We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

Ridley’s POV

narles directed the staff as they brought dish after dish to the dining

table. Tonight was unusually lively in the Sterling mansion–it had

been weeks since I’d sat down with all three children for dinner. My

schedule typically kept me at the office late, with Aiden often joining

me there. Oliver frequently disappeared on his little adventures,

while Aria spent most evenings at her dance instructor’s home.

The dining room felt warm for once. Cedar sat across from me,

looking a bit uncomfortable. She was still in her work outfit–the suit

I’d had the hotel bring over for her. It looked perfect on her.

“Mommy, try this!” Oliver’s voice carried above the gentle clinking of

silverware as he scooped a piece of roasted salmon onto Cedar’s plate.

“Our cook Maria makes the best fish in Chicago!”

He hadn’t left her side since we sat down, treating her as if she’d been

part of our family forever. Aria and Aiden were no different–their

attention completely captivated by this woman.

Unease settled in my chest. The children’s desperate attachment to this woman would only lead to heartbreak when she inevitably left. Cedar already seemed eager to escape my presence at every

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Chapter 165

opportunity–what would happen when she grew tired of the

children’s constant demands?

I set down my crystal water glass, my voice deliberately measured.

“Your mother is gone. Calling someone else ‘Mommy‘ won’t change

that fact.”

“My mommy isn’t dead!” Oliver’s small voice cracked as he shouted

back, only to be quieted by Aiden’s steady hand on his shoulder.

“Dad, Oliver’s still little. He doesn’t fully understand what death

means. Can we give him some more time?” Aiden said.

I pressed my lips together, opting for silence rather than continuing

this pointless discussion. Across the table, Cedar kept her head down,

methodically working through her meal. The tension in her shoulders

told me everything.

As soon as she finished eating, she predictably attempted to excuse

herself. “Thank you for dinner, Mr. Sterling, but I should really be

going home now.”

Before I could respond, Charles appeared with impeccable timing.

“Ms. Wright, your room has been prepared. Would you like to see it?”

Cedar hesitated, but Aria was already tugging at her hand, eyes wide

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Chapter 165

with hope. “Will you read me a story, Mommy? Please?”

“Me too! I want Mommy to tuck me in!” Oliver circled around the

table, practically bouncing with excitement.

I watched as Cedar’s resolve crumbled under their eager faces. “I… I

suppose I could stay a little longer.”

As they led her upstairs, Aiden rose to follow but paused when I

called his name.

“Aiden, tell me–why are you so drawn to her?”

He considered my question with that serious expression that sometimes made me forget he was only six. “Because she genuinely

cares about us, Dad. And… I like how you’re different when she’s

around.”

“Go on up,” I nodded, dismissing him.

Left alone at the table, I swirled the remaining whiskey in my glass,

replaying the scene in my mind–the children calling her “Mommy.” Her gentle responses, despite her obvious discomfort.

Could she truly become what they needed? Would she ever consider

being a stepmother to my three children?

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Chapter 165

I set down my glass and headed upstairs. Charles had arranged for

Cedar to stay in the guest suite adjacent to the master bedroom-

practically sharing a wall with mine. A convenient choice.

When I knocked and entered the room, I found an unexpected

tableau: all three children sprawled across the king–sized bed, with

Cedar trapped in the middle.

“I believe story time is over,” I announced coldly.

My tone sent all three children burrowing deeper against Cedar for

protection. Her blouse had come partially undone in the chaos, revealing the pale skin of her collarbone. Oliver’s small hand clutched possessively at her neck, while Aria had wrapped herself around Cedar’s waist. Even Aiden, typically so reserved, held her hand tightly

as he nestled against her side.

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