We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230

I stood up, my legs unsteady, my chest so tight I could barely breathe. Without a word, I rushed past Charles, down the long hospital corridor, not stopping

until I reached a deserted balcony at the far end of the floor.

The cold morning air hit my face, finally allowing me to gulp in desperate breaths between sobs. I gripped the railing, feeling as though my entire world had

just been rewritten. All this time, I’d thought Ridley was just being difficult, just being the cold businessman everyone claimed he was. But he’d been dying,

slowly dying, and trying to spare me the pain of watching it happen.

Why, Ridley? Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you have to face this alone? I should have my own choice.

I don’t know how long I stood there, letting the wind dry the tears on my cheeks. But as my breathing finally steadied, I made a decision: whether Ridley wanted it or not, I would stay by his side until the very end. He’d tried to protect me from heartbreak, but it was already too late–I was already falling for

him, falling for his children, falling for the life we might have had.

I returned to the hospital room to find Charles already rising from his chair, a gentle smile on his face.

‘Children, let’s head home now,” he said, his tone warm but authoritative. ‘We can come back this afternoon to see your father. Let’s give Ms. Wright and

your dad some time alone.”

Aiden nodded solemnly, taking Oliver’s small hand in his. Aria lingered a moment longer, her eyes fixed on her father’s still form before reluctantly following her brothers.

“Thank you, Charles,” I said softly, gratitude washing over me as he ushered the children out.

Once alone, the room fell into a hushed silence. I settled into the chair beside Ridley’s bed, studying his face. Even in sleep, his brow was furrowed, as if his troubles followed him into unconsciousness. This man–always so powerful, so controlled–looked vulnerable in a way that made my heart ache.

“Ridley,” I whispered, not really expecting a response.

Something drew me closer. I leaned forward and pressed my lips gently against his forehead. His skin felt cool beneath my touch. My gaze drifted to his lips, and suddenly I was remembering the way he’d kissed me on his birthday–desperate and hungry, as if afraid it might be our last.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I lowered my face and softly kissed his lips.

His eyelashes fluttered, and then his eyes were open, looking directly into mine, I jerked back, my heart hammering against my ribs, heat flooding my

cheeks.

“You… you’re awake, I stammered, trying to compose myself. “How do you feel?‘

Ridley’s gaze was momentarily unfocused before settling on my face. ‘I’m fine,‘ he replied, his voice a raspy whisper. ‘How long was I out?”

“At least twelve hours.” I reached for the water glass on the nightstand and helped him take a sip. The doctor said you needed the rest.”

He attempted a dismissive smile. “Just overworked myself. I’ll be back on my feet in no time.”

Something snapped inside me. Tears sprang to my eyes, and though I tried to blink them away, they spilled over, tracking hot paths down my cheeks.

“When were you planning to tell me? My voice cracked with emotion. “Were you just going to let me find out when it was too late? Did you think I’d rather live in ignorance and then spend the rest of my life regretting not knowing?” I took a shuddering breath. “This relationship involves both of us, Ridley. You don’t get to make these decisions for me.”

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