We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 143

Chapter 143

Cedar’s POV

I clenched my fists under the table, forcing down the rage that

threatened to burst from my chest. This was the Sterling mansion,

and I was merely a guest. Making a scene would be inappropriate, no

matter how justified.

But I promised myself: once this dinner ended, I would confront

Daisy Black about her intentions. What kind of monster torments a

child?

My eyes remained fixed on Aria. I watched her like a hawk, terrified

that Daisy might hurt her again when no one was looking.

Meanwhile, Daisy carried on as though nothing had happened, her

mask of kindness firmly in place. “Charles, could you bring Aria’s

drawing pad, please?” she asked with a practiced smile. How could

someone switch from cruelty to sweetness so seamlessly?

The Butler Charles returned promptly with an elegant leather–bound

sketchpad, placing it before Aria. Everyone in the Sterling household

knew about Aria’s selective mutism–she rarely spoke, especially in

group settings, and often communicated through writing or drawing

instead.

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Chapter 143

“Aria, sweetheart, why don’t you write something?” Daisy passed her a

sleek fountain pen, her voice honeyed with false affection.

Aria accepted the pen with hesitation. Her dark eyes remained

downcast, long lashes concealing whatever emotions stirred beneath.

The dining room fell silent as everyone’s attention focused on her.

Despite being the least visible member of the Sterling family, Aria

was perhaps the most cherished. Every small action she took seemed

to touch everyone’s heart in some way.

She began to write in flowing script: [Grandma, happy birthday.]

Rachel’s face lit up with delight. “Oh, my precious girl! Thank you,

darling. Your wishes mean the world to me.”

Ridley gave a slight nod of approval. “Your penmanship has improved,

Aria.”

But I noticed Daisy’s expression darkening, and to my horror, she

surreptitiously placed her hand on the inside of Aria’s arm, where I’d

already seen her pinch the child twice before.

I couldn’t believe she would try a third time. I stood up abruptly. “Aria, your handwriting is beautiful! Would you consider writing

something for me as a gift?”

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All eyes turned to me first, then quickly shifted to Aria.

“Just a few words would be wonderful,” I added, trying to sound casual

despite my racing heart.

I hated drawing attention to myself, but I couldn’t think of another

way to stop Daisy. She was a treasured guest of the Sterlings–both

Ridley and Rachel trusted her implicitly. They would never believe

anything negative I said about her. My only option was to create a

distraction that might spare Aria further pain.

Aria slowly turned toward me, her dark eyes meeting mine. For a

moment, I saw something like yearning in their depths–a silent plea

for help. Then, that light faded, and she shook her head gently.

My heart broke for her, but I wasn’t offended. I understood

completely–she was trapped, forced to decline my request.

Daisy’s POV

I felt my face darken as Aria wrote “Happy Birthday” instead of what

I’d instructed her to write. The little brat was becoming increasingly

disobedient!

I had raised this child from infancy, and she had the audacity to defy me? I refused to be outsmarted by a six–year–old.

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Chapter 143

My fingers found their way to the tender flesh of Aria’s inner arm

again, ready to administer another painful reminder of who was in

control.

That’s when Cedar Wright suddenly stood up. “Aria, your handwriting

is beautiful! Would you consider writing something for me as a gift?”

Everyone looked at her first, then at Aria. Most people who spoke to

Aria received no response at all, which made Cedar’s request all the

more presumptuous.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone at the table, I was forced to

withdraw my hand, though I maintained my pleasant expression.

Only the coldness in my eyes betrayed my true feelings.

Auntie Rachel observed Cedar with thinly veiled contempt. I knew

exactly what she was thinking–this woman was far too eager to forge

a connection with Aria, transparently attempting to ingratiate herself

with the Sterling family. She would never allow someone like Cedar to

become part of their world.

I endured what felt like an eternity until Aria shook her head at

Cedar’s request. Relief washed over me. The girl hadn’t been

completely swayed by this interloper.

Then, to my surprise, Aria began writing again: [Grandma, I’d like to

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stay here with you tonight.]

Auntie Rachel looked as though she might cry from happiness. Since

Aria’s diagnosis, she’d become increasingly withdrawn, rarely wanting

to remain at the Sterling residence. Rachel hadn’t had quality time

with her granddaughter in perhaps years. This offer to stay for her

birthday was clearly the best gift Rachel could have received.

“That’s wonderful, Aria,” I said, my smile now genuine. “I knew you’d

take this brave step eventually. Don’t worry, Auntie Daisy will stay

here with you tonight. I won’t leave you alone, okay?”

This was perfect! My opportunity had arrived. Aria’s room was adjacent to Ridley’s, separated only by a wall. With a legitimate reason to stay overnight, I could finally execute my plan.

But Aria picked up her pen again and wrote: [You go home. I’ll stay by

myself.]

My expression froze in shock. Had this child just publicly defied me?

Where had she found such courage?

My eyes darted around and caught Aria glancing timidly toward

Cedar. So that was it–this Wright woman had somehow emboldened

her.

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Chapter 143

“Aria, I’m not comfortable leaving you alone,” I said, carefully

controlling my voice to hide my rage. “Either we both go home, or we

both stay. Those are the options.”

The threat in my eyes was unmistakable, but Aria wouldn’t even look

at me.

“Aria, are you listening to me?” My patience had evaporated.

The child’s continued indifference was like kindling to my anger,

which now blazed out of control. I could no longer restrain myself.

My fingers dug viciously into her side where no one could see.

“Aria, sweetie, do you need me to stay with you tonight?” My voice

remained gentle and concerned, even as my grip tightened

mercilessly.

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