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My daughter Xixi and I had just returned home from an overseas medical cooperation project when we were greeted by an unexpected scene. Our house was filled with distant relatives we rarely saw. It looked like a Johnson family reunion.
The most eye–catching figure was Brianna White, sobbing dramatically in the center of the sofa, Gregory Johnson, my perpetually absent “good husband,” was comforting her with tender words and gestures.
I raised an eyebrow, set my suitcase aside, and turned to Gregory. “What’s the special occasion? Why such a crowd?”
Xixi followed behind me, arms crossed and a look of disgust on her face as she stared at Brianna. She had already guessed this woman’s identity.
My mother–in–law sat in the main seat, her expression troubled and hesitant.
Before Gregory could speak, Brianna lunged towards Xixi, crying, “My darling daughter, I’m your real mother!”
Xixi nimbly dodged her, her face contorted with revulsion as if Brianna were something filthy. She stepped back and said coldly. “My mom’s
name is Kaia Hansen.”
That’s my girl, always my little sweetheart.
I took Xixi’s hand, giving her a reassuring look, then raised my other hand and slapped Brianna across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the living room.
“Don’t go claiming false relationships,” I said, my voice icy and my gaze sharp as a knife.
Gregory jumped up, tenderly helping Brianna to her feet. He pointed at me and shouted, “Kala, have you lost your mind? How dare you hit
Brianna
He raised his hand, about to strike me..
Quick as lightning, Xixi stepped forward and slapped Gregory.
“You dare hit my mom?” Xixi’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.
Gregory froze, both angry and shocked. He raised his hand again, this time to hit Xixi
But Brianna grabbed him, fake–crying, “Gregory, don’t! She’s our daughter!”
Her act of a caring mother made me want to vomit.
Gregory lowered his hand, glaring fiercely at Xixi. “If it weren’t for your real mother’s sake, I’d teach you a lesson right now!”
Xixi let out a cold laugh. “Huh, I’d like to see you try.”
Her piercing gaze was just like mine when I was young. I felt a surge of pride – this was indeed the daughter I had carefully raised!
