We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207

Cedar’s POV

On Saturday afternoon, I sat in the back seat of Ridley’s luxury SUV, fidgeting with the cuff of my blouse as we drove deeper into the

lakeside estates. Though this was my second visit to the Pierce property, the grandeur still took my breath away. The mansion stood majestically amid perfectly manicured grounds, surrounded by ancient oaks and meticulously trimmed hedges.

Ridley had barely spoken during the entire drive. His eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, fingers occasionally drumming against the steering wheel in a rhythm that seemed to match the tension I felt in

the air between us.

The SUV crunched over the pebbled driveway, coming to a stop beside an ornate fountain. Before I could gather my thoughts, the massive front doors swung open. Ethan Pierce bounded out in casual khakis and a navy polo shirt, his sister Emma following close behind in a simple white sundress that somehow looked more expensive than my entire wardrobe.

“Finally!” Emma exclaimed, practically skipping toward us. Her eyes immediately found mine as if I were the person she’d been waiting for all day. “Cedar! I’m so thrilled you made it!”

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I barely had time to find my footing before Emma linked her arm

through mine, pulling me toward the house. “This time you’re getting

the full tour. Last visit was way too rushed,” she gushed. “Plus, I have

so much to tell you!”

I glanced back at Ridley, hoping for some guidance or rescue, but he was already engaged in conversation with Ethan. Their body language shifted toward something more private, heads bent slightly toward each other. The children trailed behind us–Aiden maintaining his usual watchful composure, Aria clutching Oliver’s hand as she took in

the unfamiliar surroundings.

“Look at you three!” Emma turned to address them with a dazzling smile. “You all seem to be thriving lately. You look so much happier

than the last time I saw you.

“Of course we are, Auntie Emma,” Oliver beamed, looking up at me. “Having Mommy with us makes everything better.”

Emma’s eyebrows rose slightly. “They really do call you Mommy, don’t they? Ethan mentioned it, but I couldn’t quite believe it. So tell me, Cedar, how does motherhood feel?” Her lips curved into a teasing

smile.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks. “The children are wonderful. I enjoy being with them,” I said simply, resting my hand on Aria’s head as Oliver and Aiden smiled up at me.

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“Well then,” Emma continued, “there’s an amazing game room on the

third floor with a mini movie theater. Simmons will show you up, and

we’ll call you down when it’s time to eat.”

An elderly gentleman in a crisp uniform appeared from the end of the hallway, offering a slight bow to the children. “Young Sterlings, if

you’d please follow me.”

Aria looked up at me, her eyes questioning. I nodded reassuringly. “Go

ahead, have fun.”

Aiden took charge, gathering his siblings‘ hands. “We’ll behave ourselves, Mommy,” he said in that eerily mature tone of his before leading them away after the butler.

Emma practically dragged me through the sprawling main hall with its museum–worthy art collection and antique furniture. We eventually settled in a sun–drenched sitting room with floor–to- ceiling windows overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake

Michigan.

“Sit here!” Emma patted the cushion beside her like an excited teenager at a sleepover. I perched carefully on the edge, feeling like an intruder in a world where I didn’t belong.

“You have no idea how happy I am to see you,” Emma launched into

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rapid–fire conversation. “Chicago’s social scene is mind–numbingly dull–all fakery and posturing. But you, Cedar, you’re the real deal.”

I laughed awkwardly, unsure how to handle such enthusiasm. “You’re

too kind, Emma.”

“I’m serious!” She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. “Did you know Ridley never brings women to our family gatherings?

You’re the first.”

I felt my face flush. “I’m only here because of Aria’s therapy progress.

I’m not-”

“Oh, please,” Emma waved away my protest. “I can tell Ridley sees you differently. And,” her eyes twinkled mischievously, “that kiss between you two wasn’t exactly what I’d call a therapeutic intervention.”

I nearly choked, glancing around to make sure no one had overheard. “That was just a game, Emma. It didn’t mean anything.”

“If you say so,” she shrugged, her smile making it clear she didn’t believe a word. “Anyway, I’m truly glad you’re here. There are things I can only share with you…”

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