Chapter 4

The next day, Laura brought over the child she'd "adopted."

He looked about three years old.

"Miriam, this is Dodo. I'm going overseas in a week, so I'll be leaving him with you. Sorry to put you out."

I laughed coldly on the inside.

But out loud I said,

"Of course, no problem. Leave him with me."

I pinched Dodo's cheek.

"What a good boy."

Then I turned to the two of them.

"Actually, I have a work trip today and I'll be passing right by the amusement park. Let me take Dodo along. It'll be good for us to bond a little."

Laura and Gabriel exchanged a smile.

Gabriel agreed at once.

"Sure. Dodo's all yours."

A short while later, I took Dodo out.

But where I went was the hospital.

I used his little cough as a reason to have his blood drawn.

Then I handed the doctor two bags of hair, along with an envelope of cash.

"Run a DNA test. As fast as you can."

The doctor gave a slight smile and took them.

When I got back, before I'd even stepped inside, I heard Gabriel on the phone with Laura.

"Laura, Miriam bought the adoption story completely. She doesn't suspect a thing."

I pushed the door open, and he immediately put his phone away.

Then he scooped Dodo up, all affection.

"Did you have fun today?"

Dodo answered in his soft little voice.

"The auntie took me to play with lots of fun things. Dodo's very happy."

A smile spread across Gabriel's face.

"Miri, looks like you really love kids. Once we're married, let's have one of our own soon."

I gave a faint nod.

A week later, the wedding went ahead as planned.

Gabriel and I walked up onto the stage side by side.

The whole way up, he kept murmuring reminders under his breath.

"Miri, you promised me. The moment we're married, you add my name to the property deeds. Don't forget."

"I won't."

Laura stood below the stage, a mocking smile on her face, her eyes full of hunger for my assets.

Just then, the host handed me the microphone and invited me to tell everyone the story of Gabriel and me.

I took the mic and looked out over the crowd.

"I'm announcing it now. The wedding is off."