Both of them froze.
Cassius scratched his head in disbelief. Joy felt like her mind was imploding.
She never expected her mother to say something like that. Her face flushed, and she started panicking.
"N-No! Never, Mother!" She sputtered. "Why would I ever say something like that?! Not only is he someone I absolutely want to punch in the face, but I'm also older than him by at least ten years!"
"I'll never call anyone that derogatory term!"
Maria gently caressed her daughter's cheek.
"Come on, dear. It's for the good of the family. Eventually you'll start calling him Daddy anyway. It's better to start now, it'll bring our family so much closer together."
Joy shook her head frantically.
"No! Stop it, Mother! This is too much—even for me. I can accept your love, whatever, fine. But him? I will never call him Daddy!"
Even Cassius shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to feel about the whole thing.
But Maria was determined.
"Please, Joy. Please. For your mother's sake."
