I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 116

Chapter 116

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Carter frowned, recalling what Adrian and Arielle had just said. As their father, he couldn’t ignore the problem. “You told me the kids called you a witch, right?”

Lauren’s eyes flickered in panic. “I… Yeah, but I didn’t take it to heart.”

“They said they never did,” Carter said, watching her closely.

Lauren could tell that the kids must have told him something while she wasn’t there. Her mind raced, then she pressed her fingers to her temple. “I was probably just angry then, and with a cartoon on. I guess I heard it wrong.”

Carter studied her for a moment. “But you really did hit Adrian, didn’t you?”

Lauren took a breath. “I didn’t hit him. I just gave him a light pat. The kids are too biased against me. They made a big deal out of nothing.”

“You’re their birth mother. You didn’t protect them but actually made things up about them?” This was the first time Carter had ever shown real emotion toward Lauren like this.

Lauren noticed this. She stepped forward and took his hand. “Exactly because I’m their mother, I can’t just watch them be taught to be rude. I’d never hurt them.”

“Rhea has taken care of them all these years, and nothing like this has ever happened.” Carter pulled

his hand free.

Lauren’s heart sank.

“Apologize to the kids. They’re still upset and don’t want to come home,” he said.

Chloe cut in, offended. “You want their mother to apologize? People would laugh if they heard that. Those kids have been taught terribly!”

Carter frowned. “Mrs. Thayer Senior, my relationship with Rhea is one thing, but when it comes to the kids, she’s never done them wrong.”

Lauren turned and hugged Chloe. “It’s fine, Grandma. As long as the kids are okay, I’ll do whatever it takes. I just want them safe and happy.”

Her words brought back what Arielle had said earlier. “The way she acts when you’re around isn’t how she is when you’re not.”

Carter wondered if her gentleness was an act. However, he thought against it because she was their mother. There was no way she’d do that.

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Chapter 116

+25 BONUS

When they entered the villa again, Lauren smiled gently and said, “Arielle, Adrian, I’m sorry for not taking your feelings into account. That was my fault. I’ll learn how to take better care of you. Will you forgive me?”

Arielle and Adrian really disliked her. Even if she apologized, that wouldn’t change.

Arielle glanced at Rhea, then tugged Adrian’s hand. “It’s fine,” she said quietly.

“Can I have a hug?” Lauren’s eyes glistened. She looked deeply pained.

However, the kids didn’t move. They simply walked over to stand beside Carter. They understood that they had to go home no matter what.

“Mom,” Adrian called out as he turned to Rhea.

Rhea went over, crouched, and straightened their clothes. “You’re my amazing kids. I love you. If you ever miss me, message me anytime, and I’ll come get you. But you can’t sneak out again. Your dad will worry, and I will worry even more. Got it?”

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