Charlotte's POV

"Em, Um, It's my niece" I stammered.

"I did not remember you have any niece living with you" George asked curiously.

"Y-es babe, She came to spend time with me, she is on holiday. I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you about it". I said, still nervous.

"Why does she call you mummy?" George asked and I could see the unbelieve on his face.

"Oh, that's, my sister forced her to call me mummy, she said I'm old enough to be her mother and she should never call me aunty but mummy" I explained, trying to sound real. 

"It's okay, go and open the door for the girl". He said and I could see I was able to convince him a little.

I dashed to the bedroom, opened the door and rushed to my daughter.

"Darling, I'm so sorry". I said, putting her into a tight hug but I knew Loretta would ask why I had locked the door on her.

"Mummy, why did you lock the door?"she asked, her eyes red from crying. I felt guilty for causing her such distress.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't even realize I locked the door," I lied. "So, tell me, did you sleep well?" I asked, trying to sound cheerful.

"Yes mummy," She replied with a smile. "I'm hungry mom"

"Oh, what would you like to eat my love?" I asked in a gentle tone.

"Mac and Cheese" She replied with a big grin

"Ok love but before that, I want to tell you something" I said but I was a bit nervous, unsure of how she would react to what I was about to say.

"Ok mom, what is it?" She asked, looking into my eyes with her big bright eyes.

"There is a man in the sitting room, he is my friend" I said and I could see the puzzled look on her face. Although she is just six, I was still nervous of how she would react. How will I tell my daughter to pretend to be my niece?

"Mom, I'm famished" Her sweet little voice brought me back.

"I'm sorry, my love, but I need to ask you for a favor," I said, feeling a little guilty for putting her in this position.

 "I told him you were my niece," I admitted, my heart sinking as I saw the look of disappointment on her face. "I'm so sorry," I said.

"Why would you say that mom?" she asked, her big eyes filling with tears. "I'm your daughter, not your niece," she said, her voice quivering.

I felt terrible for making her feel this way.

"Mom, I know I'm your daughter, not your niece. Asher is your niece, not me. I'm not Asher," she said again, her words like a punch to the gut. I couldn't believe I had made her feel this way. 

"I know, honey," I said, tears welling up in my eyes but I tried to swallow it so she wouldn't see me cry. "I know you're my daughter and I love you so much.

"So why don't you tell him that? '' She asked, tears were already flowing down her cheeks. I never knew my six years old girl would feel this way. I felt really bad for this.

" I didn't want him to know that I have a child. I'm sorry if this is confusing, but I did it because I care about you. I know that it might be hard to understand, but please know that I love you.

"Is he evil?" She asked.

"Oh, no, sweetie, he is a nice man. I know this is a lot to ask, but I really need your help. I just need some time to figure out how to tell him about you. I promise I will tell him, but it might take me some time to find the right moment. Can you please do this for me?"

"Will I call you aunty like Asher does?" She asked.

"No my love, you can continue calling me mummy"

"But you said you told him I'm your niece" She asked again. Sometimes I wonder where she got this smartness from. Loretta is too smart for her age.

"Don't worry about that my dear, but when he asked you, just tell him you are my niece" I said and I feel guilty I was teaching my daughter lies but I did not know what else to do.

"Ok mom," She said reluctantly. "Shall we?" She asked 

"All right, sweetie," I said, relieved that she agreed. We walked out of the room, and I saw George sitting patiently in the living room. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind, and whether he would ask why it had taken us so long to come out of the room. I took a deep breath and tried to put on a friendly smile.

"Hi pretty" George greeted Loretta, and carried her up in his arms. "How are you, sweetheart?" he asked, smiling at her.

"I'm good," she said, grinning up at him. "How are you too?" She asked with a smile

George's smile widened. "I'm doing great too.

"I'm George, what is your name baby girl?" He asked, smiling, still carrying her in his arms.

"I'm Loretta, this is my aunty" She said and I was surprised she would say that but within I was so happy.

I couldn't believe they would get connected so soon. I was happy but at the same time nervous.

"George, I need to go to the kitchen to prepare something for her to eat," I said.

"Oh, we can eat out" He said and Loretta shouted with joy. 

 I felt a mix of relief and apprehension. I was glad that she felt comfortable with him, but I couldn't help worrying that she might let something slip that would make him suspicious. What if she told him that she lived with me full-time, instead of just coming to visit for holiday? I hoped that wouldn't happen, but I couldn't be sure.