We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Daisy’s POV

I watched Ridley bend down to speak with Aria, and my heart raced wildly beneath my carefully composed exterior. Something had gone terribly wrong. The moment I saw his expression when he looked at that painting, I knew I was in danger.

Think fast, Daisy. Think.

My eyes darted around and landed on a small jar of paint nearby. In one swift motion, I knocked it over while they were distracted, watching the paint splash across what remained of the canvas. Perfect–now most of the painting was completely obscured.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry, Aria. How clumsy of me!” I exclaimed, forcing shock and distress into my voice.

Ridley’s sharp eyes cut to me instantly. I could feel them like physical pressure against my skin. “What are you doing?” The coldness in his

voice made me shiver.

“I’m so sorry!” I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth in feigned shock. “It was an accident!”

But his eyes–God, those penetrating eyes–were studying me with such intensity that I wondered if he could see right through my act.

Had my movements been too deliberate? Too calculated?

No, impossible. I’d practiced this kind of “accident” before. It looked perfectly natural. It had to.

I bent down, making a show of trying to clean up the mess while actually ensuring the image was completely destroyed. “I’m so sorry,

sweetie. I didn’t mean to ruin your beautiful painting.”

Ten years I’d spent cultivating my position in this family, carefully building my image as the perfect caretaker. I couldn’t let it all crumble

because of one stupid painting.

“Daisy. Ridley’s voice was ice. “That’s enough.”

I flinched at his tone. What had gone wrong? I’d planned everything so carefully. Tonight was supposed to be my triumph–creating a

moment where Ridley would see me as Aria’s mother figure, perhaps even stay the night, charmed by my devotion to his daughter.

Instead, I was scrambling to salvage what remained of my credibility.

“I really am sorry,‘ I whispered, injecting my voice with just the right amount of remorse and vulnerability.

“Just leave now, I need to talk with her privately,” Ridley said, his voice carrying a finality that brooked no argument.

I knew better than to push my luck. Any longer and I’d risk pissing him off completely, so I swallowed my questions and walked away.

Ridley’s POV

1/2

Chapter 71

Once Daisy left, I pulled a chair beside Aria and sat down. “You don’t need to speak,” I said quietly. “Just nod or shake your head. Can you

do that for me?”

Aria’s dark eyes shifted slightly. After a long moment, she gave a small nod.

I picked up the ruined painting. “Is this woman in your painting Daisy?”

Aria’s lips pressed into a thin line. Her small hands clenched into fists.

She seemed to be struggling internally with something.

Finally, she slowly shook her head.

“Good. Thank you for being honest with me.” I continued carefully, “Is this woman someone you met for the first time today?”

The silent little figure gave a slight nod.

I set the painting aside, deciding not to press further about it.

After a moment of contemplation, I asked gently, “Would you like to move back to the main house with me, Aiden, and Oliver?”

Aria’s face suddenly drained of all color.

She shook her head violently.

Her small body curled into itself as she retreated behind the curtain, trembling visibly.

My heart clenched. I moved closer and gathered her into my arms.

“Aria, don’t be afraid. If you want to stay here, you can stay. It’s okay.”

But the child in my arms only trembled more violently.

Her beautiful long eyelashes fluttered rapidly, her dark pupils flooded with intense fear.