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.

was laced with concern. “Can you tell me

as she explained what transpired. Although her sentences were sometimes unclear, Caroline still

Marietta into her arms and said, “It’s fine, Mom. She might not accept it

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

canary.

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

like it wasn’t her place to say anything. Only Marietta’s biological daughter could put in a word or two at

some water,” Kirk said as he brought Marietta the

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

“Please finish your meals. Don’t mind

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Caroline told

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. “Please continue. I’ll take a seat here in the

to look at Kirk. He reached his hand

his response. She stared at him, puzzled. But