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 had neglected Rhea—Ruby's precious daughter—for years. If they had truly lived well together, maybe Liam and Ruby could have let it go after some time.But they hadn't.Rhea had become a stepmother at such a young age, yet she was treated like this.Ruby no longer bothered to maintain her com
Rhea leaned back against the couch. Her head was pounding.She hated herself for being so naive and blind in her youth, for ending up in such a state that day. Seeing Carter's true colors that day had left her nauseated.Feeling lightheaded, she murmured, "I'm leaving, George.""Are you heading home
Liam set his cup down with a thud. "Don't apologize. Just do what needs to be done. If Carter thinks that our family is bullying him with our influence, then tell him that that's exactly what we're doing. Ask him to endure it."Rhea felt a surge of unwavering confidence flood through her. She nodded
George's body immediately tensed. His hands braced against the bed as he looked down at Rhea clinging to his waist, refusing to let go.Rhea's eyes were shut, and her cheek was pressed against his chest.George had no choice but to lift her again. He then turned around so he could sit on the bed.Rh







