We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Cedar’s POV

I watched Selena walk away, her face flushed with excitement. She seemed to have completely forgotten why she’d come to Nest Design in the first place, now floating on cloud nine imagining some romantic future with Ridley.

When she finally disappeared around the corner, I released a barely perceptible sigh of relief.

I looked up at Ridley, conflicted emotions crossing my face. Thank you for helping me out, Mr. Sterling.”

If my memory served me correctly, this was the third time he’d rescued me from my family’s machinations.

“Just a thank you?” His deep voice echoed from above, instantly dissolving whatever gratitude I’d been feeling.

I pressed my lips together, fighting irritation. ‘Would you like me to treat you to dinner as thanks?”

“Dinner won’t be necessary,” he replied coolly. “There’s a gala tomorrow evening. You’ll accompany me as my plus one.”

I blinked, certain I’d misheard. “Mr. Sterling, I don’t think someone in my position would be appropriate as your companion for such an event.”

“It’s a business function with Nest Design partners,” he stated matter–of–factly. “As design director, you need to build these connections. How else do you

plan to meet your department’s targets this quarter?”

I fell silent. He had a point. Since becoming design director, the entire department’s performance rested on my shoulders. My professional network was still

largely connected to Wright Creatives–my foster family’s company.

“Alright,” I nodded, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “I’ll meet you after work tomorrow, then.”

I turned and headed toward the bus stop, feeling his gaze following me as I walked away.

When I arrived home, Oliver was waiting eagerly at the door.

“Mom! I got something special for you!” he announced, taking my hand and pulling me toward the kitchen. “I bought your favorite dessert!”

On the counter sat an elegant box containing what appeared to be an exquisite tiramisu, beautifully garnished with chocolate shavings and a dusting of

cocoa powder.

“This looks amazing,” I said, surprised. “Where did you get it?”

‘From that little bakery down the street, Oliver replied proudly. “I went there this afternoon. Do you like it?”

As I examined the dessert more closely, something about it struck me as familiar. The presentation style, the distinctive layering, even the subtle coffee aroma reminded me of the desserts I’d seen on Ridley’s office coffee table this afternoon. It seemed too upscale for our neighborhood.

“Is something wrong?” Oliver asked, noticing my hesitation.

Maybe it was simply a popular dessert style making the rounds. That’s typical in the food business–a successful creation at one place quickly gets replicated across the city.

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Chapter 45

I shook my head, pushing the thought aside. “Not at all. It looks delicious. Let’s have some after dinner.”

While preparing our meal, I couldn’t help but think about tomorrow’s gala. As Oliver chatted about his day, my mind kept returning to one pressing concern: I had absolutely nothing suitable to wear.

After dinner and our shared dessert–which was, indeed, exceptional–1 stood before my open closet, surveying my limited options with growing anxiety. Over the years, I’d always borrowed Selena’s cast–off dresses for formal events, returning them afterward. As a result, 1 owned nothing appropriate for a

high–profile gala.

I checked my bank account balance: less than two hundred dollars to last until my next paycheck. Nowhere near enough for a dress worthy of standing beside Ridley among Chicago’s elite.

“Mom? What’s wrong?‘ Oliver appeared in the doorway, observing my worried expression.

I sighed, closing the closet door. “I’m attending an important event tomorrow evening, so I’ll be home a bit late. I’ll talk to Hunter in the morning about staying with you longer.”

“But you look worried.” Oliver asked perceptively, “Are you considering what to wear?”

“Yes, I didn’t have a suitable dress. I’ll just rent something,” I replied, attempting to sound unconcerned. “Fifty dollars should get me something presentable enough.

“A dress?” Oliver’s eyes lit up. “I can help you with that!”

I smiled at his enthusiasm. “That’s sweet of you, but this is grown–up business. Now it’s bedtime for you, mister.”

“Okay!” he replied, climbing into bed with surprising eagerness. “Goodnight, Mom!”

I kissed his forehead and turned out the light, my mind still preoccupied with tomorrow’s challenge.

The alarm woke me the next morning. As I headed to the bathroom, I noticed an enormous, elaborate box on the living room table that definitely hadn’t been there the night before,

My sleepiness vanished instantly as I approached and opened it to find… a gown?

I lifted it out in disbelief. It was a voluminous princess–style dress with a skirt adorned with pearls and gems. The waist featured an enormous, ornate bow. The style was decidedly juvenile–like something from a child’s fairy tale rather than appropriate business attire.

‘Do you like it, Mom?” Oliver suddenly appeared, his dark eyes reflecting the sparkle of the jewels.

‘I picked it myself! You’ll look so pretty in it!”

I stared at him, bewildered. ‘Oliver, where did you get this dress?”

“I went out this morning and bought it with my allowance,” he replied with a shy smile. “I knew you didn’t have a dress for tonight. It wasn’t expensive—just fifty dollars. Please say you’ll wear it?‘

My heart melted at his thoughtfulness, even as I wondered how he’d managed to purchase anything this early in the morning. Though the style was far from what I would choose, I couldn’t disappoint him after such a sweet gesture.

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Chapter 45

I leaned down and kissed his cheek. Of course I will. Thank you for thinking of me.”

A fifty–dollar dress might be cheap, but the love behind it was priceless.

At work, I had just finished reviewing material samples when my phone chimed with a message from Aiden:

[Ms. Wright, there are some questions I need to discuss. Do you have time to come to my office now?]

When the young heir summoned, one made time. I took the elevator to the top floor.

As I entered the executive office, I immediately noticed a sleek shoe box on the desk that gave me a strange feeling… Could this be another gift?

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