I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Resting her chin on one hand , Lauren continued to tutor Adrian and Arielle , her tone patient but firm . " Look , this one's a grammatical error . " The kids were bright , and they picked things up fast . Lauren nodded , pleased with their progress . " Not bad . You two definitely take after your dad . " " Were you good at school when you were young ? " Adrian asked with a curious tilt of his head . Lauren smiled . " I was pretty good . " It wasn't a lie or an exaggeration . She did excel in her studies . Lauren was a patient tutor who explained things carefully .

By the time Carter returned, this was the sight that greeted him - Lauren , bathed in the chandelier's glow , sitting between the two kids and explaining something with all seriousness . She even predicted what might show up on the test . The only problem was the bottle of wine sitting in front of her . The moment she noticed him , she panicked and tried to hide it , but it was too late . Her brows pinched . Was she about to get another lecture from him ? But Carter merely washed his hands , brought over a plate of pasta , and took a seat across from them . " Keep going . Don't mind me .

" He had to listen in and make sure that the kids remembered everything . Because if they didn't , he'd have to go through it with them again . Lauren blinked , taken aback . " You're not going to scold me ? " She had been drinking , after all . He gave her a sidelong glance . " Everyone's allowed a hobby or two . " She rubbed her nose awkwardly . She hadn't really touched alcohol for over a year . Lately , though , she'd been sick and worn thin . After the lesson , the kids went off to wash up for bed . Lauren stayed seated , motionless .

Across from her , Carter sat scrolling through his phone . Carter had built everything from scratch again and was starting to gain his boss ' trust at work . He needed to make money , and he'd never let an opportunity slip . Even when he ran into former business partners these days , the encounters no longer felt awkward . Instead , he'd smile , nod along , and lower his pride if he had to . Sometimes , he even turned bits of old information to his advantage , cutting new deals . Watching him , Lauren finally gathered her courage to speak . " Carter . " He didn't look up from his phone .

" Yes ? " 1/3 " I want to start over ... with you . " The phone slipped from his hand and hit the floor with a thud . He frowned at her , and after a long silence , he flatly said , " Get lost . Stop screwing with me . " Laured blinked in surprise , rendered momentarily speechless . " Am I still not doing well enough ? " she softly asked . He picked up the phone and gave her a hard look , as if trying to see through her . " What are you up to this time ? " " Nothing , I swear ! " She quickly raised a hand . " I just ...

I thought I knew you better , and I was getting used to being around you and the kids . I've changed a lot , and I just want someone to be with . " Her tone was sincere as she spoke . There was no mention of love , and that alone eased a little of his suspicion . However , Carter didn't reply . He merely stood and headed upstairs . Seeing this , Lauren shrugged . She thought that she must have had one glass too many . Why else would she be spouting such nonsense ? She couldn't help but blame herself for saying such things and making things awkward between them .

" Dad , our exams are done , " Arielle said . " There's going to be a parent - teacher meeting . " " Oh , when is it ? " Carter asked . " It's actually a family event . " Arielle sighed . It was almost graduation , so the school decided to organize a family sports day . She wasn't exactly thrilled , but she didn't have a choice . Carter wondered how they were supposed to show up for a family event , seeing as they were a single - parent family . Nevertheless , he let out a quiet breath . " Got it . But it's fine . I can handle two kids by myself. It'll be a piece of cake .

" The kids flashed him a smile . As soon as he spoke , Carter lifted his head , only to catch Lauren standing nearby , her gaze a little too hopeful . Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.