We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Cedar’s POV

His face remained impossibly calm–no hint of the brewing storm I’d

expected.

Ridley stood in the center of the room, his obsidian eyes unreadable as he studied me. The silence stretched between us, thick with

unspoken tension.

“Are you finished?” he finally asked, his voice controlled and even.

“Y–yes,” I stammered, my courage faltering under his steady gaze.

“I admit you make valid points,” Ridley continued, catching me completely off guard. “So tell me, what educational approach do you think would better suit them?”

I froze, my mind suddenly blank. Was this the same man who’d been so unbending about his children’s rigorous schedule? The one who’d practically dismissed my concerns just days ago? Now he was asking for my opinion?

“I-” Words failed me. I’d prepared for an argument, not a

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consultation.

“I’ll reduce the intensity of their learning schedule,” Ridley said,

filling my awkward silence. “And as for Aria’s curriculum, I’m putting

that entirely in your hands.”

“O–okay,” I managed to say, trying to hide

my shock.

When had Ridley Sterling become so reasonable? Had something in my impassioned speech struck a chord? Whatever the reason, I wasn’t about to question this unexpected victory.

That very afternoon, Ridley assembled the tutors to restructure the children’s schedules. I sat through the entire meeting, occasionally offering input when asked. Whether my suggestions carried any weight remained unclear, but I was present–and that felt significant.

The final schedule still looked intimidatingly full to me–reminiscent of college prep intensity rather than appropriate coursework for six- year–olds. But compared to the grueling regimen they’d been following, this represented a meaningful improvement. I couldn’t expect miracles overnight.

Most importantly, Aria was freed from the academic pressure. I designed a balanced program for her: dance practice in the mornings, artistic exploration and outdoor sketching in the afternoons, and

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gentle language instruction in the evenings. Nothing that would

overwhelm her sensitive nature.

Over the next few days at the Sterling mansion, the transformation in Aria became increasingly evident. The quiet, withdrawn child began to emerge from her shell. Her smiles–once so rare–now appeared with heartwarming frequency. Each one felt like a personal victory.

During breakfast on my third day, Aria actually skipped into the dining room instead of shuffling in with downcast eyes. When she saw me, she hurried to my chair.

“Mommy, can we visit the butterfly garden today? I want to sketch the monarchs before they migrate.” Her eyes sparkled with an enthusiasm I’d never seen before.

I caught Ridley watching us from across the table, his expression unreadable but somehow softer than usual. Our eyes met briefly before he returned his attention to his coffee.

“Of course we can,” I told Aria, smoothing her hair. “We’ll make a whole afternoon of it.”

As I helped her spread jam on her toast, I couldn’t help wondering what had prompted Ridley’s change of heart. The man was a walking contradiction–ruthless in business yet unexpectedly yielding when it

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came to his children’s welfare. At least when properly challenged.

Whatever his reasons, I was grateful. Seeing Aria’s face light up with genuine joy made every uncomfortable moment in this intimidating household worthwhile. The other children too seemed more relaxed, though Aiden maintained his serious demeanor and Oliver remained

as energetic as ever.

Something had shifted in the Sterling household. A small crack had appeared in Ridley’s rigid facade, and light was beginning to shine through. Whether this change would last remained to be seen, but for now, I’d count it as progress.

At dinner that evening, we gathered around the long mahogany table. The children were unusually quiet, as if sensing a shift in the atmosphere. Ridley sat at the head. As I helped Oliver cut his roast chicken, Ridley cleared his throat.

“The Pierce family has invited us to visit this weekend,” he

announced, his tone measured and authoritative. “Ethan specifically mentioned he hopes all three of you will attend.”

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