I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Carter felt a wave of guilt. He hadn’t taken good care of Arielle. That was entirely his fault.

“I’m okay now, Dad,” Arielle said sweetly as she tugged at his arm. “But Dad, don’t be mean to Mom anymore, okay? She doesn’t have any friends. It’s just us.”

Carter smiled. “Don’t worry. I promise that I’ll take good care of her, love her right, and never let her leave you guys,”

Around the corner of the stairs, Lauren was carrying two glasses of milk. She wanted to bring them to the kids. But the moment she heard what Carter said, the hurt that had haunted her through the night came rushing back.

She couldn’t understand how he could care so much about Rhea.

She gently touched her no–longer–flat stomach. This was what carrying his child had left her with. But now, both her children and lover were siding with another woman. 1

How could Carter just decide to spend the rest of his life with Rhea?

“Carter, Arielle, Adrian.” Lauren quickly adjusted her expression and looked at them from a distance. “I made breakfast. The milk’s warm too. Come eat.”

Carter stood and took the kids downstairs with him.

Lauren watched as the children completely ignored her. Her eyes turned red.

“Lauren, what’s wrong?” Mia had just emerged from her room to eat when she saw Lauren quietly wiping at her

tears.

“It’s nothing.”

“Did someone upset you? Tell me!”

Lauren took a shaky breath and glanced toward the dining room. “I nearly died giving birth to them. But they don’t even want to be near me. They only like Rhea. I just can’t take it.”

The kids only like Rhea?

Mia pressed her lips together. “Don’t cry, Lauren. They’re still young. They don’t know any better. Besides, Rhea is their stepmother. Of course she’s doing everything she can to win them over.”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

“Come on. Let’s eat.”

In the dining room, Lauren forced a smile in front of Mia. “Carter, I made some pasta. Come eat before it gets

cold.”

But Carter didn’t sit down. “Uncle Tyler, Aunt Leah, you go on ahead. It’s Rhea’s birthday today. So, I’m making her some birthday pancakes.”

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Chapter 56

“Dad, Adrian and I can help!” Arielle offered.

Carter chuckled. “Alright. You guys can help me crack the eggs.”

Adrian beamed. “Okay!”

+25 BONUS

Lauren bit her lip at the sight. The three of them were going to make birthday pancakes for Rhea together?

“Adrian, Arielle, don’t get in the way. Come keep your mom company,” Mia said.

Arielle turned around. “Aunt Mia, you guys can do that. It’s Mom’s birthday. We only get one a year. It’s important.”

Lauren felt a rush of bitterness and jealousy flood her chest.

Chloe sighed dramatically before saying, “Young people these days don’t even have a hint of respect. All the elders are sitting here, and Ms. Ravelle hasn’t even come down yet. Meanwhile, Lauren made breakfast for

everyone.”

Leah remarked, “Lauren had all the traits of a good wife. It’s Carter’s loss.”

“Don’t start,” Tyler cut in, frowning.

Leah shot him a glare and fell silent.

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