We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 1

Chapter 110

Cedar’s POV

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I placed the yellow tabby at the far end of the bench and helped Aria move closer to it. I’ve always believed that children and animals are the purest beings in the world, both capable of healing wounded souls. For a child like Aria, who seemed so withdrawn, interaction with gentle animals might help ease her emotional isolation.

But suddenly, the child in my arms began to tremble.

Aria turned and buried her face against my chest, her small arms wrapping tightly around my neck as she shook uncontrollably.

“Aria, what’s wrong?” I asked, alarmed by her reaction.

The little girl clung to me desperately, her entire body rejecting any proximity to the cat.

“I’m so sorry–I didn’t realize you were afraid of cats,” I said, holding her close. “Don’t worry, we’ll go somewhere else, away from the cat…”

As I started to move away, Aria unexpectedly loosened her grip. Those dark eyes slowly turned back toward the tabby.

In her gaze, I saw something surprising–not fear, but a complex mixture of sadness and longing…

I could read the emotions flowing through Aria’s eyes as she stared at the small cat. Her tiny body remained tense in something else there–a glimmer of curiosity beneath the fear.

“Aria, you actually like cats, don’t you?” I smiled gently. “Don’t worry, this little kitty is very gentle. She won’t bite.”

my

arms,

but there was

Still holding her, I took a small step toward the bench. Though her small body remained rigid against mine, she wasn’t burying her face in my neck anymore. That was progress.

I approached cautiously, inch by inch, until we were back in our original spot, just half a step away from the cat. The little feline was an affectionate one. Seeing that we had returned, it jumped down from the bench and began circling around my legs, meowing softly.

“Look, Aria,” I crouched down, keeping my voice encouraging. “The kitty wants someone to pet her. See how I do it?” I stroked the cat’s head gently. “See how happy she looks? Would you like to try?”

I gently took Aria’s hand in mine, guiding it slowly toward the cat’s head. Her entire body tensed, but she didn’t resist my guidance. Her palm was damp with sweat as we inched closer until her small fingers finally made contact with the cat’s soft fur.

“Meow,” the cat purred with pleasure, nuzzling against Aria’s tiny palm.

The corner of Aria’s mouth twitched upward in the faintest smile. My heart melted instantly. This confirmed what I’d always believed–children and animals shared a natural connection that transcended barriers. This was good progress.

“Aria! What are you doing?!”

A woman’s shrill voice shattered our moment. Aria yanked her hand back as if burned, her eyes widening with unmistakable terror as she watched the woman storming toward us.

“You again!” Daisy rushed forward, jabbing her finger inches from my face First you tried to lure Aria away at the amusement park, and now

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14:58 Fri, Feb 6 BBQ

Chapter 110

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you’re using the same tricks! What exactly are you after? And Aria is allee to cat hair are you trying to send her to the hepitel? $ won’t let you get away with this!

Daisy’s face contorted with rage. I could see she was genuinely upset, perhaps worried when she couldn’t find Aria. But there was something else in her expression–something possessive and threatening.

“She’s mine,” her eyes seemed to say. “Don’t you dare try to take her,”

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