After Mariella paused, brewing in her impatience, Margaret turned around to make a call to Mark in order to confirm her departure and attend to her duties.However, Mariella seized the opportunity to step outside, her heart pounding with the thrill of a narrowly averted exposure.Once beyond the confines of the mansion, Mariella found herself relaxing in the tranquility of the garden. The lawns stretched out before her, adorned with vibrant flowers that seemed to whisper secrets of their own. She strolled along the cobblestone paths, her mind a whirlwind of contemplation.The voice recorder nestled in her purse as she had paused the recording the moment Maragret turned around. This recording was the proof that would make her case strong in front of Cassie; hence, it needed to be preserved as the evidence that might one day serve as her insurance as well. The thought of having tangible proof of the conversations within the Rover mansion, fueled her determination to see her plan reac

The moment Mark completed his sentence and passed a wink in Cassie's direction, she delivered a swift punch on his left bicep, as it was the target closest to her. She knew he was teasing her, the way she had been teasing him just a few minutes ago.But the fact about having a son this time was something she was really not saying just to tease him, but it was something she was really feeling from inside.So, she just could not lose this battle this easily; and the chances of her surrendering without fighting and exhausting her potential, were next to none. With her steely resolve glinting in her eyes, she opened her mouth and spoke. "Whatever you are saying might be good to hear, but everyone in this world knows that a mother is the closest person to her children, and this is why I think I am the right one."But don't worry about having a daughter, as you said before, we might have the chance to have a daughter in the future -""We are going to have a daughter." "No, a son!"Mark

Mark and Cassie definitely left the doctor's office in high spirits, as they had never imagined that their happiness would be exponentially amplified like this.Within a few minutes after leaving the parking lot of the clinic, Cassie heard the sound of brakes screeching. But when she looked up, she didn't find the familiar facade of their new home, rather, Mark had manoeuvred a car to a spot on the road, a little distance away from an intersection.She turned towards him in confusion,"Mark, where are we? And what are we doing here, we need to go home quickly. Grandma must be-""Ahem! Mrs. Rover, just relax. I know we have to go home, as you need to have dinner and then take your medicine as well. But we're here for a little treat."Mark explained with a smile as he unhooked his seat belt and then proceeded to do the same for Cassie."A treat? I don't understand…""Then you might want to turn a little to your left."No sooner had Cassie heard this, that she whipped her head to the si

Just then, Alex's call came through on her once more. This time, Violet answered it and spoke urgently with Alex, while still dragging Mariella with her. "Yes, bro, I told you I have some important work…"But Alex's urgent voice cut her off. "I don't know anything, Violet! Just hurry back here." This was the first time Violet had heard this tone in Alex's voice. Her older brother had always remained like a shield, protecting her from all the extremities of this world. But today, on hearing him say these words, Violet almost lost her balance.She took a few seconds before she regained her composure, and then replied,"I'll be there as soon as I can."She hung up the call, and took a deep breath before turning her attention back to Mariella with a menacing tone. "I am letting you off easy today, but don't you dare think that this is the end of it. I'll be back, and in the meantime, you better shape up, or..."Saying this, she rushed out towards her car, leaving Mariella a little bi

Mariella had reached her room in no time, having successfully avoided any run- ins with Mark, Cassie or that annoying chaperone that Mark had appointed for her. Her old bones might be capable of fooling the world, by giving the impression that she required huge support even just to stand up, but she knew that she was strong and efficient enough to run an entire marathon with those legs of hers. And if not for pity, attention and rest, she would have never accepted the fact that she was old, either!It was just that she knew the only way to get an easy way out of every misery- from the company going bankrupt, to her getting in trouble for the sins she had committed. Her old age was the unseen weapon she was using on everyone, and at every possible place she could find a place for it.And the best part about this was, no one suspected her, let alone being able to find out the truth! And today, she was again going to use this weapon of hers to create another misunderstanding between M