I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 614

Arielle had grown a lot. She now stood level with Lauren's ribcage and was even a touch taller than Adrian. As she watched Lauren approach them, she didn't instinctively back away or move to shield Adrian.

It felt strange. Somehow, Lauren didn't seem as terrifying as before. However, Arielle still couldn't bring herself to treat her the same way she treated Rhea.

Fortunately, Carter no longer forced her and Adrian to be friendly with Lauren.

Once, while Carter was drunk, Arielle had asked, "Dad, you really won't make me and Adrian accept her anymore?"

"No," he had said. His eyes had been unfocused, but he'd still reached out to ruffle both her and Adrian's hair. "If you no longer have a mom, that's that. At least you'll still have me.

"I'm down on my luck now, and I don't have much money left, but I've still got my two hands. I'll work hard and try to give you two better lives. You don't have to do things you don't want to. All I want is for you two to be safe."

He had had his moments of glory over the past years before hitting rock bottom. He'd also gone through stretches where he'd been a total wreck. Ultimately, he'd ended up with nothing but his children.

Looking back, he was grateful that the kids were still safely by his side.

Fame and fortune were all illusions. He just wasn't destined for that life.

Carter had long since grown out of that stubborn streak. Now, he drove a regular car to the office each day, collected a monthly paycheck, and grabbed a few drinks with some friends after work. He spent the rest of his time helping the kids with homework, playing games with them, and taking them on trips during school breaks.

It was a content life.

Just then, Carter wrapped up his phone call. He looked down to see Adrian staring up at him.

"What's wrong?" He crouched to straighten Adrian's clothes.

"Dad, will you make up with her?" Adrian glanced at Lauren.

Carter looked over, too. A second later, he frowned. "Your old man isn't going to fall into the same ditch three times."

Adrian didn't know what to say.

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