I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

George asked Rhea if she liked him , not if she loved him . He wasn't that self - absorbed . He didn't dare overstate things . Even though he would exude pride and authority around other men , he never did so in front of Rhea . Over the phone , she could sense his caution and fear . This was something she had never picked up from Carter . In relationships , comparisons were inevitable . Although Rhea would never consciously compare Carter with George , her subconscious still weighed the good and the bad . Like now , George feared losing her . Carter never did .

With Carter , Rhea's efforts were expected . But with George , they became debts he felt compelled to repay . Everything she gave him , he would return twofold . Yet , past experiences had made her cautious about opening up recklessly . " George . " He paused for a moment . " Yes ? " " I like you . And I'm trying to love you too . " George closed his eyes , thinking that it was perhaps enough . " Rhea , I don't want to hide anything from you . " She said , " Let me guess . Did you have a fight with your mother ? " George didn't deny it . " Yeah . " " I'll give you time to take care of it .

I won't interfere . And I promise , it won't affect us . " At that moment , George felt the weight of all he owed her . " Thank you . " " Why are you thanking me ? " " Because you didn't have to understand me , but you did , " he replied . " Give me a little time . It won't be long . I'll marry you after that , okay ? " His tone was tentative , careful not to push too hard . Rhea held back a laugh . " There's no rush . " 1/3 Chapter 427 With that , they hung up . Neither of them slept that night . +25 BONUS The next day , Rhea went home . She asked Philip , " Where's Nathan ?

" " He's in the study . " Nathan had his own busy schedule , too . When she entered the study , Nathan was indeed in the middle of a meeting . Rhea slipped in quietly . Nathan noticed her but didn't say anything , only gesturing for the executive giving the report to speed it up . Half an hour later , the meeting ended . Nathan approached Rhea , and the siblings sat on separate couches with a small tea table between them . Rhea poured Nathan a cup of tea . " Elena . " Nathan's eyelid twitched . " What ? " " I said Elena , " Rhea repeated . " What are you trying to do with her ?

" " What do you mean ? " Rhea frowned . " Don't make me think you're like Carter . That wishy - washy attitude makes me sick . " " What are you talking about ? Do you really think I'm that kind of man ? " Nathan's brows furrowed . " Your attitude isn't much different , " Rhea shot back . Nathan hesitated for a moment before finally saying , " Elena's an only child . " " I know . " " Her father once said that their family would only accept a live - in son - in - law , " Nathan said , fixing his eyes on Rhea . " Do you think I'd be that man ?

" Elena was the only child of the Austin family , so requesting a live - in son - in - law wasn't too much to ask . Meanwhile , at the Austin residence in Eryham , Kieran asked , " Elena , are you Elena's mother , Esther Bradford , stayed silent . serious ? " 2/3 Chapter 427 +25 BONUS Elena replied , " Of course ! Dad , I like Nathan . I admire his personality , independence , drive , intelligence , and humility . Plus , he's well - matched with us ! Most importantly , despite coming from such a privileged background , he doesn't have any ex - girlfriends . Isn't that true self - discipline ?

" After holding it in for a long while , Esther finally asked , " ... Does he have some serious illness ? " 3/3