Tabitha knew he was kidding. ‘Carlos gets pushed around? Is that even possible?’


    But innocently Debbie protested, “No. I never…” She exined incoherently. She was clumsy at


    socializing. Carlos telling his mom on her threw her off guard


    This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    “Well done, Debbie!” Tabitha remarked, to her surprise.


    “Somebody has to let him know that women can’t be bullied. He used to belittle women all the time.


    That is about to change. Don’t be easy on him if he does that again.”


    “Huh?” ‘Is she kidding me?’ Debbie wondered. ‘But she doesn’t seem to be joking. Usually moms are


    protective of their children. Why is she not?


    Is Carlos adopted?’


    Tabitha and Debbie had a good time chatting. The amiable chitchat left


    Debbie relieved.


    When they arrived at the vi, Tabitha Looked at the new structure and asked, “Carlos, don’t you live in


    the manor?”


    “No, but with time. I’m nning to move into there,” said Carlos, pulling Debbie into his arms. Once the


    lab and music studio were built and the other rooms were decorated, he and Debbie would move in.


    ‘Manor? What manor? Is it some ce Carlos used to live in?’ Debbie was curious, but she was


    cautious not to ask him about it. At least for now, in Tabitha’s presence, that wouldn’t be wise. So she


    put those questions behind her.


    When they were about to walk in the house, a red Mercedes pulled to a halt near them. Glimpsing the


    license te, Carlos stopped.


    The driver’s door opened and a girl in pink rolled out and threw herself at Carlos’ mom.


    “Tabitha! I missed you so much,” Megan cath


    Megan Looked youthful in her pink, cashmere overcoat and white casual shoes.


    Tabitha was delighted to see her.


    “Oh, Megan! You’ve grown! Let me see you,” she said as she gave her a warm wee hug.


    Tabitha was grateful because of what Megan’s parents had done for


    Carlos. She loved her as if she were her own daughter.


    “Tabitha, I’m already 18, remember? I’m an adult now and won’t grow much taller,” Megan said coyly.


    Amused, Tabitha grinned from ear to ear. She took Megan’s hand in hers and patted it lovingly. Their


    closeness saddened Debbie, who watched silently in Carlos’ arms.


    “Oh, Debbie, do you and Megan know each other?” Tabitha asked her.


    Holding back the bitterness in her heart, Debbie forced a smile and answered, “Yes, we’ve met before.”


    ‘They look like a family, ‘ Debbie thought.


    Suddenly, Megan let go of Tabitha and ran towards Carlos happily. She took his left arm casually as if


    she had done it a million times before, and said with a smile, “Uncle Carlos, Aunt Debbie, I’m sorry for


    not greeting you right away. I was too excited to see Tabitha!”