The Day I Kissed An Older Man by Cher the Cherished

Karen forced a smile. "Rita? What are you doing? You rarely come back, so why not go to the study and see your father? I have an appointment, so I can't stay."

"Karen, I don't want to waste your time either, but how do you plan to explain your relationship with Esmond?"

Karen's hand loosened as soon as she heard that man's name, and the pearl earring rolled down the stairs. She clenched her fists.

"Why should I need to explain? I don't know what you're talking about. I swear, you're getting more troublesome as you get older. Move aside now. I can't be late for lunch with my friends." The more Karen tried to weasel her way out, the more resolutely Rita stayed to block her.

"You can drop your act. You and that man have a history. Don't think I don't know what you've said to him; you know it too. You must be surprised to see me standing here safe and sound, right? I wonder if Dac knows about you two?"

Karen stopped trying to get past her. "You're all grown up now, so you should know what to say and what not to say. These groundless words will only add to his troubles if you tell your father. We've been married for so many years, and although there have been some misunderstandings between us, you should know how I treat him, right?

dad about hearsay like this. In

gradually fell silent.

her heart. Over the past years,

between them. She

her father what Karen did

declining health.

returned... Or, if the two of them had maintained

father found out. It would be a fatal

on the other hand, you're clinging to my father. Karen, are