I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 293 +25 BONUS Alisha said to Arielle , " Ms. Arielle , before you go , remember to prepare a gift to make your mom and grandparents happy . " Devan added , " That's right . Even though the kids aren't biologically related to them , they were so happy when they stayed at Mrs. Jamison's house before . " Arielle smiled . " Grandpa and Grandma are really nice to me ! And my uncle too . He's a bit scary , but he'll give Adrian and me anything we want . " Seeing her own child act so affectionately toward another woman made Lauren's heart ache . " Go play with your toys .

I'll play games with you later , " Carter told Arielle . After what happened with Adrian , Carter realized just how important the kids were to him . Lately , he had been as gentle and kind as possible toward them , and the kids no longer resisted him . It was clear that Rhea had genuinely treated the kids well , and Lauren had never shown them much kindness . Otherwise , how could such pure - hearted children continue rejecting her? At that thought , Carter's gaze toward Lauren grew colder and more distant . Lauren walked over . " I had the kitchen prepare some dinner .

Let's have a drink tonight and chat a little . " Carter lowered his eyes . " Okay . " He had had a lot on his mind recently and welcomed a small drink to relax . Lauren went into the kitchen to cook a few of her signature dishes herself . Carter sat in the sitting room where he could see everything she did . " I remember you couldn't cook before . " Lauren , with her back to him , let out a faint chuckle . " I've had to learn . I was all alone for the past few years , after all .

When a person reaches a certain age , they have to learn to grow up and become independent , " Her tone carried a mix of helplessness and sorrow . But Carter found something odd . " You had cancer , and you still had the energy to learn to cook ? " Lauren froze mid - chop . Alisha quickly said , " Maybe Ms. Thayer's condition wasn't that serious . By the way , Ms. Thayer , which hospital did you get treated at ? You look so well now . It must be a really good hospital .' 1/2 Chapter 293 +25 BONUS Lauren turned to look at Alisha , her gaze deep . " I don't remember the hospital's name .

I don't want to keep holding onto such bad memories . They're just too painful . " Devan studied her silently , thinking that Lauren's words were full of inconsistencies . In the past , Carter would have only cared about Lauren's pain and avoided bringing up topics that would reopen her wounds . But now , he could see everything clearly . Carter took a sip of water . " Think about which hospital it was . If someone around us ever has cancer in the future , I can recommend that place . It's a good deed . " Lauren swallowed hard . " Alright . I'll look it up later .

Let me finish cooking first . " Naturally , she would need some time because she had to coordinate with Holly . The fake medical records she had asked Holly to prepare weren't done yet . She needed to check on them . At dinner , Lauren wanted a private moment with Carter to chat , but Arielle sat at the table and refused to leave . After hesitating , Lauren said , " Arielle , I want to talk to your dad for a bit . Can you go play with Alisha ? " Arielle looked up at Carter . " Dad ? " He placed some food on her plate . " Is this something Arielle can't hear ?

" Lauren tightened her grip on her fork and smiled . "No , I just didn't want her to hear and feel upset . " " Dad and Mom are getting along again , and Adrian is going to recover . I'm really happy now . Nothing can make me sad . You can go ahead , " Arielle said cheerfully .