I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 631

The 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 above a whisper.

But Carter didn't answer. He pulled the car to a stop at a red light. Silent tears fell onto his trousers, leaving dark spots that quickly disappeared.

He couldn't quite name what he was feeling, only that he understood that there was no going back. Between him and Lauren, they could no longer return to the way things were before.

Even if they stayed together for the children, it wouldn't be right. The love between them was gone.

A lifetime was such a long time to endure. He thought it would be torment to have to put up with someone they didn't love every minute of every day. His final act of kindness was to wish that Lauren would meet a good match.

Looking out the window at the city lights, Carter ruminated over how he'd been a jerk all along. He thought that Rhea and Lauren had both been unfortunate to have met him, and leaving him was the only way they could find peace.

He would take care of the children. At the very least, he owed them that much—to Rhea, for her six years of devotion, and to Lauren, for risking her life to bring them into the world.

At that thought, Carter composed himself. "Alright, kids. Let's go home."

"Okay, Dad!" Arielle and Adrian said in unison.

They weren't happy about this, but they wouldn't voice it.

Carter was treating them better than ever, and he'd been working hard. Moreover, Rhea once told them they had to learn to understand him, grow up, and get used to people leaving.

…

Eventually, Solaris Ventures welcomed a second Camilla. It was none other than Lauren, who had thrown herself into work and climbed from a junior translator to a position at Solaris' headquarters.

Rhea noticed Lauren's quiet effort and how she would carefully pick out Children's Day gifts for the kids from time to time.

Growing up was a part of life, and so was change. Hence, Rhea began training Lauren to handle investment projects.

Two years passed just like that. During that time, Lauren was serious, humble, and willing to take on challenges. After everything she'd been through, she no longer rushed for results. In her 30s, she was more composed than ever.

So when Carter saw her again, he almost didn't recognize her. Her hair was cut into a clean and sharp bob. She wore a fitted suit. Her smile was calm, her words precise, and her actions were measured.

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