I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

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In Carter’s eyes, Rhea had lost the very essence of what it meant to be a wife and a mother–grace and tolerance. He thought that it was such a trivial matter and that she should have understood and trusted him.

However, not only had she repeatedly brought up divorce, but she had now left the house. He would like to see how long she could last out there with no one to rely on.

Devan had nothing more to say, so he quietly turned and left the room.

From that day on, Carter refused to mention Rhea at all.

At breakfast, when Arielle didn’t see Rhea, she asked, “Dad, where’s Mom?”

He curtly replied, “She left.”

Carter put down his spoon and looked seriously at his children. “There’s something I should have told you both earlier. Lauren and I are your birth parents. Rhea is only your stepmother.

“Now that she’s chosen to leave, you shouldn’t keep asking about her. You’re in elementary school now. It’s time to be mature.”

Lauren immediately added, “That’s right, Arielle. I know you two don’t like me yet, and that’s okay. Although we haven’t spent much time together, I’ll always be here for you. After all, when something really happens to you, the ones willing to give up their lives for you will always be your dad and me.”

She was their birth mother. It only made sense that the children would be close to her.

This time, Arielle didn’t make a fuss as she remembered what Rhea had told her.

However, Adrian couldn’t help asking, “Dad, are you and Mom getting divorced? Who will Arielle and I live with?

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Six–year–olds knew a lot these days. With the internet and advanced technology, they were exposed to a great deal more. They knew that when parents divorced, the children usually stayed with one of them.

Carter didn’t want to talk about divorce. But the more he thought about Rhea’s irresponsibility, the more it annoyed him. He snapped, “Of course you’re staying with me.”

Lauren chimed in, “Sweeties, Rhea is your stepmother. She doesn’t have the right to take you away.‘

Arielle lowered her head and ate in silence. Rhea had told her that acting out would only make things harder on themselves.

Now that Rhea wasn’t here, she knew that they had to be strong.

Carter tried to change the topic. “School’s starting soon. Are your supplies all ready?”

Arielle shook her head. “Mom’s not here, so no one helped us get them.”

“I’ll take care of that!” Lauren offered enthusiastically.

Carter glanced at her. “You’re still injured. Maybe it’s better if you

don’t.”

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Chapter 68

“It’s fine. I’d do anything for my kids.”

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That finally made Carter feel a little better. He thought that this was what a birth mother should be like. A mother should never prioritize personal gain, but rather focus on her children.

On the other hand, as the stepmother, Rhea was selfish and self–centered.

Still, Carter didn’t think it was surprising and sneered at that thought.

That afternoon, the house was quiet.

Lauren glanced at Devan with a chill in her eyes. She hadn’t forgotten how he had always taken Rhea’s side.

At lunch, Lauren brought out a large package. “Sweeties, look at the school supplies I got for you. Do you like them?”

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