We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 64

Daisy’s POV

My hands trembled slightly as I gathered the broken pieces of glass from the floor. This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to unfold. Everything had been choreographed perfectly–the performance, the invitation to my apartment, the special ingredient waiting in my purse that I’d slipped into Ridley’s water when he was admiring my photography.

How had Aria seen? I’d been so careful. Unless… she might have overheard my phone call earlier when I was confirming the plan.

I glanced up to see the little girl’s eyes fixed on me, unflinching and accusatory. Normally vacant or distant, they now burned with awareness and something I’d never seen in her before–defiance.

“Ridley,” I said, injecting warmth into my voice as I stood. “Let me take Aria to her room to calm down.”

Before he could object, I placed my hand firmly on Aria’s shoulder and leaned down to whisper in her ear, my smile never faltering for

Ridley’s benefit.

“Not one word,” I breathed, soft enough that only she could hear. “Or I’ll make sure you never dance again. You know what happens to little girls who tell lies? They get locked away where no one can see them. Where they can’t even see the sky.”

I felt her small body stiffen under my grasp. Her fear of confinement was well–documented in her therapy notes–the panic attacks she’d experienced when accidentally locked in a practice room last month had taken weeks to work through.

Straightening, I directed my words to Ridley. “She’s overwhelmed. This happens sometimes after performances. Why don’t I take her to decompress while you and Aiden wait here? I’ll bring her back in a few minutes.”

Ridley hesitated, his dark eyes studying my face with his penetrating gaze. “Aiden, stay with your sister,” he finally said.

Not part of my plan.

“Actually, I countered smoothly, “having her brother around might overstimulate her further. The protocol we use at the conservatory is very specific about minimizing social interactions during episodes.”

Aria’s breathing had quickened, her small hands forming tight fists at her sides. She wasn’t going to last much longer before having a

meltdown–which might actually work in my favor.

“Dad,” Aiden spoke up, his child’s voice carrying a peculiar authority, “I think we should take Aria home with us tonight.”

“That’s not possible,” I said quickly. “The conservatory has strict policies about residential students maintaining their routine, especially after performances. Breaking that routine could set her progress back significantly.”

I watched Ridley’s expression harden as he stood up. “Aria, come with me. No one else,” he commanded, heading toward the garden.

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Chapter 64

No, she couldn’t tell Ridley anything.

The girl kept her head down, shoulders hunched like a frightened bird. Her blonde bangs–so similar to her father’s–fell across her eyes, hiding whatever emotion might be flickering there. I needed to act quickly.

“Aria, Dad’s reasonable. Just explain your reasons to him,” Aiden said, handing his sister her sketchbook.

That boy was always interfering. Too observant for his own good. I kept my smile pleasant while Aria pressed her lips together, clutching the sketchbook like a shield before slowly walking toward the door.

I moved swiftly to intercept her, bending down with practiced grace to whisper near her ear. “You’re a smart girl. You know what should be

said and what shouldn’t, don’t you?”

I felt a thrill of satisfaction as her small body tensed beneath my fingers. Her head snapped up, and I caught the flash of fear in those

dark eyes–sharp like winter frost yet vulnerable as a trapped creature.

“Aria, I know you’re a good girl,” I cooed, my voice honey–sweet. “Go on now, your father’s waiting.” I gave her a gentle push forward, my

smile never faltering.

“Miss Black, what did you say to her?”

I turned to find Aiden approaching, his child’s face set in an unnervingly adult expression of suspicion. So like his father.

“Aria’s afraid of her father, as you well know,” I replied, my voice the perfect blend of concern and warmth. “I was simply encouraging her.

She’s a Sterling too, and eventually she’ll fully rejoin the family. I just hope father and daughter can have a good relationship instead of

tension every time they meet.” I smoothed my designer dress, maintaining my role flawlessly. “I’ll wash some fruit for you.”

I walked away, feeling Aiden’s cold stare on my back. Let him look. He was just a child, no matter how precocious. I had spent years

cultivating my position in this family–my relationship with Aria was my masterpiece. Through her, I would eventually have Ridley

himself.

From the kitchen window, I could see them in the garden–father and daughter, like opposing statues. Ridley’s tall figure towered over

Aria’s small form. I couldn’t hear his words, but his posture spoke of impatience, of a man unused to resistance. Good. The more friction

between them, the more Aria would depend on me.

After what seemed like a lecture, Ridley turned back toward the house. “Aiden, we’re leaving,” he called out.

I quickly positioned myself at the counter, arranging fruit as if I’d been busy preparing it. Aiden emerged from wherever he’d been followed his father, pausing only to say something to his sister before they left.

The black car soon disappeared from the estate entrance. My face crumbled as I watched Aria slowly return to the house, her shoulders

still slumped.

“What did you think you were doing?” I demanded.

Chapter 64

Her small face remained expressionless, but her eyes held mine steadily. After a long moment, she spoke–each word precisely articulated, as they always were on the rare occasions when she chose to use her voice.

“I hate you most.”

I laughed, the sound brittle in the quiet apartment. “Hate me? You should be thanking me. I’m the only reason your father even visits you. Do you think he wants a broken child? A weird little girl who can’t even have a normal conversation?”

She flinched, but held her ground.

“Sleep now! We’re going out tomorrow,” I said, my voice hardening.

“Where?” she asked, her voice small but clear.

“To the amusement park,” I replied with a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. “Your reward for tonight’s performance. You’d like that,

wouldn’t you?”

Terror flashed across her face. The sensory overload of an amusement park would be overwhelming for her–we both knew it.

“The carousel goes round and round,” I continued, watching her carefully. “And the roller coaster goes up so high you can’t see the ground. Wouldn’t that be fun, Aria? Unless, of course, you’d rather stay here and behave.”

She retreated a step, her breathing shallow.

“That’s what I thought,” I said quietly. “Now, be a good girl and go to your bed. Remember our agreement—you don’t speak, and I don’t

make your worst fears come true.”

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!

Chapter 65