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 with concern. “Can

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 had

might not accept it now, but she’ll surely do so

Marietta curled up in Caroline’s embrace, like a fragile little Carrie, do you think I’ve failed as a

canary.

her heart ache. Still, she didn’t know how

her place to say anything. Only Marietta’s biological daughter could put in a word or two at a time like

Kirk said as he brought Marietta

as before. It suddenly dawned on her that Caroline and Kirk were

must’ve interrupted you,” she said. “Please finish your

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no big deal,” Caroline told

Marietta replied with a gentle smile. She abruptly recalled how Yvonne had yelled at her to leave, and her heart broke at the thought. Still, she put on a smile as if to comfort herself.

reached his hand out

him, puzzled. But he simply nodded and pulled her to the