Bride Behind The Mask (Frederick and Marguerite)

Chapter 689

In the following moments, silence enveloped them both.

Frederick had just dropped Marguerite off at the Winston Mansion. As soon as she crossed the threshold, Teresa, buzzing with energy, stumbled into Marguerite's arms in a flurry of excitement.

Marguerite staggered back, nearly taking a tumble.

Before she could get a word out, Teresa burst out, unable to contain her excitement, "Mommy, I've got some amazing news! I think I'm nearly done with brother's portrait... but there's still a bit to go. You'll have to wait just a little longer." Marguerite scooped up Teresa and headed for the couch, letting her sit on her lap. Hayes scurried over as well, standing on his tiptoes and peering over the back of the sofa with eager eyes.

"No need to finish it."

Teresa's mouth dropped open, her eyes wide with surprise and disbelief. "Not finish it? Why? Aren't we looking for brother anymore?"

Teresa wasn't Maurice's child, so the face she was drawing from the pictures with Maurice couldn't possibly be her actual big brother.

Marguerite, stroking Teresa's cheek, was at a loss for words. How could she bluntly tell the little one that Maurice wasn't her real dad? After all, Teresa was only three and far more precocious than most kids her age, but how could she possibly understand that the man who had raised her for three years wasn't her biological father?

now. We'll talk about it

from drawing..." Teresa mumbled under

say drawing portraits is too

convenient? What could be more convenient

did she have? It was nothing more than an excuse to placate the child, to

her lips, feigning mystery. "It's a

gently set Teresa back on the ground. "School starts again after New Year's,

I haven't

fell as she turned to Hayes, “Little Mute, have you done yours?" Hayes looked sheepish: "Finished it

"You little sneak, doing homework without telling me! That's

cupping Teresa's chubby cheeks and whispered,

relieved. Seeing Marguerite heading upstairs, Hayes and Teresa exchanged

Ms.