I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 159

Chapter 159

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Even the hired help at the Jamison residence could tell that Arielle and Adrian were more like just tools for Lauren to get close to Carter.

Carter pondered the situation. “Well, I suppose you’re right. The kids probably want to have some fun on their own now that they’re on break.”

“Exactly.” Lauren beamed. “You’re having dinner with me tonight, and we’ll go to the auction house tomorrow. I’ve also booked a table at a restaurant for tomorrow’s dinner. It’s a couples–only

restaurant.”

A couples–only restaurant?

Carter asked, “We’re not bringing the kids with us?”

“It’s a couples–only restaurant. I don’t think it’s appropriate to bring them along.”

After getting into the car, Carter said, “Lauren, as a mother, you need to think about Arielle and Adrian more often. If we keep coming out on our own like this, they’ll feel lonely.”

Lauren instinctively retorted, “They have each other. Why would they be lonely?”

She realized that she’d said the wrong thing as soon as the words were out of her mouth. She quickly added, “What I meant was that they’re old enough to have their own ideas and opinions now. They might not like having their parents around all the time. Besides…”

She hung her head and lowered her voice. “It’s been so long since I had some alone time with you. It’s my fault for being greedy and wanting to make the most of it.”

Her words made Carter’s guilt intensify. She had forced herself to stay away from him for years. Now that she was back, it was to be expected that she wanted to spend more time with him so they could rekindle their love for each other. He had to be more understanding.

He said, “Don’t say that. I’ll spend as much time with you as you want.”

She looked up at him. “Really?”

Carter’s heart twisted painfully when he saw her acting so cautiously. “Lauren, you don’t have to be so careful around me. You’re the woman I once loved with all my heart, and you’re also the mother of my children. You can do whatever you want around me, and you can swipe my card whenever you need money. You don’t need to ask me.”

Lauren shook her head, saying, “I can’t bear to do that. I’ll look for a job once I’ve fully recovered.”

“You don’t need to work. I make enough money for both of us.”

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Chapter 159

+25 BONUS

Carter had instinctively started thinking of Lauren as his other half since learning about her miscarriage. Even if he had mixed feelings about the whole thing, he still knew he had to take responsibility for her.

“Thank you, Carter.” Lauren looked touched. “I love you so, so much.”

He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re a sweet thing.”

The sliver of regret that had taken root in his heart after he and Rhea had gone through with the divorce was uprooted and cast aside as he sank into Lauren’s tenderness.

Lauren made sure to wear her best outfit as she and Carter met Sharon and Peter at the entrance to

the international auction house on Sunday.

Sharon gave Lauren and Carter a once–over. “You two are such a good match!”

Lauren smiled shyly. “Don’t say things like that.‘

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Carter looked dapper in his sharp suit. “Let’s head inside.”

Once they were inside, Sharon said, “I heard there’s this gorgeous necklace up for—”

She abruptly stopped talking. Then, she exclaimed, “What are you doing here?”

Coincidentally, Rhea stood not too far from them. She wore a long, black coat over shorts, and her long legs peeked out from underneath it. The heels she had on elongated her already tall and slender figure.

One of the auction house’s staff members stood beside her, looking respectful.

Rhea gave Sharon and the others an indifferent look. When Lauren saw Rhea glance at them, she instinctively tightened her hold on Carter’s arm.

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