MARY PARKER'S/ RICHMOND POV
Nicole walked up to me, a curious expression on her face. "Mom, I need to ask you something."
I looked up from my book, concerned. "What is it, sweetie?"
Nicole hesitated, then said, "I saw a post online about a fashion designer named Smith. And it said he looks just like dad."
I felt a knot form in my stomach. This was not what I wanted to deal with right now.
"What about it?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Nicole's eyes narrowed. "Why does he look like dad? Is he...is he related to us?"
I sighed, knowing I had to tell her the truth eventually. But how much should I reveal?
"Nicole, let's talk about this later, okay?" I said, trying to stall.
But Nicole was insistent. "No, mom, tell me now. Why does Smith look like dad?"
