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
Lauren trembled, panic tightening her chest as tears slipped down her face. Deep down, she was terrified of losing Carter.Carter almost used all his strength to grip Lauren's face. "Dexter is freaking old! You actually…"He couldn't even bring himself to finish the sentence and let go of her face.
Carter questioned if that was really something a mother would say.Tears welled up in Lauren's eyes. "Carter, I can't even defend myself. I have no proof. Are you really doubting me over his words? Do you really have no trust left in me?"There was a time she had his complete trust. He believed in h
Liam, as expected, spoke perfectly. His every word was carefully measured, leaving no room for anyone to fault the Ravelle family.Yet, if Carter tried to ride that goodwill and asked for help outright, he would instantly come off as shameless. He lowered his head, taking a few moments to steel him
Rhea stood and said, "There's something I want to show you."With that, she walked away.George's gaze lingered on her unhurried steps before he followed.Nathan didn't say a single word. He just raised his glass and clinked it against Kate's.Kate was stunned for a moment, then smiled. "Cheers, Nat







