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.

laced with concern. “Can you tell me

Although her sentences were sometimes

and said, “It’s fine, Mom. She might not

embrace, like a fragile little Carrie, do you think

canary.

frail–looking woman and felt her heart ache. Still, she

She felt like it wasn’t her place to say anything. Only Marietta’s

some water,” Kirk said as he

water, she didn’t feel as cold as before. It suddenly dawned on her that Caroline and

must’ve interrupted you,” she said. “Please finish your meals. Don’t mind

+15 BONUS

deal,” Caroline told her. “Have you

leave, and her heart broke at the thought. Still, she put on a smile

turned to look at Kirk. He reached his hand out

at his response. She stared at him, puzzled. But he simply nodded and pulled her to the