We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 121

Chapter 121

The hope must have shown in my eyes because something in Ridley’s

expression shifted.

“If I asked you to quit your job to care for Aria during her recovery, would you do it?” he asked, his tone surprisingly neutral.

“What?!” I froze.

Quit my job? Impossible. All my hopes rested on this position.

Without it, I had nothing.

But Aria…

I bit my lip. “If Aria needs me, I could request a leave of absence…”

“As Design Director, do you really believe the company would grant

you such an extended leave?” Ridley scoffed. “Clearly, your feelings

for Aria are merely pity and sympathy. When your own interests are

threatened, she becomes secondary.”

“That’s not true,” I protested, shaking my head.

But I couldn’t bring myself to say I’d quit. The thought of giving up

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my chance at stability and independence made my stomach clench.

Yet thinking about Aria made my heart ache with genuine concern.

Was I truly that selfish? Was my affection for Aria conditional on

maintaining my own comfort?

My face must have paled because something in Ridley’s expression

softened imperceptibly.

“If…” I began hesitantly, “if my presence would truly help Aria,

would resign.”

I lifted my gaze to meet his, newfound resolve strengthening my

voice. I’d conducted a brutal internal calculation: If Aria remained

forever isolated in her own world, unable to speak or connect,

occasionally terrorized by her dance instructor’s cruelty–could I

accept that outcome?

The answer thundered through me: Absolutely not.

If I couldn’t accept it, I had to help change it.

I could find another job later. It might pay less–perhaps only a fifth

of my current salary–meaning I’d need to save for eight or nine years

instead of two. Living frugally, I could still eventually buy my own

place.

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Trading a few years of career advancement for a child’s wellbeing and

happiness? Worth it.

The determination in my eyes must have affected Ridley because he

suddenly straightened and stepped back, his tall figure emanating a

new distance.

“We’ll discuss resignation if it becomes necessary,” he said coolly.

“When time permits, I’ll arrange for you to visit Aria.”

I quickly rose from the sofa, eyes brightening. “I’m free after work

today.”

My eagerness seemed to amuse him. He cleared his throat. “Aria is

stable now, recovering at the wellness center. Today won’t be

possible.”

“I’m just relieved she’s alright,” I sighed, the tension I’d carried all day

finally releasing.

I didn’t understand why I worried so intensely about Ridley Sterling’s

daughter. The Sterling children had unlimited resources, staff, and

the finest medical care. My concern was entirely unnecessary.

Yet I couldn’t control the protective instinct that had overtaken me.

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“Mr. Sterling, I should return to work now,” I said respectfully,

preparing to leave.

His gaze settled on me again. “I’ve provided the information you

wanted. Aren’t you going to show some appreciation?”

Appreciation? For what?

I stared at him, confused.

“I told you Aria is fine and promised to take you to see her. Don’t you

think that deserves some gratitude?” His tone was maddeningly calm.

I was momentarily speechless. I was concerned about his daughter

and wanted to visit her. Shouldn’t he be thanking me?

But remembering how quickly Ridley could transform from composed

to glacial, I hesitated to voice my thoughts. “Perhaps I could buy you

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