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
Elena rolled her eyes. "...Mom."Esther cleared her throat and tried to reason with her. "You need to get to know him better. From what I can see, he's not exactly interested in you."Elena smacked the armrest. "I've made up my mind! I just want him! Besides, his sister and parents are such good peo
"Mr. Snider, this is a small token for you and Mrs. Snider. I hope it brightens your days," Rhea said, presenting a precious emerald and a box of premium teas.Steven replied, "There's no need for such formality. Soon we'll all be one family. Cynthia… is eating in the main dining room. Don't worry a
Compared to their annoyance over the banner ruining the display, the foreigners clearly cared more about whether the banner's message was true.Kate swallowed hard, feeling anxious and humiliated. After a heartbeat, she said, "No, I'm not Kate Pearson."Cynthia frowned but didn't say anything. The s
"Mr. Snider, what an honor to have you here." Sawyer smiled and extended his hand.George stepped out of the elevator and shook it firmly. "Mr. Burton. I've heard a lot about you."Sawyer personally led the way. "This way, please."The two of them spoke privately in the VIP lounge for nearly 40 minu







