We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 221

Chapter 221

Aiden’s POV

At dinner, Aria’s casual mention of “dividing his assets” shocked me. I

looked up sharply, studying her face. She knows, too? The thought

exploded in my mind like a firecracker, sending ripples of realization

through me.

When our eyes met, an immediate, wordless understanding passed

between us. She gave me the slightest nod, confirming my suspicions. Meanwhile, Oliver sat across from us, completely oblivious to our silent exchange. He was too busy using his fork to strategically push his carrots to the edge of his plate, hoping no one would notice his

vegetable–avoidance tactics.

So Aria knows about Dad’s condition too. If that’s the case, maybe the three of us could work together on this. Even Oliver might be helpful, despite being the youngest. His wild ideas sometimes had a strange

way of working out.

My gaze drifted to Mommy without thinking. She clearly didn’t buy Aria’s theory. She still had no clue what Dad really meant by giving her those shares. It wasn’t some thank–you gift–Dad was getting

ready to leave.

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Chapter 221

I wanted so badly to tell her the truth–that Dad was dividing his

estate, that his sudden move had a heartbreaking reason behind it.

But I knew those words needed to come from Dad himself. I just

hoped Cedar was perceptive enough to notice something wasn’t right

before it was too late.

“Aiden, you’re miles away tonight, Cedar’s voice pulled me back to

reality.

“Sorry, just thinking about a project issue,” I lied quickly, then

returned to my food.

After dinner, when Cedar went to take a shower, I seized the

opportunity and quietly summoned Aria and Oliver to my room.

“Any guesses why I called this meeting?” I asked after closing the door, keeping my voice low.

Oliver shook his head, his large eyes blinking with curiosity. “Are we

planning some kind of surprise?”

Aria perched on the edge of my desk chair, hands folded primly in her lap like a miniature executive. “It’s about Dad, isn’t it?”

I nodded, turning to her first. “You know about Dad’s condition, don’t

you? How did you find out?”

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Chapter 221

Aria sighed an expression that looked jarringly out of place on her six–year–old face. “I overheard Grandma on the phone a while back. She was discussing doctors and treatment options. That, plus what Mom said today… I put it together.” She paused. “Dad’s really sick,

isn’t he?”

“What? Dad’s sick?” Oliver’s eyes widened, his voice rising sharply.

“Shh, keep it down,” I cautioned, kneeling down to place my hands on his shoulders. I tried to keep my voice steady as I explained: “Oliver, Dad is sick. Very sick. The doctors say… they say he doesn’t have

much time left.”

The words felt like stones in my throat. Even though I’d known for days, saying it aloud made my chest constrict painfully.

Oliver’s eyes immediately welled up, tears threatening to spill over. “No, that can’t be right. Dad’s so strong, how could he…”

“Shh, don’t cry,” Aria moved over and gently hugged him. “We have to

be strong now.”

I felt my own surge of grief, but I pushed it down. This wasn’t the time for weakness. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my courage.

“Listen, we all need to step up now. Oliver, you’re a big boy too,

right?”

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Chapter 221

Oliver fought back his sobs, wiping his eyes with his sleeve before

nodding firmly. “Yes, I’m a big boy.”

“Good,” I continued. “We have an important mission: to bring Mom

and Dad closer together.”

“But they’re already together,” Oliver said, confused. “They see each

other every day.”

Aria rolled her eyes. “He means making them a real family, dummy.”

“Exactly,” I nodded. “Dad loves Mom–I’m certain of that. He invited

her to live here, he’s giving her shares in the company… those are all

signs. But Mom probably doesn’t know about Dad’s illness yet. If… if

Dad passes away and Mom only finds out afterward, she’ll regret not

spending these last months with him properly.”

“So what do we do?” Aria asked. Her voice was surprisingly calm,

though I could see the sadness in her

eyes.

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