We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 232

Chapter 232

By noon, Cedar had arranged for food to be delivered from my home–simple dishes that wouldn’t upset my system. We sat beside each other as we ate, and the irony wasn’t lost on me.

“What are you smiling about?‘ Cedar asked, noticing my expression.

“Just thinking that our first meal as lovers is in a hospital room,” I replied. “Not exactly what I had in mind.”

She smiled as she handed me a bowl of warm soup. “Better than no first meal at all.”

I took the bowl, our fingers brushing briefly. Even that small contact sent a current of warmth through me.

As we ate in comfortable silence, I noticed Cedar’s expression shift. She pursed her lips, hesitation written across her features.

“Can I ask you something, Ridley?‘ Her voice was tentative.

“Of course.

Are you still… in love with her? With Irene? The question was barely audible.

I froze, fork suspended midair, wondering how she knew that name.

Reading my confusion, she explained, “Yesterday morning, you called out her name in your sleep. You seemed… in pain.”

I set down my utensils, took a deep breath, and hold her hand.

“Irene was my childhood friend,” I said carefully. “She passed away ten years ago. What we had was beautiful in its innocence, but I haven’t been living in the past. I met Cedar’s eyes directly. In my dream, I was telling her about you–that you were different, special. She just smiled, told me to move forward, and wished me happiness. Then she was gone, and I called after her.”

Cedars expression softened, relief washing over her features. “I see…”

Before she could respond further, the door burst open with the familiar sound of small feet and excited voices.

‘Dad! Oliver was the first to reach my bedside, eyes bright with excitement.

Aiden and Aria followed with more restraint, though their concern was evident in their expressions. Charles appeared behind them, looking apologetic.

“They insisted on coming right after lunch, Mr. Sterling. I couldn’t dissuade them

“It’s fine, I assured him with a nod.

The children’s attention quickly shifted to my hand clasping Cedar’s, then to the intimate space between us. Alden raised an eyebrows, Aria tilted her livad curiously, and Oliver’s eyes widened to comical proportions.

“Dad, are you and Mom…?” Aiden began carefully, a hint of hope in his voice.

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9:32 am P P P M

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Chapter 232

I glanced at Cedar, who nodded slightly, a blush coloring her cheeks.

“Yes, I stated simply. “Your Mommy and I are together now.”

The room fell silent for a beat before erupting in excitement. Oliver jumped up and down, Aria clapped her hands together, and even Aiden’s normally composed face broke into a genuine smile.

“I knew it! I knew Dad liked Mommy, too! Oliver announced triumphantly, as if he’d solved a great mystery.

“It was obvious, Aiden declared with his typical matter–of–factness, though his eyes betrayed his joy.

Aria moved to Cedar’s side and embraced her gently. “I’m happy for you, Mommy.”

Watching them, I felt a completeness I’d never experienced before. Was this what family was supposed to feel like?

Oliver suddenly turned to me with an exaggerated serious expression, hands on his hips. “Dad, if you’re mean to Mommy, I’m going to take her and run

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