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
Louie was surprised. "You didn't know? When Mr. George's older brother had that accident, Mr. George was supposed to go with him. But he went to pick you up instead. It was fortunate that he didn't. Otherwise, it would've been two lives lost that day."Rhea fell silent. She could already imagine wha
Valerie, however, refused to show any courtesy. Thinking of the recent troubles, she found herself growing increasingly hostile toward Kate. Even a twinge of disgust surfaced within her.She sternly said, "Important matters like this don't require too many people. It could get chaotic and lead to mi
Rhea had never been this radiant when with Carter. She had always stayed in his shadow, gentle and calm. She was such a silent protector that he had often overlooked her existence.Just then, Carter's phone rang. It was a call from Peter."Carter, have you heard? Louie's company has become a model e
After breakfast, Cynthia kept staring at her phone. She hesitated, wanting to contact George but stopping herself each time. She couldn't muster the courage to do it.She looked up. "Kate, which floor is your room on?""I'm right next door, Mrs. Snider. You can call me anytime you need me." Kate lef







