I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 285 Carter's tone turned cold as he said , " Lauren , what we have has been mutual , but I never considered a future with you . So , don't say things in front of the kids that could lead to them misunderstanding . Rhea and I are still married . " Lauren was in disbelief . " What ... What did you just say ? Are you saying that there's no future between us ? " Those nights together meant nothing ? Was he going to give her up again ? How had he become so selfish and fickle ? Anger bubbled inside her , but she held it back . She knew that she couldn't let herself lose control .

Lately , because of Peter's and Devan's words , Carter had started thinking of her in a different way . But even if he wanted to let her go , he would have to ask her first . Lauren crouched , adopting an almost submissive tone . " Carter , there's been so much going on lately . I just worried too much and got flustered . If I said something wrong , please don't take it personally . I'm not as experienced as you . I need your guidance on some things . " Her modest look made Carter feel good . He loved being admired . But admiration aside , Carter had always been clear about his priorities .

At that moment , he needed Rhea for both his family and his business . He avoided Lauren's gaze . " You should head back . " Lauren bit her lip . " I'll go home and make something for you , then . Should I make some soup for Adrian ? " Carter's irritation showed . " He just had surgery . He can't eat now . Just go home and stay put , okay ? " Noticing his annoyance , Lauren clenched her teeth but kept up the appearance of calm . " Okay , I'll look after Arielle at home . Call me if anything comes up . " Carter didn't even glance at her .

That evening , at the Ravelle residence , the men sat at one table , the women at another . Dexter smiled at Liam the entire time to build rapport . " Mr. Nathan , I think Ms. Ravelle's had a little too much to drink , " Philip whispered to Nathan . George , who was sitting nearby , overheard that and glanced toward the women's table . 1/2 Chapter 285 +25 BONUS Rhea didn't speak loudly . Her slightly flushed cheeks carried a smile as she listened to Liora . Her eyes held a calm kind of sorrow , and it was impossible to tell what she was thinking .

After a few rounds of drinks , Dexter excused himself . The younger crowd naturally gathered together at one table . " What's wrong? " Nathan sat beside Rhea . Rhea leaned slightly on the armrest and shook her head gently . " Are you thinking about that kid ?" Nathan already knew about Adrian's accident . Rhea lowered her gaze . " I'd be lying if I said I'm not . Even if it were just a kitten I'd raised for six years , there's no way I wouldn't worry . ' Carter still hadn't contacted her about the divorce .

She feared that Carter's reluctance to divorce , just to keep connections with her family , could end up delaying Adrian's optimal treatment . " I know many people think that I'm reckless and too emotional . But raising them is what taught me the true weight of responsibility . " Over the years , it wasn't just her teaching the children . They had taught her just as much as she had taught them . Rhea looked out the window . The evening air was growing colder . A piece of cake suddenly caught her eye . Rhea shifted her gaze . George offered it to her . " Try this .

" Whenever Rhea was in a bad mood , she would turn to sweets for comfort . He actually knew about that little habit of hers . Kate , who was sitting nearby , looked away and silently sipped her wine . Rhea placed the piece of cake on the table . " George . " He turned to her . " Yes ? "