We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Ridley’s POV

I pushed open the front door of my mansion, fatigue settling into my bones after a grueling day of meetings. The last thing I needed was an unexpected visitor. Yet there she was–Daisy Black, perched on the edge of the chair like she belonged there, nervously fidgeting with her scarf.

“Ms. Black.” I let the chill seep into my voice. I wasn’t informed of your visit.”

She rose quickly, smoothing her dress. “I apologize for the intrusion, Mr. Sterling. Aria fell asleep after her training session, and I thought it best to bring her home myself. Henderson has already taken her to her room.”

I moved to the bar cart by the windows overlooking the skyline. “That doesn’t explain why you’re still here. I poured myself two fingers of Macallan,

deliberately not offering her anything.

“I wanted to discuss Aria’s recent behavior.” Daisy took a small step forward. “I’m concerned about her emotional state. She’s been unusually quiet during lessons, staring out the window for long periods. Sometimes I find her alone in the practice room, not dancing, just… sitting.”

I took a measured sip of my scotch, keeping my face unreadable. “Children have moods, Ms. Black. I’m sure it will pass.”

“The Chicago Arts Center competition is in six weeks, she persisted. “It’s the most prestigious junior ballet competition in the Midwest. Aria has a real

chance of winning, but not if she remains so… disconnected.”

“What are you suggesting?” I kept my tone clipped, business–like.

Daisy hesitated, then spoke softly. “Children need stability, Mr. Sterling. A complete home environment. A mother’s love.”

“Get to your point, Ms. Black. It’s been a long day.” My patience was wearing thin.

Something in her seemed to snap. She crossed the room and, before I could step back, wrapped her arms around me. The intrusion into my personal space

sent a wave of revulsion through me.

I’ve waited years for you to notice me,” she whispered, her voice suddenly thick with emotion. “I would sacrifice my position with the Chicago Ballet

Academy in a heartbeat. I could be a good wife to you, a mother to your children. They already accept me, trust me.”

I stood perfectly still, my scotch glass suspended midair. “Ms. Black,” I said with dangerous quietness. “Remove your hands from me immediately.”

‘Can’t you see how perfect it could be?” Her fingers clutched at my lapels. “I understand your world, your position in society. I come from a good family. I-

‘Ms. Black. I cut her off sharply. “Now.”

Slowly, she released me, but desperation still burned in her eyes. “Is it because of Irene? She’s been gone for years, Ridley. You need to move forward.”

At the mention of that name, something inside me shattered. I felt the color drain from my face, a sudden coldness spreading through my chest.

“Do not, I whispered, each word like ice, “ever mention that name in this house again.”

Daisy stepped back, but her chin lifted defiantly. “She’s dead, Ridley. She’s been dead for six years. You can’t spend your life haunting empty rooms looking for her ghost.”

“You know nothing about her,” I hissed, fighting to maintain control.

1/3

3:59 pm M

Chapter 38

“I know enough.” Daisy’s voice rose slightly. “She’s my cousin. I know she wouldn’t want this for you.”

I set my glass down with careful precision, using the motion to center myself. “Let me remind you of something, Ms. Black. You are Aria’s dance instructor. Nothing more. You were hired for your professional credentials, not for your insights into my personal life or my children’s emotional needs.”

“I was a principal dancer with the New York Ballet, Daisy said, her voice brittle with pride and hurt. “Teaching your daughter was supposed to be temporary, a stepping stone back to the stage. Her laugh was hollow. “But somehow, years have passed.”

I felt nothing at her confession. “Your personal disappointments are not my concern.”

‘Just come to her performance, Daisy said, deflated. “That’s all I’m asking.”

“Got it,” I replied dismissively, already turning away.

After she finally left, I stood motionless, staring out at the glittering skyline. Irene. Just the thought of her name opened wounds I’d spent years trying to

close.

Aiden’s POV

I stood silently in the shadows of the second–floor gallery, watching Dad and Daisy below. Henderson waited behind me, his presence reassuring but unnecessary. I’d been on my way to my room when I heard voices–one cold and controlled, my father’s; the other desperate and pleading, Daisy’s.

I hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but when Ms. Black wrapped her arms around Father, I couldn’t look away. The scene was like watching a moth fly directly into

a flame, knowing destruction was inevitable.

But it was the name–Irene–that truly caught my attention. I’d never heard it before, yet it clearly meant something significant to Father. His reaction had

been immediate and violent, a crack in his usually perfect control.

After Ms. Black left, Father remained motionless, staring out at the city.

“Who is Irene?” I asked Henderson quietly.

Henderson shifted uncomfortably beside me. “Young Master Aiden, I don’t think-

“It’s alright, Henderson,” I said, using the measured tone I’d learned from Father. “I don’t expect you to know. Could you help me to investigate?”

“No, Young Master.” Henderson’s response was immediate. “That would be ill–advised. In the Sterling household, researching the private matters of family

elders is… prohibited.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “I understand.” I paused, watching Father’s solitary figure below. ‘Henderson, which would make a better mother for us – Daisy or Ms.

Wright?”

The question hung in the air, seemingly innocent yet loaded with meaning.

“That’s not for me to say, sir,‘ Henderson replied carefully.

I turned toward the vast expanse of windows, the lights of Chicago spread out before me like fallen stars. “I wish I could call Ms. Wright ‘Mom‘ the way Oliver does,” I said quietly, more to myself than to Henderson. ‘It seems so… natural for him.”

I straightened my shoulders, feeling the weight of the Sterling name. “But I’m the Sterling heir. I can’t just… follow my feelings.”

213

Chapter 38

My reflection stared back at me from the darkened glass, superimposed over the city that would one day be mine.

“I wish Ms. Wright could be my mom too,” I whispered, so softly that even Henderson couldn’t hear me.

Comments

31