Bogus Billionaire By Shining Riviera

Caroline and Kirk were eating when they heard knocking on the door. She looked at the time and wondered aloud, “Who could be visiting us at this hour?”

“I’ll get the door,” said Kirk. He got up and headed toward the door. After peeking through the doorhole, his expression changed.

“Who is it?” asked Caroline.

She had just asked her question when Kirk opened the door to admit a haggard–looking Marietta. Caroline rushed to her and led into the house. “Mom, what happened to you?”

Marietta looked lifeless. “It’s confirmed that Yvonne is my daughter,” she mumbled.

“Isn’t this great news? Why do you look so-” Marietta started mumbling again, leaving Caroline’s sentence unfinished. Her voice was low, so Caroline couldn’t tell if she was talking to her, or simply mumbling to herself.

“But she doesn’t accept me as her mother,” Marietta muttered.

Caroline paled at her words and gripped Marietta’s hands to comfort her.

Kirk headed into the kitchen to pour Marietta a glass of water.

voice was laced

and out of her daze as she explained what transpired. Although her sentences were sometimes unclear, Caroline still managed to get a gist of what

might not accept it now, but

Caroline’s embrace, like a fragile little Carrie, do you think I’ve failed as a mother?”

canary.

frail–looking woman and felt her heart ache.

to say anything. Only Marietta’s biological daughter

Kirk said as he brought Marietta

a few gulps of water, she didn’t feel as cold as before. It suddenly dawned on her that Caroline and Kirk were having

said. “Please finish your meals. Don’t

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big deal,” Caroline told her.

at her to leave, and her heart broke at the thought. Still, she put on a smile as if to comfort herself. “Please continue. I’ll take a seat here in

Kirk. He reached his hand

response. She stared at him, puzzled. But