We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Oliver’s POV

I stayed perfectly still under the heavy mahogany desk, hardly daring to breathe as Daddy’s footsteps faded down the hallway. My heart was pounding like crazy, but I managed not to make a sound even though the carpet was super dusty.

“Come out.” Aiden’s cold voice cut through the silence.

I froze. The office remained completely quiet.

Aiden took two deliberate steps toward the desk. ‘If you don’t want this to end badly, come out now, Oliver.”

Hmph, you’re no fun at all!” I complained, pushing aside the chair and crawling out from under the desk. ‘I was hiding so perfectly! How’d you even know I

was here?”

Aiden’s dark eyes fixed on me with that unnerving stare that made him look like a miniature version of Daddy. “Next time you eat mint chocolate remember to rinse your mouth afterward. I could smell the mint from across the room.”

C

Hunter, standing quietly by the bookshelf, looked apologetic. “My apologies, young Master. I should have reminded you.”

I rubbed my tongue against the roof of my mouth, tasting the lingering bitterness of the chocolate I’d snuck earlier. Stupid mistake.

“Daddy would never have noticed, I muttered, crossing my arms. “He doesn’t even know what snack I like. He doesn’t care about anything except work and rules and punishing us! He’s so annoying. If Mommy hadn’t stepped in just now, he would’ve made you stand in the corner again, wouldn’t he?”

A flicker of emotion crossed Aiden’s face–something sad that disappeared so quickly I almost missed it. He straightened his already–perfect posture.

“Sterling family members don’t criticize their elders behind their backs,” he said flatly. Then his eyes narrowed. “And why did you call that woman

Mommy?”

Oh no! I slapped my hand over my mouth, eyes widening in horror. My stupid mouth always got me in trouble!

“I… I didn’t,” I stammered, backing toward the door. “You misheard me.”

‘I heard perfectly,” Aiden insisted, his voice dropping lower. ‘Father said our mother is dead. Who is that woman to you, Oliver?”

I glanced desperately at the exit, calculating my chances of escape. Not good with Aiden blocking the way,

Suddenly, an idea hit me. I let a sly smile spread across my face. “Maybe I know something you don’t, big brother.”

That got his attention. Aiden’s perfect composure cracked just a little.

“What do you know?” he demanded, taking a step closer.

“Let’s make a trade,” I suggested, bouncing on my toes with newfound confidence. I’ll tell you about Mommy if you give me control of Nest Design.”

Aiden’s face hardened. “Absolutely not.”

“Then I guess you’ll never know,” I shrugged, trying to look mysterious and important.

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3:58 pm M DM

Chapter 31

‘I could tell Father about your secret,‘ Aiden threatened, his voice cold.

For a moment, I almost gave in. Part of me wanted to tell Aiden everything–that the nice lady who stood up for him today was actually our mommy, and that she was alive, not dead like Daddy said. Maybe if Aiden knew, he wouldn’t look so sad all the time.

But then I remembered how Mommy had protected Aiden today. How she’d looked at him with such kindness. If she knew Aiden was her son too, she’d probably love him more than me. Aiden was perfect at everything, and I was just… me.

“Go ahead and tell Daddy,” I said, lifting my chin defiantly. He won’t believe you anyway.”

I darted around him toward the door. ‘I have important things to do. Bye, Aiden!”

“Oliver! Aiden called after me, frustration evident in his voice, but I was already gone.

Later that afternoon, I was sitting cross–legged on the couch in Mommy’s apartment, pretending to be deeply engrossed in a thick architecture book when I

heard her key in the lock. Quick as lightning, I adjusted my position to look extra studious, even furrowing my brow like Aiden does when he’s

concentrating.

‘Oliver? I’m home!” Mommy called as she entered, setting down her portfolio and shopping bag.

I looked up with my most angelic smile. “Hi, Mommy!”

Her face softened as she took in the sight of me surrounded by books. I’d strategically placed several around the couch to enhance the effect.

“My little scholar,” she said warmly, coming over to kiss the top of my head. “Did you have a good day?”

The best!” I fibbed. “I’ve been reading and waiting for you to come home.”

She sat beside me. “I’m sorry I came home later than planned. I stopped by the supermarket to pick up some special ingredients–thought we could have a

little celebration dinner tonight. Guess what? I got the design director position!”

“Mommy, that’s amazing! I knew you could do it!” I exclaimed, throwing my arms around her, even though this was all part of my plan. We stayed like that

for a moment, her happiness warming the room.

“By the way,” she began, gently stroking my hair, ‘I’ve been thinking about your education, sweetheart. I need to be busy adapting to the new job recently.

So I’m afraid that you would feel lonely here,”

Something in her tone made me sit up straighter. I didn’t like where this was going.

“There’s a wonderful preschool near the company,‘ she continued, “I thought maybe you could start next week. You’d make friends your own age, learn new things-

“No!” I interrupted, louder than I meant to. “I don’t need preschool! I’m already smart!”

Mommy looked surprised at my outburst. “Oliver, it’s not about being smart. It’s about socializing with other children, developing—*

“They’re all babies there, I protested, scrambling for excuses. “They’ll just play with toys all day. I need to learn real things!”

“Like what?” she asked, her voice gentle but firm.

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Chapter 31

‘Like… like math and science and architecture! I gestured dramatically at the book in my lap.

Mommy tried to hide her smile, which only made me more determined.

‘Social development is important too,” she insisted. ‘You need friends, Oliver.”

I felt panic rising in my chest. If I went to preschool, what if Daddy found me? What if he took me away?

Then a brilliant idea struck me.

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