We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76

“Very well! Charles, keep him under house arrest for thirty days, starting today! Daddy ordered with cold amusement.

1 trembled, biting my lip stubbornly. I knew Daddy wanted me to promise never to run away again.

But I couldn’t promise that.

I just wanted Mommy. What was so wrong with that?

But I couldn’t tell him! If Daddy knew I’d found Mommy, he’d probably punish her too!

My eyes started burning and I could feel tears coming. Charles noticed and looked panicked.

“Sir, he’s just a little kid. He doesn’t know any better. Maybe we could teach him slowly? Thirty days locked up seems pretty harsh for

someone his age…”

“How else is he going to learn?” Daddy’s tone was frosty. “Look at him–he’s already planning his next escape. Sterling children don’t have to be perfect, but they damn well better have discipline!”

“Oliver, this attitude needs to stop. Look at Aiden. He manages just fine–look at everything he accomplishes while you’re out here causing trouble,” Daddy said, his words hitting like stones. “Thirty days to think about it. Then we’ll talk, and I want real answers.”

I bit my lip, saying nothing.

After thirty days, I would run away again. I’d take lots of money and go live with Mommy in a city far from Daddy…

The atmosphere in the living room was thick with tension.

Charles’s temple throbbed as he wanted to say something, but didn’t know what.

Just then, the phone in the living room started ringing.

Charles practically dove for it like he was drowning. “Hello? Yes, ma’am… Yes, I’ll get Mr. Sterling for you right away.”

Daddy pinched the bridge of his nose and took the receiver. “Mother, it’s 2 AM in Australia. Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

“་་

t had a dream where the children were crying terribly. I was so worried I couldn’t sleep. Oliver should be home by now–put him on

the phone immediately.”

Daddy glanced at me standing in the corner with tears threatening to fall. “He’s not available right now.”

“Ridley, you’re not forcing Oliver to study again, are you? Listen, Oliver has a naturally lively personality–he’s not suited for managing the company. You already have Aiden as your heir, so stop torturing Oliver. Put him on the phone now.”

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8:54 Fri, Nov 7

Chapter 76

“Mother, it’s late. Get some sleep and we’ll talk tomorrow.” Daddy hung up abruptly.

It Grandma found out about the confinement, Daddy would have a miserable month ahead. Grandma loved me most of all the kids.

Daddy rubbed his temples. “Oliver, I could cancel your confinement…”

“That’s wonderful news!” Charles jumped at the chance to lighten the mood. “Sir, Young Master Oliver is a good kid at heart. He’ll turn things around, I’m sure of it. Since you’re giving him another shot, he won’t waste it. Will you, Young Master?”

I crossed my arms and looked away, not wanting to give them the satisfaction.

But inside? I was doing cartwheels. No house arrest meant I could slip out during the day!

If I could get out, I could see Mommy. Hell, I’d grovel if that’s what it took.

With that thought, I mumbled a grudging “Yeah, whatever.”

Daddy’s expression softened when he saw my sulky but compliant face.

*Your grandmother’s birthday is next month. You’re flying to Australia to bring her back personally.”

“Australia?” I stared at him.

The round trip would take at least five days. If Grandmother kept me there to play for a few days, it could be two weeks!

In Australia, Mommy and I would be on opposite sides of the earth.

“Confinement or Australia. Choose,” Daddy leaned back on the sofa, curiosity crossing his features.

I was usually great at sweet–talking people. Grandmother was frequently charmed by me, and I was her favorite grandchild.

Typically, I would beg to visit Australia every few months to escape studying. But this time, I didn’t want to go.

Aiden glanced over and spoke calmly, “Oliver, you disappeared for two weeks. Your homework has piled up. Confinement would actually help you focus on catching up.”

I internally groaned. Then it hit me–Aiden was throwing me a lifeline. Me suddenly not wanting to visit Grandma? Yeah, that would raise all kinds of red flags.

“Fine. I’ll go to Australia!” I declared, making my choice.