We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Oliver’s POV

*Actually…” I began, making my voice small and sad, ‘I haven’t been completely honest with you, Mommy.”

Her expression turned concerned. ‘What do you mean?”

“I didn’t stay home all day,‘ I confessed, looking down at my hands. I went out for a little while… and I ran into my old teacher.”

“Your teacher?‘ she repeated, clearly confused.

“His name is Hunter, I explained, warming to my story. “He used to be my private tutor before I… before I came to live with you. Daddy hired him specially for me, but then Hunter had to go away for a while. He’s the only person besides you who’s ever been nice to me. He taught me everything I know. He’s

much better than preschool!”

“Oliver, Mommy said slowly, “why haven’t you mentioned him before?”

“I was afraid you wouldn’t believe me,” I mumbled, twisting the hem of my sweater. But he’s real! And he said he could teach me again. Please, Mommy? I don’t want to go to preschool with babies!”

Mommy looked skeptical. “I’d need to meet him before making any decisions. Could you contact him and arrange a meeting?”

I nodded excitedly and said, “My phone is charging in the room. Wait here, Mommy, I’ll be right back.” Then I ran to my room and texted Hunter, asking him

to pretend to be my tutor and come over right away.

“I gave him our address. He’ll be here soon,” I told Mommy.

Mommy nodded, standing up to organize the groceries she’d bought, while I racked my brain trying to figure out how to pull this off.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Mommy hurried to answer it.

My eyes widened in genuine surprise when the door opened to reveal Hunter standing there, looking every inch the professional tutor in a tweed jacket with

elbow patches and dark–rimmed glasses.

“Ms. Wright?” he said politely. “I’m Hunter Ellis, Oliver’s former tutor. I hope I’m not interrupting?”

I leapt up with an excited shout that wasn’t entirely fake.

“Hunter!” I cried, running to him.

Mommy stood in the doorway, visibly confused. “Hello, Mr. Ellis. Do you live nearby?”

Hunter smiled warmly. ‘Yes, I recently relocated to this neighborhood and discovered Oliver was staying nearby.”

I hugged his legs enthusiastically. “Hunter teaches me everything, Mommy! Tell her about our special lessons!”

‘Oliver has a unique learning style that benefits from customized instruction, Hunter explained, patting my head affectionately. “We’ve developed quite a comprehensive curriculum together.”

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Chapter 32

Mommy’s expression was a mix of suspicion and consideration. “And you worked for his father previously?”

“Yes, for approximately eighteen months, Hunter replied smoothly.

I added vigorously. “Daddy only cares about work. He never spends time with me. But Hunter was always there!”

I could see Mommy’s heart melting as she looked from me to Hunter. “Well, this is… unexpected. But I suppose we could discuss Oliver’s educational options.”

Ive brought some sample materials that demonstrate our approach,” Hunter offered, holding up a leather portfolio I hadn’t noticed before.

I held my breath as Mommy hesitated, clearly weighing her options.

“Please, Mommy? I begged, giving her my best puppy–dog eyes. “I promise I’ll be good and learn lots of things!”

“Alright, she finally agreed, stepping aside. “Please come in, Mr. Ellis. Let’s talk about this.”

As Hunter entered our apartment, he gave me the tiniest wink that Mommy couldn’t see. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning too widely.

Cedar’s POV

When I peeked out from the kitchen to tell Oliver dinner was almost ready, I paused at the sight before me. In the living room, Hunter and Oliver were immersed in what appeared to be far more than a simple game. They sat surrounded by geometric wooden blocks that resembled an educational set. This was clearly not ordinary play, but rather a methodical teaching session.

Oliver’s little face was scrunched in concentration, his brow furrowed. Hunter waited with remarkable patience, his observant gaze carrying a focused intensity.

“Now try extending this cantilever structure while considering the distribution of weight, Hunter suggested quietly, using terminology that surprised me for

a six–year–old’s lesson.

“What are you two working on?” I asked, curiosity drawing me closer.

They both looked up simultaneously. Oliver’s face brightened instantly. “Mommy! Look what Hunter’s teaching me! We’re learning about architectural

balance!”

Hunter rose to his feet with an elegant efficiency that seemed out of place for an ordinary tutor. “Yes, Ms. Wright.”

“What exactly are you teaching Oliver?‘ I crouched down to examine their construction.

“Primarily logical reasoning and spatial analysis through guided play,” Hunter explained. “We’re exploring how mechanical principles can be applied to everyday problem–solving. Oliver shows remarkable aptitude.”

I studied him with newfound interest, “That sounds far more advanced than typical lessons for his age.”

“I believe education should guide children to discover rules, not merely follow them,” Hunter responded with the conviction of a seasoned educator. ‘Oliver needs to understand ‘why‘ rather than simply ‘how.“”

I watched Oliver carefully adjusting a block, his expression of concentration stirring something in my memory that I couldn’t quite place.

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Chapter 32

After dinner, as Hunter prepared to leave, I noticed the special trust Oliver had developed with him–a connection unlike his interactions with others.

The next morning, as I dressed in my suit for my first day at Nest Design, Hunter arrived precisely on schedule.

“Mr. Ellis,” I said, adjusting my necklace, “Oliver seems to really enjoy your teaching approach. Would you be able to stay a few extra hours each day?”

“Certainly, Ms. Wright, he replied evenly.

‘I’ll pay extra for the additional time, of course, I added, reaching for my wallet.

Hunter politely but firmly declined: “That won’t be necessary, Ms. Wright. Oliver’s father has already covered all expenses.”

“Oliver’s father? So can I know who his father is?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t expose the info. of my client,” he replied with a smile.

“That’s fine. I understand. Thank you for being willing to spend the extra time with Oliver.”

The morning flew by at the new company as I tried to settle into my role. Before I knew it, lunchtime had arrived.

The cafeteria at Nest Design buzzed with lunchtime activity. I sat alone at a corner table, using the solitude to strategize how to effectively lead my design

team. The morning meetings had already revealed both the team’s potential and its challenges.

Lost in thought, I made a careless movement that sent the coffee splashing across my blouse.

“Damn it!” I gasped. The brown stain spread rapidly across the fabric, creating what might have been an interesting abstract expressionist statement–if it

weren’t so thoroughly ruining my outfit. I needed to address this immediately.

I hurried through unfamiliar corridors, quickly becoming disoriented. After several turns, I spotted an unmarked black walnut door and pushed it open

hopefully.

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