Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl retorted, "Why do you care about us reading the report?"

"Why can't you accept the truth?"

Hugo's condescending click of the tongue only fueled Pearl's anger. "This is none of your business. Stop meddling."

"Uh-oh, are you mad?" Hugo shook his head, indicating he wouldn't give up easily.

"Let him read it if he wants to," Richard said impassively, tossing the report to Hugo.

Pearl had yet to read it. Glancing at it briefly, her heart sank at the words "biologically related."

As expected, they were cousins. Disappointment overwhelmed her.

Hugo didn't bother to read carefully. The mention of being biologically related was enough fodder for his mockery. "See? I told you. You two aren't right for each other. But you didn't listen. What a ridiculous joke for Enswood, a couple who are cousins with a marriage certificate."

Despite Hugo's sarcasm, Richard remained unruffled, much to Hugo's annoyance.

"Rick, when are you getting a divorce?" Hugo teased provokingly. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Is that any of your business?"

"Of course, it is. Once you're divorced, I can pursue Pearl, right?"

Pearl scowled. "Stop being disgusting, Hugo."

"Don't worry. We're not getting divorced," Richard said.

Pearl looked at Richard, confused. Had he said that to provoke Hugo? After all, the report stated they were cousins.

"Rick, you know you're related. If you don't get divorced, people will laugh at you." Hugo assumed Richard was being stubborn, and he grinned smugly and waved. "It's okay. Getting a divorce isn't embarrassing."

"I said we won't get a divorce."

Hugo's expression changed, sensing something off. "Why not?"

"Because we're not related."

Pearl and Hugo were both stunned. They had seen the report, and it clearly stated they were cousins. Why did Richard say that?

"Why are you in denial, Rick? You can't fool yourself," Hugo insisted, convinced Richard was refusing to face reality.