I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 293

Chapter 293

+25 BONUS

Alisha said to Arielle, “Ms. Arielle, before you go, remember to prepare a gift to make your mom and grandparents happy.”

Devan added, “That’s right. Even though the kids aren’t biologically related to them, they were so happy when they stayed at Mrs. Jamison’s house before.”

Arielle smiled. “Grandpa and Grandma are really nice to me! And my uncle too. He’s a bit scary, but he’ll give Adrian and me anything we want.”

Seeing her own child act so affectionately toward another woman made Lauren’s heart ache.

“Go play with your toys. I’ll play games with you later,” Carter told Arielle.

After what happened with Adrian, Carter realized just how important the kids were to him. Lately, he had been as gentle and kind as possible toward them, and the kids no longer resisted him.

It was clear that Rhea had genuinely treated the kids well, and Lauren had never shown them much kindness. Otherwise, how could such pure–hearted children continue rejecting her?

At that thought, Carter’s gaze toward Lauren grew colder and more distant.

Lauren walked over. “I had the kitchen prepare some dinner. Let’s have a drink tonight and chat a

little.”

Carter lowered his eyes. “Okay.”

He had had a lot on his mind recently and welcomed a small drink to relax.

Lauren went into the kitchen to cook a few of her signature dishes herself.

Carter sat in the sitting room where he could see everything she did. “I remember you couldn’t cook

before.”

Lauren, with her back to him, let out a faint chuckle. “I’ve had to learn. I was all alone for the past few years, after all. When a person reaches a certain age, they have to learn to grow up and become independent,”

Her tone carried a mix of helplessness and sorrow.

But Carter found something odd. “You had cancer, and you still had the energy to learn to cook?”

Lauren froze mid–chop.

Alisha quickly said, “Maybe Ms. Thayer’s condition wasn’t that serious. By the way, Ms. Thayer, which hospital did you get treated at? You look so well now. It must be a really good hospital.’

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Chapter 293

+25 BONUS

Lauren turned to look at Alisha, her gaze deep. “I don’t remember the hospital’s name. I don’t want to keep holding onto such bad memories. They’re just too painful.”

Devan studied her silently, thinking that Lauren’s words were full of inconsistencies.

In the past, Carter would have only cared about Lauren’s pain and avoided bringing up topics that would reopen her wounds. But now, he could see everything clearly.

Carter took a sip of water. “Think about which hospital it was. If someone around us ever has cancer in the future, I can recommend that place. It’s a good deed.”

Lauren swallowed hard. “Alright. I’ll look it up later. Let me finish cooking first.”

Naturally, she would need some time because she had to coordinate with Holly.

The fake medical records she had asked Holly to prepare weren’t done yet. She needed to check on them.

At dinner, Lauren wanted a private moment with Carter to chat, but Arielle sat at the table and

refused to leave.

After hesitating, Lauren said, “Arielle, I want to talk to your dad for a bit. Can you go play with Alisha?”

Arielle looked up at Carter. “Dad?”

He placed some food on her plate. “Is this something Arielle can’t hear?”

Lauren tightened her grip on her fork and smiled. “No, I just didn’t want her to hear and feel upset.”

“Dad and Mom are getting along again, and Adrian is going to recover. I’m really happy now. Nothing can make me sad. You can go ahead,” Arielle said cheerfully.