I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

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“Carter’s trying to save you some dignity, so he kept quiet. But I’m going to say what needs to be said.”

Rhea looked straight at the three of them. She suddenly wondered when exactly she had ended up with no one by

her side.

Indeed, she resented Lauren. Rhea hated that her return had instantly made her out to be the villainous stepmother. But her resentment toward Carter was stronger.

How could he let anyone scold her like this?

Because he never once cared how she felt. Not once.

So Rhea wasn’t going to stay quiet anymore.

The twins‘ birthday was over. It was time for her to say goodbye to this place. However, she wasn’t leaving with her dignity in shreds.

She intended to give back every bit of the hurt and humiliation she had endured to the ones who caused it.

Rhea dropped her umbrella and turned to Alisha. “Stay with the kids. Don’t let them come out.”

Alisha quickly headed upstairs to watch over Arielle and Adrian.

Rhea faced the three of them. “First of all, not once in the past six years have the children been harmed under my care. They’ve been happy. As their stepmother, I gave them just as much love as any birth mother would.

“I’m the lady of this house and the mother of the kids. And the only people who have the right to judge my past or my place in this family are the children I raised. Not even Carter has that right. So tell me. Who exactly are you to judge me?”

This was the second time Carter had seen her be this assertive. Her voice wasn’t loud, but it rang with clarity and strength.

Rhea turned to Devan and instructed, “Devan, show the guests out.”

In this house, Lauren and Chloe were just guests.

“Carter…” Lauren looked utterly humiliated. “Grandma and I just wanted to spend time with the kids. How did it come to this?”

“You’ll have all the time in the world to cry to him tomorrow. Aren’t you starting to work with him? This way, please.” Rhea opened the door.

“Rhea!” Carter barked.

Even Devan couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Ladies, please. Mr. and Mrs. Jamison have private matters to discuss.”

Chloe’s face flushed red. “Let’s go, Lauren!”

The moment they stepped out, Rhea shut the door behind them.

Just as Carter was about to criticize her, she said, “Let’s get divorced.”

Her tone was firm, without the slightest trace of hesitation.

Carter frowned. “Seriously? One disagreement and you’re already bringing up divorce?”

Chapter 33

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“This isn’t a discussion. It’s a decision.” Rhea continued, “To you, I’m nothing more than a responsibility. I don’t want a marriage like that. For six years, I’ve done everything expected of me. I don’t want anything from you.

“All I ask is that you sign the papers. Once it’s done, you can help Lauren as much as you want. That’ll be your business. But while we’re still legally married, you don’t get to cheat on me and trample on my dignity.”

“Cheat on you?” Carter tugged at his tie. “Do you think I’m that kind of man? I told you, Lauren’s just going through a rough patch-” 1

“That’s enough.” Rhea didn’t want to hear another excuse. “Let’s meet at the courthouse tomorrow morning.”

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