I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 153

Chapter 153

Carter spent the rest of the night at the hospital, going without sleep. Then, after the sky turned bright, he received a call from Rhea. He asked darkly, “What do you want?”

“I’m reaching Colburn soon. Let’s get this finalized,” she said. She was talking about the divorce.

Carter stood up. “Fine. I’ll head back right now.”

He hung up. Lauren, halfway through breakfast, asked, “What happened?”

“Rhea is back in Colburn. We’re meeting to finalize the divorce.”

Finally?

Lauren put down her cutlery. “I’ll go with you.”

“You can’t. You need to rest. I’ll get you a carer,” Carter said.

She shook her head. “I have to go with you. She knows many people now, and I’m worried she’ll…”

At her insistence, the nurses helped her out of the hospital and into Carter’s car. Then, they hurried back to Colburn together.

On the way there, Lauren said hesitantly, “Carter, you were with her once. Don’t argue with her, and just say goodbye to this relationship with a peaceful heart. Even if she hasn’t achieved anything over the years, at least she has put in the effort. If she wants some of your money, you-”

Carter cut her off. “No way.”

Never mind that Rhea had once said she didn’t want any of his assets. Even if she hadn’t, he wouldn’t give her a single cent! Not after what she’d done lately!

She wasn’t worthy of his money, nor did she deserve it!

Carter and Lauren arrived at 1:00 pm. Carter heard that Rhea was at home with the kids, so he went straight there. Lauren followed him slowly, looking weak. “Rhea, you’re back.”

Arielle, Adrian, and Rhea were playing happily in the living room, but it was clear from the children’s eyes that they’d cried.

Even before they’d returned home, Rhea had spoken to them honestly about her and Carter’s divorce. She’d also told them that though they would be apart, she would still be their mother. They could see her anytime they wanted.

Arielle and Adrian asked to see her at least twice a month. That was the longest they could hold back

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Chapter 153

their longing for her.

Rhea agreed.

+25 BONUS

When she heard Carter and Lauren enter the house, she stood up and said, “Let’s go.”

She had returned to Colburn alone. Liora had offered to come with her, but she’d turned her down. She could bear the wreckage of this horrible marriage herself.

Carter eyed her. “I’m okay to proceed with the divorce, but you need to apologize to Lauren before we go anywhere.”

Rhea smiled mockingly. “What did you just say?”

He wanted her to apologize to Lauren?

“You force–fed Lauren alcohol and made her-”

“Carter!” Lauren cut in. “It’s fine. I’m fine. Let’s just let this go. I don’t want to keep getting into

arguments anymore.

11

The day before, at the Donovan residence, the doctor had clearly told everyone that she wasn’t pregnant. If Rhea let that slip right now…

Carter didn’t notice Lauren’s diffidence. All he saw was her restraint. His heart ached for her, and he

swore he would do everything he could to make it up to her in the future.

“Forget it. Since Lauren is gracious enough to let you off for this, I don’t want to waste my arguing with you.” He turned and strode out of the house.

breath

Rhea had no interest in hearing him spew more disgusting things, either. She and Carter took separate cars away from the Jamison residence.

Before she left, Arielle and Adrian ran out to watch her get into the car. “Mom…”

Rhea halted. She walked back to them and crouched before them, holding out her pinky. “I told you that life will always have goodbyes, so we need to learn to accept this. But don’t forget that I also promised you we can see each other anytime.”

Tears streamed down their face as they silently hooked their pinkies with her.

Rhea had to fight back tears of her own. Her voice became choked up as she kissed their foreheads. “I love you.”

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