We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Aiden’s POV

Father caught me sliding down from the leather seat, and before I could steady myself, his strong hands gripped my shoulders.

A cold sweat broke across my forehead as I met his icy gaze. I felt what little color I had drain from my face. I pressed my lips together, determined not to show fear despite the thundering in my chest.

“What were you looking for? Father’s voice cut through the silence like steel.

“…”

The words lodged in my throat. I couldn’t lie–not to him. The principles instilled in me since birth wouldn’t allow it. Silence was preferable to dishonesty. even if it meant harsher consequences.

Father deposited me on the sofa, loosening his tie. I watched his movements, recognizing the calculated calm that always preceded his disciplinary actions.

“Going through a senior family member’s office without permission is unacceptable in the Sterling household,” he said, each word measured and final.

I straightened my back, meeting his gaze directly. “I accept the consequences.”

“Good. Very good. So you’ve decided to challenge me too.” Father’s laugh held no warmth. “I can tolerate Oliver’s impulsive escapades because he’s the youngest. He doesn’t carry the weight you do. But you- he paused, his eyes boring into mine, “-you are different. The future of Sterling Design Group rests on your shoulders. You don’t have the luxury of indulgence.”

He pointed to the minimalist reading desk by the floor–to–ceiling windows. “Sit there. Two hours of silent reflection. No devices, no books. Just consider

what it means to be a Sterling.”

I walked to the desk without protest, squaring my shoulders. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing me defeated. As I took my seat facing the Chicago skyline, I heard Henderson shift uncomfortably by the door. I knew he wouldn’t intervene–no one ever did when Father made a decision.

Before Father left, he delivered one final blow: “After this, I hope you’ll never mention that person again.”

The expansive office feit enormous with just me sitting there. Though I have siblings, I’ve always known I’m fundamentally different from them. I am the

heir. The future. The responsibility.

I’ve been alone since I can remember. Studying alone, Growing up alone. Coming to the office alone. Returning home alone.

Yet my mind kept replaying what I’d seen yesterday–Oliver with that woman. Her gentle hands ruffling his hair. His silly faces making her laugh. Their shared happiness radiating between them.

I pressed my small palm against the cold glass window, watching people move like ants below. Six years old, and already I understand that some things are forbidden to me that my brothers can freely have.

But perhaps… perhaps I could try too.

Cedar’s POV

I stretched lazily in bed. When I attempted to get up, I found my arm trapped beneath a small, warm body.

1/2

3:51 pm D M

Chapter 25

“Mom, still sleepy… Oliver mumbled, burrowing deeper against me. He’d insisted on climbing into my bed last night, attaching himself to me like a little

koala.

I’m not used to sharing my sleeping space with anyone, but strangely, I’d slept more soundly than I had in years, wrapped in peaceful dreams I couldn’t

quite remember upon waking.

I turned to look at the little boy beside me. His dinosaur pajamas were rumpled, his round belly exposed as he sprawled across my mattress. Each beath made his tummy rise and fall in a thythm that somehow squeezed my heart. He was so adorable I couldn’t resist pinching his chubby cheek.

“Ow! Mom, that hurt… He pouted, sitting up with his hair sticking out in every direction.

I burst out laughing. “Aw, you woke up too soon! I wasn’t done pinching your cute cheeks yet!”

“Hmph, you’re mean! He turned away, pretending to be angry.

“Mom, will you always like me?” he asked, suddenly serious.

1 smoothed down his wayward hair, surprised by the vulnerability in his question. “Of course I will. Forever and ever.”

“But…” he fixed his gaze on me intently, “what if there was another kid who was cuter, better behaved, and smarter than me, and he also called you Mom? Would you stop liking me then?”

“What’s going on in that little head of yours?” I tapped his nose playfully, trying to hide my confusion at his worry. “Who else would call me Mom? In this

whole wide world, you’re the cutest, most special boy, and no one could ever take your place.”

Despite my reassurance, anxiety still clouded his face. I wondered what prompted this insecurity. Did he fear I would abandon him like everyone else in his

life had done?

“Alright, enough worrying,” I said, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. “I’m making breakfast, and after we eat, I need to head to Nest Design for my

interview. They accepted my resume.” I fixed him with my most serious look. “And I’m telling you one more time: no sneaking out of the apartment.

Absolutely not. Can you promise me that?”

“Yes!” He agreed without hesitation. “I’ll be waiting for your good news, Mommy!”

I massaged my temples, unconvinced. This little schemer didn’t seem trustworthy at all, but I had no choice but to believe him for now. Once I secured this

job, I’d enroll him in kindergarten where he’d be properly supervised.

I slipped into my interview outfit–a tailored suit I’d splurged on last year–and applied subtle makeup. As I closed the apartment door behind me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Oliver was up to something. But the interview at Nest Design was too important to miss. This could be my chance to finally establish myself professionally, away from Selena’s shadow and Jonathan’s control.

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