I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 260 +25 BONUS Lauren trembled , panic tightening her chest as tears slipped down her face . Deep down , she was terrified of losing Carter . Carter almost used all his strength to grip Lauren's face . " Dexter is freaking old ! You actually ... " He couldn't even bring himself to finish the sentence and let go of her face . Freed , Lauren immediately shouted , " That's because he hurt me years ago ! If it weren't to ... ' ་ ་ Her voice cracked . " If it weren't to help you , I never would've wanted to see him again in my life ! " She broke down in tears .

Carter narrowed his eyes , studying her . Red marks burned on both sides of Lauren's face . Her tears fell nonstop . " That man's a monster . He saw that I was alone , with no one to turn to , so he preyed on me . When I refused him , he threatened to stop my treatments and let me die . " As she said that , she sobbed so hard that it looked like her whole body might shatter . Lauren was utterly devastated . " How could I ever tell you something like that ? You think I wanted this ? If my parents were still alive , I never would've gone through it .

I wish I could be like Rhea , with parents and a brother to protect me . Who wouldn't want to live carefree ? " Carter fell silent . Back then , Lauren was like a little princess , never short of money or love . She was always cheerful and outgoing . Then , her family went bankrupt , and she was diagnosed with cancer . She had to leave home alone to fight it . What happened after that was easy to imagine . Carter forced down the wave of disgust rising inside him. " Even so , you shouldn't have lied to me . I would've found a way to survive without going to him . You ...

" The thought of Lauren being with that bald , old Dexter made him sick to his stomach . " Stop the car , " Lauren said suddenly . Glen reacted instantly , slamming on the brakes . She opened the door . " I know you can't accept me . I'll go back to Colburn right now and take my grandma back to her old home . " Her tears fell , and Carter happened to see them . He suddenly felt a pang of tenderness . 1/2 Chapter 260 +25 BONUS He grabbed her arm . " Calm down . " " How am I supposed to calm down ? " Lauren was worked up . " Just bringing it up makes me sick !

I hate how miserable my life turned out ! I lost my parents , lost the good life I had , nearly lost my life giving birth to my two kids , and then I lost the man I loved most in this world ! " If it hadn't been for all that , Dexter never would've had the chance to touch me . I can only blame myself ... " Her words shattered the last bit of Carter's resistance . His anger drained away , replaced with aching pity . He pulled her into his arms and held her tight . Lauren sobbed into his chest . " I'm sorry ... I'm so sorry , Carter ... " He murmured , " Don't say another word .

" Up front , Glen's expression stayed impassive . He couldn't help but wonder how just a few words from her could sway Carter . Was her tragic fate really a reason for her to throw herself into Dexter's arms ? Besides , wasn't this whole thing about Lauren and Dexter's relationship ? But of course , Glen didn't dare voice his doubts aloud . " Don't cry anymore . " Carter wiped Lauren's tears away . " You should've told me sooner . The disgusting one is Dexter , not you . " Glen almost rolled his eyes when he heard that . Lauren sniffled .

" Carter , I promise I won't ever hide anything from you again . " " Drive , " Carter ordered Glen . Lauren turned her face toward the window . A flicker of relief and lingering fear flashed in her eyes . It seemed she had to make sure Carter never crossed paths with Dexter again , in case Dexter said something .