Malcolm was on the road, his big rig loaded with merchandise for the next delivery.
Could it be an accident?
The thought alone caused Gina's eyes to well up with tears instantly.
"Don't worry, Mom! He's okay!" Lizzie exclaimed through sobs. "He’s okay, and he's got someone else now!"
Saying that felt like lifting a huge weight off her chest.
"What?" Gina couldn't quite grasp what Lizzie meant.
Lizzie continued, "Dad has betrayed you! He's got a mistress! Do you know how he's been spending his allowance of thirty thousand a month? He's been supporting her!"
Gina stood frozen, her face a mask of unreadable emotions.
It took her a moment to collect herself. "Lizzie, dear, stop kidding around! Your father isn't that kind of man!"
She and Malcolm grew up in the same small town, childhood sweethearts who knew each other inside out.
Malcolm was a good, honest man. How could he possibly do such a thing?
That was impossible!
Impossible!
Lizzie knelt before Gina. "It's true. It's all true..."
Gina turned away. "No, it can't be! Lizzie, you must be mistaken about your father!"
"No, I'm not!" Lizzie pulled out several photos and a bank statement she printed at Anthea's house. "Mom, this is the evidence! And he admitted it to my face!"
Gina's hands trembled as she took the photos, tears streaming down her cheeks.
How could it happen?
The man she had loved for over twenty years had betrayed her.
How could this be?
"Mom, get a divorce! And don't worry. You'll always have me!" Lizzie continued, "We can't let him have a penny of the family money! You worked your fingers to the bone for that, not for it to go to some homewrecker!"
Gina pulled out a tissue, swiftly wiping the tears from her face, pretending nothing had happened, and smiled at Lizzie. "Lizzie, this is something for us adults to handle. You don't need to worry about it! Your job is to focus on your studies!"
"Mom?"
Gina patted Lizzie on the shoulder. "Trust me. I know what to do. You have exams coming up, and don't let this mess with your head!"
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