I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 116 +25 BONUS Carter frowned , recalling what Adrian and Arielle had just said . As their father , he couldn't ignore the problem . "You told me the kids called you a witch , right ? " Lauren's eyes flickered in panic . " I ... Yeah , but I didn't take it to heart . " " They said they never did , " Carter said , watching her closely . Lauren could tell that the kids must have told him something while she wasn't there . Her mind raced , then she pressed her fingers to her temple . " I was probably just angry then , and with a cartoon on . I guess I heard it wrong .

" Carter studied her for a moment . " But you really did hit Adrian , didn't you ? " Lauren took a breath . " I didn't hit him . I just gave him a light pat . The kids are too biased against me . They made a big deal out of nothing . " " You're their birth mother . You didn't protect them but actually made things up about them ? " This was the first time Carter had ever shown real emotion toward Lauren like this . Lauren noticed this . She stepped forward and took his hand . " Exactly because I'm their mother , I can't just watch them be taught to be rude . I'd never hurt them .

" " Rhea has taken care of them all these years , and nothing like this has ever happened . " Carter pulled his hand free . Lauren's heart sank . " Apologize to the kids . They're still upset and don't want to come home , " he said . Chloe cut in , offended . " You want their mother to apologize ? People would laugh if they heard that . Those kids have been taught terribly ! " Carter frowned . " Mrs. Thayer Senior , my relationship with Rhea is one thing , but when it comes to the kids , she's never done them wrong . " Lauren turned and hugged Chloe . " It's fine , Grandma .

As long as the kids are okay , I'll do whatever it takes . I just want them safe and happy . " Her words brought back what Arielle had said earlier . " The way she acts when you're around isn't how she is when you're not . " Carter wondered if her gentleness was an act . However , he thought against it because she was their mother . There was no way she'd do that . 1/2 Chapter 116 +25 BONUS When they entered the villa again , Lauren smiled gently and said , " Arielle , Adrian , I'm sorry for not taking your feelings into account . That was my fault .

I'll learn how to take better care of you . Will you forgive me ? " Arielle and Adrian really disliked her . Even if she apologized , that wouldn't change . Arielle glanced at Rhea , then tugged Adrian's hand . " It's fine , " she said quietly . " Can I have a hug ? " Lauren's eyes glistened . She looked deeply pained . However , the kids didn't move . They simply walked over to stand beside Carter . They understood that they had to go home no matter what . " Mom , " Adrian called out as he turned to Rhea . Rhea went over , crouched , and straightened their clothes .

" You're my amazing kids . I love you . If you ever miss me , message me anytime , and I'll come get you . But you can't sneak out again . Your dad will worry , and I will worry even more . Got it ? " Arielle pouted . " Yes , Mom . " " Take care of Adrian . " Arielle nodded . Rhea looked at Adrian . " And you protect Arielle . " " I will , Mom . " The scene made Carter's chest tighten . Was Rhea not going back with him ? Carter couldn't help asking , " Aren't you coming home ? " Lauren froze . He wanted Rhea to go back with them ? Today's Bonus Offer