We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 137

Chapter 137

Oliver’s POV

The living room of our mansion is absolutely buzzing! I’ve never seen

so many grown–ups in fancy clothes all talking super loud at once.

Everyone’s gathered around Grandma like she’s a movie star or

something.

Grandma’s turning fifty–five today, but she doesn’t look old at all.

Grandma’s skin is smooth like the marble counters in our kitchen,

and when she sits in her special chair with her back all straight, she

looks like royalty.

“Grandma, this is my birthday present for you—the most beautiful

pearl necklace in the whole entire universe!” I announce, holding up

my gift box with both hands so I don’t drop it.

The pearls are huge and super shiny. Henderson helped me pick them

out last week, but I told everyone I chose them all by myself. Each

pearl is perfectly round and creamy white.

Grandma’s eyes get all crinkly at the corners when she smiles at me.

“My darling Oliver has such exquisite taste. These pearls truly are

magnificent.”

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Then Aiden steps forward with his present. Grandma’s eyes light up

as she gently touches his cheek. “How beautiful, Aiden. You have such

refined judgment.”

I scurry over to see what’s in my brother’s box. It’s a diamond bracelet

that sparkles so much it’s like looking at a million tiny stars! No fair!

Aiden always has to one–up everyone.

I pout and wiggle my way onto Grandma’s lap. “You still like my

necklace best, right, Grandma? You won’t forget about mine just

because Aiden’s is all sparkly, will you?”

Grandma laughs and hugs me close. “I adore both gifts equally. The

pearls and diamonds will complement each other perfectly when

worn together.”

Our relatives start making those boring compliment noises grown-

ups always make:

“You’re truly blessed, Rachel, with such thoughtful grandchildren.”

“The brothers must share some telepathic connection, choosing such

complementary gifts!”

“Where’s little Aria? She always brings those incredible paintings.

That child has such talent–her work could fetch a fortune at

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Christie’s!”

Just then, Charles approaches and bows slightly. “Madam, Miss Aria

experienced a minor upset and is resting in her room. She’ll join us

when dinner is served.”

Grandma straightens up, her relaxed demeanor vanishing. “What

happened? Is she alright?”

I know Grandma loves all of us, but she worries about Aria the most. I

don’t mind–Aria lives in her own special world because of her

autism. She needs extra looking after.

“Please don’t worry, Madam. Miss Aria is quite well,” Charles assures

her.

Suddenly, everyone turns toward the entrance. The room gets weirdly

quiet.

“Ridley has arrived.”

“Who’s that woman with him?”

I spin around so fast I almost trip. First, I see Dad looking all important in his designer suit, and then my eyes land on the woman

beside him.

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Oh no! What’s Mommy doing here?! This is the Sterling mansion! If

she sees me, everything will be ruined! All my secrets will be

exposed!

I duck down super fast and dart behind the heavy curtains by the window. The thick velvet provides perfect cover as Mommy walks

right past my hiding spot.

Luckily, with all the noise and chaos–plus several other children

scattered throughout the hall–my sudden disappearance goes

completely unnoticed.

Rachel’s POV

The room falls silent as Ridley enters with an unfamiliar woman at

his side. While my son always draws attention, today all eyes-

including mine–are fixed on his companion.

She approaches me with a tastefully wrapped gift. “Happy birthday,

Mrs. Sterling. May every day bring you joy and keep you as vibrant as

you are today.”

In all my years hosting these intimate birthday gatherings, I’ve never

encountered an unfamiliar face. These celebrations have always been

reserved exclusively for family and long–standing friends of the

Sterling name.

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I tilt my head slightly, maintaining my composure. “And you are?”

“Mrs. Sterling, I’m Cedar Wright, Design Director at Nest Design, a

subsidiary of Sterling Design Group.” Her smile remains unwavering,

her poise unshaken despite being under the scrutiny of Chicago’s

elite.

I cannot completely mask my surprise. Nest Design? To be perfectly

candid, I barely recall this particular subsidiary among Ridley’s

expansive business holdings. I’ve certainly never heard this woman’s

name mentioned at any of our family dinners.

Why would my son bring a mid–level executive from some minor

company to my private birthday celebration? What could this

possibly signify?

I study her carefully, taking in her modest yet tasteful attire. Not

Armani or Chanel, but well–tailored and elegant in its simplicity

“Ms. Wright, you came!” Aiden’s voice breaks through my

contemplation.

My typically reserved grandson walks directly to Cedar’s side. His

usually impassive face softens with what appears to be genuine

pleasure. “I worried the Lake Shore Drive traffic might keep you

away.”

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“How could I miss it after I promised?” Cedar kneels down and gently touches his hair–a familiarity that strikes me as extraordinary. “I

always keep my promises to you, Aiden.”

My expression softens at this revelation. If she’s here at Aiden’s

invitation, that explains much.

“So you’re Miss Wright, Aiden’s guest,” I say, my smile returning.

“Please, don’t stand on ceremony. Make yourself comfortable.”

Cedar kneels in the center of my living room, Aiden’s small hand

clutching hers. She touches his cheek gently, and to my

astonishment, Aiden actually smiles shyly in return–nothing like his

usual reserved demeanor.

With all eyes upon her, the room falls into a stunned silence. Who is

this woman who has so thoroughly charmed my typically distant

grandson?

Aiden shares his father’s temperament–a little iceberg from birth,

rarely offering a smile even to me, his grandmother. Yet here he

stands, practically glowing in this Miss Wright’s presence.

What manner of woman could inspire such warmth in my guarded

grandson?

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“Mother, happy birthday. I’ve brought something special for you.”

Ridley’s voice suddenly cuts through the silence, breaking the spell

that has fallen over the room.

I pull myself from my thoughts and smile brightly. “How thoughtful of you to prepare a gift despite your demanding schedule. Now that everyone has arrived, shall we proceed to dinner?”

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