I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

She had returned to start packing. After the kids‘ birthday, she planned to be honest with them about separating from Carter.

She believed that they were old enough to be told.

Besides, she had raised them. Leaving without saying a single word would be irresponsible.

“Mom!”

As soon as she stepped into the house, Arielle ran up to her barefoot with a cooling patch stuck to her forehead. Rhea frowned. “What happened?”

Arielle clung to her tightly. “Mom, where did you go? Don’t you want me and Adrian anymore?”

Rhea’s heart broke. She held Arielle close, murmuring reassurances.

“You’re finally back, huh?” Having barely slept all night, Carter looked utterly exhausted. His eyes were bloodshot.

But Rhea no longer had her usual gentleness about her. She ignored him and carried Arielle toward the kids‘ room.

Carter said sharply, “Arielle’s fever wouldn’t go down. I called you, but your phone was off.”

Rhea paused. “So? You’re their biological parents. You couldn’t take care of your own kids, and now you’re blaming me, the stepmother?”

Carter sighed, trying to explain. “What I said last time was in the heat of the moment. But you raised them. Arielle went out in the rain looking for you. You know she’s always been frail!”

Rhea didn’t want to argue. “Carter, if all we do is fight, maybe we shouldn’t see each other anymore. I’ll pack my things and move out later.”

She felt like Carter had changed beyond recognition. All her hope in him vanished.

Just then, Lauren rushed in, looking distraught. “What’s going on? Can you please not fight in front of my kids?”

She acted as if she deeply pitied the children, as if it was completely justified for a birth mother to blame the stepmother.

Her words reignited Carter’s barely contained temper. His eyes chilled as he looked at Rhea. “You’re really losing your motherly touch.” Then, he walked away.

A bitter helplessness flooded Rhea’s chest. She lowered her gaze to meet Arielle’s hopeful eyes.

She smiled through the pain and said, “Let’s take your medicine.”

Arielle beamed. “Okay!”

Her cheeks were pink, but her lips were pale. She was clearly still weak.

In the kids‘ room, Rhea asked while brushing Arielle’s hair, “Why did you go looking for me yesterday? I’m a grown–up. I won’t get lost.”

Arielle pressed her lips together before whispering, “That lady had people looking for her when she left. You should have someone too. Mom, you’re not alone. You have me and Adrian. You don’t have to be scared.”

Chapter 17

+25 BONUS

Adrian nodded seriously. “Yeah, Mom.”

Rhea thought that she had cried herself dry the night before, but tears spilled again. Because in the past six years, she hadn’t gained nothing.

She had two lovely kids, even if they weren’t biologically hers. She should be proud of herself, not full of doubt and self–reproach. She said, “Arielle, Adrian, I need to tell you something.”

Arielle grew a little wary. “What is it?”

“You’re in elementary school now, so I’m going to start working. That means I won’t always be home. You have to be strong and learn to manage on your own, okay?”

Both kids fell silent.

Rhea decided to use work as an excuse to gradually reduce the kids‘ dependence on her. That way, when she eventually told them about separating from Carter, it wouldn’t be so hard for them to accept.

However, she had overlooked one thing. These six–year–olds weren’t easily fooled.

Arielle blinked up at her and asked, “Mom, are you going to split up with Dad?”

Rhea froze. “No, I just…”

“Mom, is it because Adrian and I wear you out?” Arielle rushed to say, “We don’t need you to pick us up, feed us, or help us with homework. Please don’t-”

Rhea immediately pulled both kids into a fierce hug, tears streaming down her face.

She held back the tremor in her voice. “No, no, you two will always be my treasures. You didn’t wear me out. I just really have to work now. Don’t you want me to do more than just stay home forever?”