We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196

Cedar’s POV

I tapped my fingers against the drafting table, my eyes drifting to the

wall calendar where Friday was circled in bold red marker. Three

more days until I could see the Sterling children again. Only three

days, yet it felt like an eternity.

Since baking that birthday cake at the Sterling mansion, I hadn’t seen

any of the children. Not after Ridley made it crystal clear he was

restricting their activities. The coldness in his eyes, the finality in his

voice–it haunted me. I couldn’t help worrying about them, especially

little Oliver with his infectious laugh and constant hugs.

After weighing my options for hours, I decided to call Aria. She was

still in recovery from her autism–related challenges, but surely Ridley

wouldn’t completely isolate her. She needed her therapy sessions,

after all. Maybe through her, I could learn what was really happening

inside those mansion walls.

I picked up my phone, found her number, and dialed. The call

connected almost immediately.

“Mommy? Is that you?” Aria’s sweet voice came through, bright with

excitement.

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That word-“Mommy“-still sent a wave of warmth through me every

time. I wasn’t their biological mother, but something about hearing it

felt inexplicably right.

“Yes, sweetheart, it’s me. How are you doing?” I kept my voice gentle,

matching her tone.

“I’m okay… just miss you a lot.” Her voice dropped slightly. “Daddy

says you’re too busy to visit us very often.”

My heart clenched. “I miss you too, honey. That’s why I’m coming to

see you this weekend, remember?”

“Yes! I can’t wait!” The energy returned to her voice instantly.

I hesitated before broaching the subject that was really on my mind.

“Aria, how is your daddy these days? I’ve heard he’s being very strict

with Aiden and Oliver…”

There was a pause on the other end, then Aria asked with surprising

perception, “Mommy, are you worried about Daddy?”

“What? No, I’m just concerned about all of you…” My face flushed hot,

and I was grateful she couldn’t see me through the phone.

“Mommy, do you like Daddy?” The question was so direct it made my

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breath catch.

My heart raced as I gripped the phone tighter. “No, of course not! I’m

just concerned about how strict he’s suddenly become with you all…”

Even though she couldn’t see me, I found myself lowering my head as

if to hide my flustered expression.

“Okay,” Aria said, but her tone suggested she didn’t quite believe me.

“Daddy has been really strict with all of us lately. He’s always working

too. He’s been different since his birthday party. Do you know what

happened to him that day?”

My hand trembled slightly. The unexpected kiss during the party

game. The way Ridley had looked at me afterward, before suddenly disappearing from my life. The memories flooded back, leaving me

momentarily speechless.

“No, I… I don’t think so,” I stammered.

“Really?” Doubt colored her voice. “Something must have happened.

Daddy’s been different ever since. I wonder… is it something to do

with you, Mommy?”

My heart nearly stopped. “Why would it have anything to do with me?

Your daddy and I… we don’t have that kind of relationship.”

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Aria didn’t press further, simply saying, “Mommy, when you’re not

busy, could you come see me more often? I really miss you.”

The simple request tugged at my heartstrings. “Of course, sweetheart.

I promise I’ll come see you this weekend, okay?”

After hanging up, I leaned back in my chair and exhaled deeply. Aria’s

intuition was startling–that little girl seemed to see right through

1. me. But what puzzled me more was Ridley’s behavior. What could

have changed him so dramatically after his birthday?

I tried to refocus on the lighting design for the Michigan Avenue

boutique project on my screen, but my thoughts kept drifting to that

tall, stern man and the heated kiss we shared that still burned in my

memory.

Aiden’s POV

I closed my laptop with satisfaction after reviewing my calculus

homework. My mathematical and analytical skills were practically at

professional level now. I tidied my desk, checked the time, and

prepared to head to the company for my “practical training” session.

Apart from my scheduled lessons at home, I spent four hours daily at

Sterling headquarters participating in company business. Dad had

recently insisted that as the future heir, I needed to quickly

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familiarize myself with operations so I could take over more

responsibilities. I didn’t understand why he’d become so much

stricter lately, always pushing me to learn company management

faster. Today I was analyzing the feasibility of a new project, and

while I understood most of it, there were a few points I wanted to

discuss with Dad.

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