron. Mandy had what she would call dishwater blonde hair. True, it was thick and shiny, but there was nothing spectacular about it.

She took her bronzer and gave her pale skin a light dusting. It wouldn’t do to look like a zombie. Her dark blue eyes sparkled with the rose-colored eyeshadow, and her long lashes were coated with black mascara.

After covering her pouty lips in pink gloss, Mandy added a hint of perfume behind her ears and at her wrists.

had finished curling Mandy’s hair, she sprayed it well with a long-holding hairspray.

said as she squeezed her shoulder as they both stared into

“But it will have

at their reflection causing Mandy’s gaze to swing toward her.

her hand. “What

think,” Kim asked nervously, “after the peanut arrives,

in her throat. With all of Kim’s infertility issues, Mandy knew how hard it would be for her sister.

about it. We have more leeway at the coffee shop than you will

I can’t be with the peanut, you’re the next best thing. Most likely, you will be

Mandy’s cheek. “Don’t mess up your makeup! You will be a fantastic

thought about their own mom and grimaced. “Indeed, we do.”

get

The girls walked up the stairs and were immediately greeted by their mother. “Why are you walking around here like a whore?”

but Mandy shook her head as if

tone was deceptively light despite the hurt that

it didn’t mean that her words still

yet?” Their mother sneered as she puffed on a cigarette.

smoke around a pregnant woman,” Kim replied angrily as she tugged on Mandy’s arm trying to get

and come home knocked up.” Their mother blew a cloud of

woman. Why won’t you come and stay

again that we both know you can’t afford, let me get going. Your shop is just now starting to turn a profit. I won’t ruin your lives to help

say anything as they walked to their

“Call me, after the interview, okay?” Kim asked

familiar smell of her older sister who had been much more of a parental figure than her parents ever had. “I will, I promise.”

Mandy a bright smile. “Knock ‘em dead,

**

her face as she walked into the massive office building on 5th and Main. Brand Enterprises took up an entire square block. Mandy had thought the glass building was incredibly intimidating. Just who was Elliot