We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

Ridley’s POV

The moment Cedar walked out, I clutched my chest, a sharp pain

radiating through it. My heartbeat faltered, then stabilized, but the

message was clear.

I don’t have much time left.

The doctors had been brutally honest–months, not years. I sank into

my chair, waiting for the wave of discomfort to pass while watching

the clouds through my office windows. The late afternoon sun

transformed the glass towers into pillars of amber light, a beautiful

city I wouldn’t see change with the seasons much longer.

Everything needed to be arranged properly. For my children. For

Cedar.

Especially for Cedar.

Her face appeared in my mind, bringing a different kind of ache. If

circumstances were different–if I weren’t living on borrowed time-

she would be the woman I’d choose to build a life with. Her quiet

strength, her innate kindness, the way my children gravitated toward

Chapter 216

her… she embodied everything I hadn’t realized I was searching for.

But fate had different plans.

The next morning, I called Howard Sinclair, the Sterling family

attorney, to my office before regular hours. Sterling Design Group

headquarters remained quiet, and most employees had not yet

arrived.

“I need to modify my will,” I said as Howard settled into the chair

opposite my desk.

Howard, who had represented the Sterling family for three decades,

barely raised an eyebrow. “I assume this concerns arrangements for

your children?”

“Partly,” I replied, sliding a folder across the polished walnut desk. “I

want to add provisions for Cedar Wright.”

Now Howard did look surprised. “Ms. Wright? The Design Director?”

“She’s more than that,” I said firmly. “She’s important to my children. And regardless of what happens when the Pierces discover her true

parentage, I want her protected.”

Howard nodded slowly, opening the folder to review my instructions.

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Chapter 216

His eyes widened slightly. “This is… quite generous, Mr. Sterling.”

It’s what I want.”

“These provisions are typically reserved for-

“For someone I care deeply about, I finished, my tone leaving no

room for discussion. “Someone who deserves security after I’m gone.”

Howard studied me for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll have the papers

drawn up today.”

After he left, I stood at the window, looking down at Michigan Avenue

below. This wasn’t just about the children, though they were reason

enough. This was about making amends for a relationship that would

never have the chance to begin. A silent apology for pushing her away

when all I wanted was to draw her closer.

Cedar’s POV

I couldn’t focus. The Lakefront renovation blueprints blurred before

my eyes as my mind bounced between two impossible situations: the revelation about the Pierces potentially being my birth family, and Ridley’s dismissal that left me feeling like a foolish schoolgirl nursing

a crush.

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Chapter 216

“Cedar, did you hear anything I just said?” Jane’s voice pulled me back

to reality. My colleague was staring at me with concern. “You’ve been

staring at that same blueprint for twenty minutes.”

“Sorry, I mumbled, straightening in my chair. “Just… distracted.”

“That’s an understatement, Jane said, perching on the edge of my

desk. “You look like you’re carrying the weight of Chicago on your

shoulders. Want to talk about it?”

I shook my head. How could I explain any of it? That I might be the long–lost daughter of one of Chicago’s elite families? That I’d

developed feelings for my boss–my temporary employer–only to be

firmly rebuffed?

“Just tired,” I offered with a weak smile.

Jane nodded, though her expression told me she wasn’t convinced.

“Well, take a break if you need it. The Lakefront isn’t going

anywhere.”

When she left, I pushed back from my desk and headed to the

women’s restroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror–the dark circles under my eyes, the tension in my shoulders.

“Pull yourself together,” I whispered. “He’s just another arrogant

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Chapter 216

executive. If it weren’t for the children playing matchmaker, you

wouldn’t have given him a second glance.”

The lie didn’t even sound convincing to my own ears. There was

something about Ridley that had captivated me from the beginning,

though I’d fought against it every step of the way.

I splashed cold water on my face and made a decision. Once Aria was

well enough, I would move out of the Sterling mansion. I’d find my

own place again, create some distance, and refocus on my career. The

children would still be part of my life–I couldn’t bear to lose them—

but I needed boundaries with their father.

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