We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 206

Chapter 206

The children reacted in their characteristic ways: Aiden offered a polite nod, Aria’s eyes brightened visibly, and Oliver practically bounced in his seat, exclaiming, “Will Emma be there?”

“Yes, she will certainly be present,” Ridley replied, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. That small expression revealed more than words could–the Pierce family clearly meant something beyond

business to him.

Then his gaze shifted to me, causing an immediate flutter of uncertainty in my stomach. “Miss Wright, your presence is also

required.”

I set down my silverware, confused. “Me? I’m not a family member. What would my role be?”

Ridley’s brow furrowed slightly, as though my question was unnecessarily obvious. “You’re a key figure in Aria’s therapeutic progress. And the kids call you “Mommy“. Besides, Emma specially asked me to bring you along.”

“I understand,” I said, but my thoughts involuntarily wandered back to that embarrassing kiss at Pierce Manor. I glanced at him sideways -he appeared perfectly calm and collected, as though he knew

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Chapter 206

nothing about it. A trace of annoyance crept through me. But I told myself I shouldn’t let him disturb my peace of mind anymore. I should view that meaningless impulsive act with detachment.

With a sigh, I continued eating. There was little point in pursuing questions that might never be answered.

Over the next two days, a strange atmosphere settled over the Sterling mansion. Most notably, Ridley was barely present. He was gone before breakfast and often absent at dinner, leaving only brief messages about business matters requiring his attention. Even during Thursday morning’s family meeting, when he made a brief

appearance, he barely glanced in my direction, his eyes deliberately avoiding mine.

This sudden distance left me perplexed. Just days ago, he’d attentively listened to my suggestions about the children’s education, even implementing many of my recommendations. Now it was as if I’d become invisible.

Friday morning, I encountered Charles in the garden inspecting the autumn blooms that were about to flower.

“Charles,” I tried to keep my voice casual, “has Mr. Sterling been especially busy lately? I’ve hardly seen him.”

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Charles maintained his customary composure, though I noticed his fingers tightening slightly on the pruning shears he held. “Mr. Sterling does have numerous matters requiring his attention, Miss Wright. There are several important projects approaching year–end deadlines that need his personal oversight.”

“I understand,” I nodded, though the answer was frustratingly vague. “It just seems odd that he’s so…” I paused, unsure how to articulate my feelings.

“So what, Miss Wright?” Charles looked up at me.

“Nothing,” I shook my head. “I’m probably overthinking things.”

But I wasn’t. Ridley was avoiding me–of that I was almost certain. The question was why? Had I said or done something to offend him? Or did he regret allowing me input into his children’s education?

I couldn’t comprehend this man. One moment he was cold as ice, the next unexpectedly gentle; one day soliciting my opinions, the next acting as if I were invisible. Like winter sunshine that transforms into a biting wind without warning.

The emotional whiplash was exhausting, but what frustrated me more was realizing I cared. I shouldn’t care, I reminded myself. After all, I was only a temporary presence here. Once Aria’s situation stabilized,

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Chapter 206

I’d return to my own life.

And Ridley Sterling with his complicated emotions would no longer

be a puzzle I needed to solve.

As I watched Aria practice her dance routine that afternoon, moving with newfound joy and confidence, I wondered if my own emotions were becoming more tangled than I cared to admit. The weekend visit to the Pierce estate suddenly loomed large in my mind–another situation where I’d be out of place, caught between worlds I didn’t

belong in.

Whatever happened, I needed to remember why I was here: for the kids, not for her enigmatic father and his bewildering hot–and–cold

behavior.

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