LOGINThe seatbelt clicked into place, and Carter let out a quiet breath.Meanwhile, Arielle and Adrian watched as Lauren's figure faded into the distance. A dull ache rose in their chests.They couldn't help wondering why every mother they had ever had eventually left."Dad?" Adrian's voice was barely ab
Lauren let out a laugh right after.Perhaps some people just weren't meant to be together.So, after the family event, she invited Carter and the kids out to dinner. The restaurant she chose was on the pricier end, and she'd planned to spend half a month's salary on that one meal.At dinner, Arielle
Resting her chin on one hand, Lauren continued to tutor Adrian and Arielle, her tone patient but firm. "Look, this one's a grammatical error."The kids were bright, and they picked things up fast. Lauren nodded, pleased with their progress. "Not bad. You two definitely take after your dad.""Were yo
"Make sure you save it for me, okay? Don't sneak any for yourself. I'm saving up for a house," Lauren said.Affording a mansion was out of the question in this lifetime, but an apartment in an upscale neighborhood might be possible. Still, in a city like Draventh, even that wasn't easy.Lauren wasn'
A dull ache stabbed through Lauren's chest. All of a sudden, she sprang up from the ground, threw herself into Carter's arms, and let out a raw, anguished cry.She broke down completely. Her wails were hoarse and filled with grief as they tore through the air.Carter, Arielle, and Adrian were all sp
On the drive to Colburn, Carter watched the streets and buildings roll past outside the window.This was the city where he had spent most of his life. He'd grown up here, and every street seemed to hold a piece of his past.Out of nowhere, Lauren asked, "You must've shared a lot of memories here wit
The next day at the orthopedic hospital, Lauren was being helped out of her ward. She asked, "What's going on?"The hospital staff said, "Sorry, but the beds are full right now. Since you haven't confirmed your surgery, you should just rest at home."The hospital director had given them instructions
Those who had heard the rumors weren't surprised, but the uninitiated couldn't help but be drawn into the spectacle.Rhea continued, "My life used to be peaceful and happy until my stepchildren's birth mother's return. She moved in as if she owned the place, took over my bedroom, and wore my dresses
Carter's breathing was heavy, and his eyes were bloodshot with anger. "I'm your father! I gave you life, I raised you, and now I'm in trouble. You should help me. Just call Rhea. She doesn't have to do anything. She just has to show up."Frustrated, Adrian snapped, "Then why don't you find that othe
Whispers rippled through the hall."Seriously?""I haven't heard my wife mention that. She must be lying."Peter sneered. "Ms. Ravelle, why aren't you saying anything? Don't you even know your own family?"A clear path opened through the crowd, as if everyone had instinctively made space. The hall f







