We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 122

Chapter 122

Cedar’s POV

I eyed the man standing before me warily, weighing my options

before speaking. “I can cook for you, but it has to be at my place. My

son is home and I can’t leave him alone.”

“Fine by me. I’ll be looking forward to your home–cooked dinner then,” Ridley replied with an easy nod, his expression betraying

nothing.

I felt myself freeze. Had I just walked straight into his trap? Inviting a man–especially one like Ridley–to my apartment for dinner seemed suddenly, alarmingly unwise. The thought made my throat go dry.

But then again, Oliver would be home. Surely even Ridley wouldn’t try anything inappropriate with a child present.

Throughout the afternoon, I couldn’t focus on my work. My thoughts kept drifting to the evening ahead. Eventually, I decided to leave an hour early, hailing a cab to the largest farmers‘ market in the area.

My cooking skills were passable at best–I could handle everyday meals but nothing elaborate. Tonight, however, I was serving dinner

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to the CEO of Sterling Design Group. Mediocrity wasn’t an option.

I selected only the freshest ingredients–premium seafood, organic

grass–fed beef, lamb, and vegetables that cost five times more than

regular produce. By the time I left the market, my wallet felt

significantly lighter.

Taking another cab to Wicker Park, I hurried toward my building. Just

as I stepped out of the taxi, I heard the distinctive purr of a luxury

engine behind me. Turning around, I watched as a sleek black car

pulled up, and Ridley Sterling emerged.

This was the first time I’d seen him without a suit. His white button-

down shirt had the top button undone, lending an unexpected

casualness to his usually severe demeanor. He’d rolled his sleeves up

twice, revealing tanned, muscular forearms.

He walked toward me with purposeful strides, the amber sunset

creating a dramatic backdrop behind him. The scene resembled an

expensive cologne advertisement–all warm golden light and sharp

masculine angles.

I realized I’d been staring when he stopped directly in front of me,

extending his hand. “Let me carry those for you.”

“N–no, that’s fine,” I stammered, taking a step back and trying to

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regain my composure. I hoped he hadn’t noticed my momentary

lapse.

“I insist.” His tone left no room for argument as he took the bags from

my hands.

Our fingers brushed briefly, and I yanked my hand away as if burned,

tucking it behind my back. My face felt suddenly hot.

Ridley’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Your face is flushed. Why

is that?”

“Is it? Must be the sunset or something…” I mumbled, mortified and

wishing the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

The fiery sunset intensified, casting long shadows as we entered my

building. Ridley had been here once before, but in darkness. Now,

with daylight still filtering through the narrow windows, every shabby

detail of the hallway was visible.

“Mr. Sterling, my son should be home today. He’s quite energetic and

can be a bit boisterous. I hope you won’t mind if he disturbs you.”

Ridley raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the mention of my son.

Finally reaching my door, I fumbled with the keys and pushed it open,

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surprised to find the living room empty.

“Oliver!” I called out.

Oliver’s POV

“Coming, Mommy! Just a minute!” I shouted from the bedroom where

Hunter and I were deep into a video game battle.

When I heard Mom’s voice, I frantically started shoving the console

and controllers under my bed. “Hunter, quick! Hide! If Mom discovers

you’re here, we’re both dead meat!”

Hunter gave me an exasperated look. I couldn’t blame him–I’d

begged him to come play games with me, and now I was throwing him.

under the bus.

He was about to climb out the window to the fire escape when he

froze. “Young Master, listen… isn’t that your father’s voice?”

I stopped breathing for a second.

Tiptoeing to the door, I cracked it open just enough to peek through,

then slammed it shut and locked it in panic.

“We’re doomed! It’s Dad! He’s come to take me home!” My heart was

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hammering so hard I thought it might burst through my chest.

Did Aiden tell on me? Is that why Dad’s here?

“What do we do? What do we do?” I paced in circles, running my

hands through my hair. “Hunter, help me think of something!”

I couldn’t imagine what would happen if Dad dragged me back home.

And if he discovered Mom’s existence… would he make her leave

Chicago forever? Would I never see her again?

“Oliver? Why are you hiding in your room? We have a guest today.

Come out and say hello, Mom called, her voice getting closer until

the doorknob turned.

I darted to the door as she opened it, pulling her inside quickly.

“Mom, who’s visiting us?”

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