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
Carter's eyes widened in shock.What did Rhea just say?Lauren immediately shoved Rhea's hand away and glared at her. "What nonsense are you spouting?"Seeing her move, Nathan's bodyguard immediately stepped forward, ready to restrain Lauren.Rhea raised her hand slightly and tilted her head. "Am I
"Y-You're hoping Carter dies?" Lauren couldn't believe it. "He's your husband!""Oh, so you know that he's my husband." Rhea crossed her legs and smiled down at Lauren, who was kneeling in front of her. "It's too bad I don't have the cash to cover his medical bills. He'll just have to handle it hims
At 9:00 pm, Carter met with the mysterious Marcus in a car parked outside the villa neighborhood. Marcus was impressive—confident, sharp, and the kind of person whose wealth was evident at a glance.Marcus took a drag from his cigarette and smiled teasingly. "So, what do you think about my suggestio
Aiden was just about to head home after a long night shift when Peter dragged him to a coffee shop."Have a coffee. Wake yourself up a bit," Peter said.Aiden frowned. "If you've got something to say, just spit it out.""I heard a few things about the banquet Carter threw last night. I also asked De







