I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 222 +25 BONUS Lauren poured glasses of water for the other women while saying , " Outsiders are just not privy to certain information . Everyone thinks that someone else raised the kids , but I know better than anyone how much I love them . Would any mother not love their children ? I just couldn't be with them daily because I had cancer . " " Cancer ? " " Yeah . I went abroad for my treatment , but my heart was back at home with them . I missed them so badly , and I was out of my mind with worry each time they fell sick .

All I could do when I longed for them was to look at their photos . I occasionally had video calls with them , but they didn't seem to like me much . I don't know why , " Lauren said . Logically speaking , everyone would think that Rhea had driven a wedge between her and her children . Lauren fanned the flames and laughed forlornly . " Maybe it's because they adore their stepmother so much. I guess I should be relieved , really . " One of the women , blunt as ever , cut in . " If that's the case , why did you tell everyone at Mrs.

Cain's birthday celebration that you raised the children yourself ? I don't think I misheard you . " The other women turned to shoot her incredulous looks . Was she actually bold enough to call Lauren out like that ? Marcus had made it clear that they were to play nice with Lauren to knock the Ravelle family down a peg or two . Their husbands worked with Marcus , so that naturally made the Ravelles and Sniders their rivals . They were happy to see Rhea embroiled in a scandal , but that didn't mean they would genuinely accept someone whose position was as awkward as Lauren's into their fold .

Maintaining the peace on the surface was one thing . So , why was this woman poking at Lauren's sore spot ? Lauren was taken aback by the question . " Did I say that ? " " Didn't you ? You even said the kids had weak constitutions and allergies because they were overprotected , " the woman said flatly . Lauren's expression turned awkward . The other women quickly switched the subject . One asked , " Sweethearts , how are you getting on with life in Draventh ? " 1/2 Chapter 222 +25 BONUS Arielle looked up and said , " It's okay . " The lady asked , " Is it because you don't like this place ?

" Arielle thought about it . " We're happy when Mom is with us and unhappy when she isn't . " She and Adrian had been overjoyed during the few days they'd been with Rhea . They had also been pleased to have Ruby and Liam with them . But now that they were home , they barely cracked a smile . Carter had been busy since coming to Draventh , so Lauren was the only one at home with them . She was supposed to spend time with them , but instead , she just went about her own things and ignored them . One of the women said , " And you were saying that they don't cling to you . Look at that !

" Lauren was about to smile when Adrian suddenly said , " We meant Mommy Rhea , not her . " Silence descended upon the room , and everyone looked awkward . " Uh ... We have other things to do , so we should head out now . We'll come visit these sweethearts again some other day , " one of the women said before standing up . After a brief stay , the others followed suit and left . Lauren remained rooted to the spot after seeing them off . Her expression was steely . Arielle watched as she turned around and glared daggers at her and Adrian . She became wary and to ?

" pulled Adrian a few steps back with her . She frowned and asked , " What are you up Lauren gritted her teeth . At that moment , she felt like the two children she had brought into this world were there to ruin her . Other people called their children blessings , so why did hers keep humiliating her at every turn ?