I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Outside the hospital, Adrian waved enthusiastically to George. “Goodbye, Uncle George!”

Arielle tilted her head up. “Uncle George, will you come see us again? Tomorrow’s our birthday. Can we invite you?

11

Rhea quickly cut in, saying, “Arielle, George is very busy.”

It wasn’t that she didn’t want George to come, but Carter and Lauren would definitely be there.

If George saw her current situation, her parents and Nathan would find out too. That wasn’t just embarrassing. It would also make her family worry.

She wanted to handle this herself.

George gave Rhea a meaningful look before lying to the kids. “I have to go on a business trip tomorrow, but your gifts will be delivered on time.”

The siblings seemed to really like this kind of adult because Carter had never spent time with them in that way. The last time he might have done something similar, they hadn’t even been able to walk yet.

Arielle and Adrian looked disappointed. “Okay, then… We’ll be leaving now.”

George smiled and said, “Goodbye.”

Once the kids were in the car, he asked, “Are you heading home?”

Rhea lowered her gaze and let out a silent sigh. She had to go home.

George added, “Save my number.”

“I will.”

As he walked off, Rhea got into the car and saved his number. After some thought, she used his full name as the contact to remind herself to keep clear boundaries.

She might see him as a brother, but he wasn’t really family by blood. So, she couldn’t rely on him too often.

In the car, Arielle held Rhea’s hand. “Mom, I really like Uncle George.”

“You just met him once, and you already like him?”

“Yeah. Kids can tell. If we like someone, they must be a good person.”

Rhea couldn’t help but chuckle. “Arielle, Adrian, listen to me. No matter what, don’t trust others so easily. And never put all your hope into just one person or one thing. Always try to rely on yourselves first. Got it?”

“Mom, you’ve said that so many times already. We remember!” Adrian grinned.

Rhea added softly, “You need to learn to be independent. That way, even if I’m not around one day, you’ll still know how to take care of things.”

But the kids picked up on her tone more quickly than she expected.

Arielle looked up immediately. “Mom, are you leaving? Are you and Dad going to split up?”

Chapter 27

+25 BONUS

She had been feeling anxious lately. That was why she called for Rhea even in her sleep.

For Adrian and her, their world had always consisted of the ever–present Rhea and Carter, who only showed up from time to time.

Rhea was the one person they couldn’t imagine their world without.

If she left…

“I’m not leaving. I’m just going to work,” Rhea said gently. After a pause, she added, “Tomorrow’s your birthday, and it’s the weekend family day. Your dad will be there. You should be happy.”

Adrian pouted. “It’s family day, but Dad’s always in his study the whole time.”

Arielle agreed. “Yeah, he just works at home.”

That was exactly why, when George spent time playing with them, they became so cheerful and attached to him.

Rhea looked out the window. She had arranged to start work with Louie on Monday. Tomorrow was the weekend and the kids‘ birthday.

Back home, to Rhea’s surprise, Carter was still there. It was Saturday. He was usually at the office by now.

The moment he heard the kids‘ voices echoing through the house, he looked up sharply. For the first time, he thought their chatter sounded pleasant.

He got up, and Arielle and Adrian instinctively quieted down. “Dad.”

Carter crouched beside Arielle. “Are you feeling better? It was careless of me, How about I make you something nice to eat?”

Kids were easier to comfort. He just had to say sorry and make them something they liked, and they’d be happy again in no time.

Arielle asked, “What are you making?”

“Seafood pasta. Sounds good?”

She pouted in thought. “Yeah.”

“I’ll go make it now. You and Adrian head to your rooms and rest for a bit.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify