We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 73

Cedars POV

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After our chaotic escape from the company, I drove home in a daze. Oliver had dozed off and on during the ride, his excitement finally giving way to exhaustion.

Back in my apartment, I tried to restore some normalcy to our final evening together. A warm bath seemed the perfect way to soothe both

our frazzled nerves.

I watched Oliver splash in the bathtub. This was our last night together. Tomorrow, he would return to his real home, to his real family. The thought made my chest feel hollow.

“Hold still, sweetie,” I said, trying to keep my voice light as I rinsed shampoo from his dark hair. “Almost done.”

Oliver had promised he would visit me again, but who knew when that would be? Children make promises easily, but their lives are controlled by adults–adults like his mysterious father who I still hadn’t met.

“Oliver,” I said carefully, “where exactly do you live? I could drive you home tomorrow instead of-”

“No need, Mommy!” he interrupted quickly, not meeting my eyes as he focused on a big bubble. “Hunter will take me home.”

After the bath, I helped him into his pajamas and led him to the living room. His damp hair smelled like the baby shampoo I’d bought

him.

“I’d like to meet your father,” I said finally, setting him down on the sofa near my drafting table where work sketches were spread out. “Just to talk to him.”

Oliver’s face fell immediately. “N–no, that’s not necessary.”

He rubbed his nose nervously–something he did when hiding something.

“My daddy is very scary,” he continued, eyes wide. “Really scary! You shouldn’t risk it.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “If you’re not afraid of him, why should I be? Besides,” I glanced at the small gift box on my coffee table–some

emade cookies I’d made for his father, “I have something I want to give him.”

Inside the box was a note I’d written, explaining how I’d met Oliver and thanking his father for letting me care for him these past two weeks. It wasn’t much, but it felt important.

Oliver’s expression turned miserable. His small shoulders slumped, and his eyes began to water.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” I said, wiping away a tear.

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8:53 Fri, Nov 7

Chapter 73

“If you know where I live, you can visit me often,” I tried to reassure him. “Don’t you want that?”

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“I do! But…” Oliver’s dark eyes looked up at me pleadingly. “My daddy has a terrible temper. He gets angry easily. If he finds out I’ve been staying with you for two weeks, he’ll definitely be mean to you! Please, please don’t come to my house. If daddy knows about you, he might never let me visit you again!”

He threw himself into my arms and began sobbing. Not his usual dramatic tears when he didn’t get dessert, but real, heartbreaking sobs.

My heart squeezed tight. I looked at the gift box again–maybe it was a bad idea.

“Okay,” I said, stroking his hair. “I won’t meet your father yet. But someday, if there’s a chance, I’d still like you to arrange it. Can you

promise me that?”

“Yes! There will definitely be a chance someday!” Oliver nodded hard, relief washing over his face.

That night, I held him close as we lay in bed, but I couldn’t sleep at all. I stared at the ceiling, listening to his soft breathing, trying to remember everything about having him here. By morning, I had dark circles under my eyes.

“Haha, Mommy, you look like a panda!” Oliver laughed when he saw me in the bathroom mirror.

I looked at myself–he wasn’t wrong. Even with concealer, the shadows remained.

“Mommy, you should go to work. I’ll wait for Hunter,” Oliver said, wearing his little backpack.

I shook my head. “I’ll see you off first.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Hunter walked in in his business suit.

“Ms. Wright, thank you for taking care of Oliver. I’ll take him home now,” he said politely.

“I…” My voice caught. I wanted to say something meaningful, but no words seemed right.

Looking at Oliver’s bright smile, I swallowed my sadness. If he wasn’t crying, why should I?

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