We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 7

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!

Chapter 87

Aiden’s POV

1 clutch the strand of dark hair tightly in my fist, slipping my hand into my sleeve. Cedar’s warmth surrounds me as she holds me close, but my body

suddenly tenses. I can’t help it.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Her voice is gentle against my ear.

“N–nothing, I manage to say.

I’ve always prided myself on my composure. Dad says Sterling men maintain control even when skyscrapers crumble around them. But right now, my heart is

pounding against my ribs like a trapped bird.

I adore Cedar. Her kindness feels like sunshine after years of winter. Yet here I am, stealing a strand of her hair behind her back. I’ve become the bad child I

promised Dad I’d never be.

I can’t even look at her eyes. Those kind eyes that always see through

1. me.

“Are you scared?” Cedar’s voice grows even softer as she strokes my back. “What are you afraid of, Aiden?”

I’m afraid you’ll discover what I’m doing.

I’m afraid you’ll stop li

1. me.

And most terrifying of all, I’m afraid my suspicions might be wrong…

I press my lips together, staring down at my polished oxfords. The Sterling family code forbids lying. So I remain silent, which feels almost as bad.

Cedar sighs quietly, her breath warm against my hair.

“We’re heading to your father’s headquarters now. It’s okay if you’re nervous about seeing him,” she whispers. “The way he spoke to those employees last

time would frighten anyone, let alone a six–year–old.”

She thinks I’m afraid of Dad. Well, she’s not entirely wrong.

“Your dad may seem tough, but you know it’s only because he loves you,” she says, her fingers running gently through my hair. “Don’t worry, I’ll be there

with you. He won’t give you a hard time today.”

I lean against her shoulder, keeping my eyes lowered. Cedar misunderstands, but I don’t correct her.

I am afraid of my father. His standards tower higher than the Sterling building itself. No matter how perfectly I perform, it’s never enough to satisfy him.

He’s desperate for me to grow up faster, to become the Sterling heir he envisions. But I’m only six.

Sometimes I wish I could be carefree like Oliver, or live in my own bubble like Aria. But I can’t. I’m the eldest. The future of Sterling Design Group rests on

my shoulders.

It’s fine, really, I’ve grown accustomed to these expectations.

All I want now is Cedar. To have her in our lives, day and night. And I’ll do whatever necessary to make that happen.

1/2

Chapter 87

T

The car glides to a stop outside Sterling headquarters.

Morning light glints off the glass façade as busy professionals stream through the revolving doors. Cedar sets me down on the sidewalk, but before de ran

lead me inside, I pull away.

I just remembered something important I need to do,” I tell her, backing toward the car. “You can go in first, Ms. Wright

I climb back into the Bentley’s leather interior and wave goodbye through the window. Once she turns toward the building, I press the button to close the

privacy partition.

Take me to Midwest Genetic Testing Center, I instruct Henderson, my voice steadier than I feel.

I stare down at Cedar’s long, golden hair nestled in my palm. Then I reach up and pluck one of my own shorter strands, placing them side by side.

One long, one short. Yet somehow, they look like they belong together.

Cedar’s POV

I watch the black Bentley pull away from the curb, Aiden’s small face framed in the tinted window. That boy carries the weight of expectations no child should bear. With a deep breath, I turn and approach the Sterling Design Group headquarters.

This is my first visit to the main office. Nest Design’s building is luxurious, but this… this is architectural magnificence.

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