We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Cedar’s POV

*Ms. Wright, I actually have a gift for you,” Aiden said, a hint of shyness in his usually composed demeanor bringing out small dimples in his cheeks.

I swallowed hard. That’s really not necessary…

When you invited me for dinner that time, it was the happiest moment recently,” Aiden admitted, his admission clearly difficult for someone usually so

reserved.

“I heard you’re attending the business gala tonight,” he continued, pushing the box toward me. “I got these for you… as a thank you. You can try them on if

you’d like.”

He opened the lid, and I stared in absolute disbelief at the contents–a pair of crystal heels that seemed to match perfectly with the princess dress Oliver

had given me.

“Ms. Wright?” Aiden looked increasingly uncertain at my prolonged silence.

He nervously fidgeted with his jacket sleeve. “You don’t like them? I can find something else…”

His anxious expression revealed a thoughtful, delicate nature hidden beneath his usual composed exterior. Gone was the cold young heir–here was just a boy hoping to please someone he cared about, and it made my heart ache with tenderness.

“It’s not that,” I managed to say, trying to sound gentle. “Oliver gave me a dress this morning, and your shoes would actually match it perfectly.”

Aiden’s face showed surprise. “Oh. Oliver had already… So could you still accept mine?” He looked at me with expectation.

I hesitated for a moment, then, not wanting Aiden to feel the disappointment of rejection, I said, “They’re beautiful. I’d love to accept them if they aren’t too expensive.”

“They weren’t expensive at all!” Aiden quickly assured me. “Just fifty… dollars.”

From his hesitation, I suspected he was hiding the true cost. He’s the Sterling Group heir–the idea of him buying anything cheap seemed pretty unlikely.

“I bought some inexpensive accessories too!” He opened his desk drawer, revealing several beautiful boxes made of what appeared to be sandalwood, emanating a subtle, expensive fragrance,

‘Here’s a pearl necklace, earrings, and a bracelet… Do you like them, Ms. Wright?”

I stared at the collection of boxes, my pulse quickening. Even with my limited knowledge of jewelry, I could tell these were high–quality pieces–certainly not the bargain items he was claiming. His thoughtfulness warmed my heart, and I could tell he was downplaying the cost so I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable.

“Yes, I liked them. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, sweetie.”

I had just finished my work at the office, and it was exactly quitting time. I gathered Oliver’s dress and Aiden’s shoes and accessories into a large bag, planning to change in the dressing room across the hallway. But as soon as I stepped out of my office, I collided with a solid chest.

‘Mr. Sterling, I gasped, stumbling backward.

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4:01 pm D M

Chapter 46

Ridley steadied himself, his expression shifting from mild surprise to cool assessment as his gaze dropped to the packages in my arms.

“What are those?‘ His voice carried that familiar authoritative tone that seemed to demand immediate answers.

My mind raced. Should I mention Oliver’s thoughtful gift? Explaining that a six–year–old boy I had taken in had purchased a princess dress for me seemed unnecessarily complicated.

“It’s a dress I bought,‘ I said, the half–truth making my cheeks warm. “And… a pair of shoes and some accessories Aiden gave me

Ridley’s eyes narrowed. “Show me.”

“Excuse me?”

The dress. Show me.” He extended one hand expectantly.

After a moment’s hesitation, I surrendered the garment bag. Ridley unzipped it with practiced ease, revealing Oliver’s purchase–a voluminous tulle creation

in baby blue with an enormous bow and what appeared to be hundreds of sewn–on pearls and rhinestones.

His expression remained impassive, but I detected a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.

“This looks like something a little girl would wear to a birthday party,” he finally said, zipping the bag closed. “You intended to wear this to a corporate

function with Chicago’s design elite? That would be a spectacle.”

The criticism stung, even though I’d had similar doubts.

Ridley said flatly. “Come with me.”

“What? No, I need to-”

“Ms. Wright. His voice dropped lower. “I’ve already arranged for appropriate attire. It’s in my suite.”

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I stared at him, conflicted between irritation at his high–handedness and relief at potentially avoiding professional embarrassment.

“Fine,” I relented, following him into the elevator headed down to the underground parking garage. “But I’m keeping these with me.”

He let me into his car and drove to a hotel owned by Sterling Group.

The Sterling suite was larger than my entire apartment, with views of Lake Michigan that made the water seem to stretch into infinity, I had little time to admire the decor before Ridley steered me toward a doorway.

“The dress is in there. Along with shoes. He gestured vaguely. “I’ll wait out here.”

The walk–in closet he’d indicated was nearly the size of my bedroom. Hanging in the center was a sleek, floor–length purple gown with a high neck and elegant draping at the back. Beside it sat a pair of strappy white heels that looked both beautiful and intimidating.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirrored wall, suddenly aware of my plain work blouse and pencil skirt. With a deep breath, I carefully set down Oliver’s gift and Aiden’s shoebox, then reached for the purple dress.

The fabric felt like liquid silk against my skin as I slipped it over my head. However, getting the back zipper up proved impossible. As I contorted my arms trying to reach it, my hair became caught in the intricate beading near the zipper. Frustrated, I tugged harder, only to lose my balance on the plush carpeting.

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Chapter 46

I fell with an undignified yelp, landing awkwardly on my side.

Footsteps approached rapidly, and the door swung open.

“What happened? Ridley demanded, his tall figure filling the doorway.

I scrambled to sit up, acutely aware of the half–zipped dress and my exposed back. “Nothing! I’m fine-

Without waiting for me to finish, he strode forward and pulled me to my feet, his grip firm on my upper arms.

“Ow! My neck–1 winced as pain shot through my strained muscles. ‘Be gentle, please,” I added, my voice unintentionally softening on the last word.

Ridley’s hands loosened slightly, but he didn’t let go. His eyes traveled down to where the zipper gaped open, revealing a strip of skin along my side.

The air between us seemed to thicken. I became hyperconscious of his proximity, the warmth of his hands through the thin fabric, and the intensity of his

gaze.

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