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
Rhea nodded and popped a chicken tender into her mouth. "This is so good. Did your chef make them?""Yeah. If you like them, take the whole batch," George said casually."Is that really okay?"George shot her a look. "Nathan treats this place like his own. He grabs whatever he wants. You can do the
The memory hit Carter out of nowhere, softening his expression. He looked at Lauren and said gently, "I really should thank you for giving me two beautiful kids."Lauren lowered her head. "I loved you so much back then. Having your children was all I ever wanted."There was a hint of sadness in her
First, Lauren replaced the clothes Rhea had bought for the kids. Next, she would teach them new skills. Over time, the children would naturally grow closer to her.But Lauren had clearly forgotten one significant thing—the children were already six years old.They could think for themselves, and the
Mia didn't know what was going on. After all, Lauren had just said that there was no rush in getting herself checked out by a doctor. She thought that it was weird.Upon hearing that, Rhea pulled her hand away from Carter's and slowly stood. "I won't go home. I'll return to my own place."She had in







