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.

hair, she sprayed it well with a long-holding hairspray.

“You look gorgeous,” Kim said as she squeezed her shoulder as they both stared into the mirror.

replied. “But it will have to do. Thanks, Kim, you’re a life-saver.”

reflection causing Mandy’s gaze to swing toward her. “I have been meaning to ask you something.”

hand.

the peanut arrives, that you might want help with childcare?”

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

Andrew and I have both talked about it. We have more leeway at the coffee shop than

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

tears from Mandy’s cheek. “Don’t mess up your makeup! You will be a fantastic mother, Mandy. Besides, we have a million examples of what not to do.”

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

get moving if you need to be

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

shook her head as if to say it wasn’t

was deceptively light despite the

knew what her mother was like. But it didn’t mean that her words still hadn’t the power to slice through her.

yet?” Their mother sneered as she puffed on

angrily as she tugged on Mandy’s arm trying to get her to leave.

mother blew a cloud

woman. Why won’t you come and stay with Andrew and

Andrew live in a one-bedroom apartment above the coffee-shop. Now, before you try and offer me a job again that we both know you can’t afford, let me get going. Your shop

Kim ground her teeth together but didn’t say anything as they

okay?” Kim

the familiar smell of her older sister who had been much more of a parental figure

pulled back and gave Mandy a bright smile. “Knock ‘em dead, kid!”

**

and Main. Brand Enterprises took up an entire square block. Mandy had thought the glass building was incredibly intimidating. Just who was Elliot