We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

“There can’t be children here,” he said, his focus still unnervingly on me.

*Mommy! Where are you, Mommy!” The crying grew louder.

“There is definitely a child out there,” I insisted, setting down the files. “I should check.”

I hurried out before he could object, escaping the suffocating intensity of his presence. In the hallway, I spotted a small figure huddled in the corner, crying loudly. He wore an oversized trench coat and a cap pulled low, but I’d recognize that little form anywhere.

I rushed over, and before I could even see his face clearly, he launched himself into my arms.

“Mommy! I finally found you!” he wailed.

I tilted his cap back slightly to see his tear–streaked face, my heart twisting at the sight. “Oliver, sweetie, didn’t I leave you in the building’s playroom? How did you get up here?” I frowned, noticing something odd about his voice. It sounded… put on, as if he were forcing the sobs.

Oliver’s eyes darted around. He sniffled dramatically. “I just missed you sooooo much, Mommy. I wanted to sleep in your arms. Can I stay with

you while you work? I’ll be super quiet, I promise…”

I glanced at my watch–9:00 PM. Usually, he’d be in bed by now.

“Wait here, sweetie. I’ll tell my boss we need to leave.”

“No!” He tightened his grip around my neck. “I don’t want to be away from you even for one second!”

I couldn’t help but smile at his persistence. “Alright, but you need to be on your best behavior.”

As I carried him back toward the office, Oliver adjusted his cap and wrapped himself tighter in the coat, leaving only his eyes visible.

When we entered, Ridley was smoking, a rarity I’d only witnessed when he was particularly agitated. His expression darkened when he saw

1. us.

“Mr. Sterling, I’m sorry, but I need to leave early,” I explained.

His eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me you’re playing Good Samaritan and taking this random child home?”

He extinguished his cigarette. “Security can handle this. Have them call the police.”

“Mommy, I don’t want to leave you!” Oliver mumbled against my neck.

The word hung in the air between us.

9:45 Thu, Nov 6 B

Chapter 68

Mommy.

:

95

Ridley’s expression transformed from irritation to shock, then something darker. The temperature in the room seemed to plummet.

I felt Oliver trembling in my arms and held him tighter. “It’s okay, baby. We’re going home now.”

Looking up, I met Ridley’s intense stare with calm determination. “As you can see, Mr. Sterling, my child needs me. I’ll email the corrected client list to you before midnight.”

His face hardened. “You’re saying this is your child?” Each word was measured, tightly controlled.

Oliver shivered against me, and I instinctively tightened my hold.

“Yes, this is my son,” I replied evenly. “Is there a problem, Mr. Sterling?”

“Your résumé states that you’re unmarried,” he said coldly.

“I am unmarried.” I blinked innocently. “Is there a rule that says unmarried women can’t have children?”

His mouth opened, then closed. For once, the great Ridley Sterling seemed at a loss for words.

After a moment, he spoke again, his voice deceptively casual. “How old is he? When did you have him?”

“Mr. Sterling, that falls under personal information I’m not obligated to share.” I picked up my bag. “It’s getting late. We should go.”

“Wait.” His command filled the room with authority.

I paused but didn’t turn around, feeling Oliver curl tighter against me.

“First time meeting your son,” Ridley said, his tone slightly softer. “I should give him a welcome gift.”

He picked up a small model airplane from his desk. “Boys like these things, don’t they? Take it.”

I hesitated, then stepped forward. “Thank you, Mr. Sterling, but—”

“Let your son take it himself,” he interrupted.

Oliver went rigid in my arms.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Sterling. My son isn’t feeling well,” I said, pulling Oliver closer protectively. “The gift is too generous. We couldn’t possibly

accept.”

Ridley’s gaze remained fixed on the bundle in my arms. I could see the curiosity–or was it suspicion?-burning in his eyes. He reached

toward Oliver’s back, his fingers grasping for the coat.

2/3

Chapter 68

My heart hammered against my ribs. What was happening here? Why was this man so interested in Oliver?

Comments

LIKE

Write Comments

<SHARE