I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 630 Lauren let out a laugh right after . Perhaps some people just weren't meant to be together . So , after the family event , she invited Carter and the kids out to dinner . The restaurant she chose was on the pricier end , and she'd planned to spend half a month's salary on that one meal . At dinner , Arielle couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss . She asked , " What's up with you ? " Lauren blinked , taken aback by how sharp Arielle was . Well , she was her daughter , after all . " I've been staying at your place for over a year now .

I figured that it's time I found a place of my own . Maybe a small apartment in a regular neighborhood . I'll just pay the deposit and settle down instead of drifting around . " She paused , then added , " So ... this is goodbye . " As her words fell , the whole table went silent . After spending more than a year together , the kids ' guard against her had long since faded . When Carter wasn't around , Lauren would keep them company . She never called herself their mother and never claimed them as her kids . At most , she'd call them by their names .

Lauren kept & comfortable distance , which led the twins to grow attached to her . Last time , when the weather turned and they both caught colds while Carter was away on a business trip , it was Lauren who watched over them for several nights in a row . Once they recovered , she took them to the amusement park for a day of fun . They had a nice meal and even took some pictures , which the kids promptly sent to Carter . It was a feeling that the kids hadn't felt in a very long time . Rhea had moved on , built her own life , and even had a new baby boy .

Arielle and Adrian could only wish her well , but that longing for a mother's love never really went away . And now , just when things were finally getting better , Lauren was leaving . Arielle gripped her fork , remaining silent . After a moment , Carter looked up . " The down payment for a property in Draventh isn't cheap . A couple of hundred thousand dollars won't get you very far . " Lauren had saved over a hundred thousand dollars in the past year . Maybe it'd be enough for a house in a small town , but in Draventh , it wouldn't even get her half a bathroom .

She explained , " I can take out a loan . I already checked with the bank . I meet all the criteria for the loan , so it won't be a problem . 41 She looked at the two kids , silent for a long while . After taking a few gulps of beer , she finally summoned the courage to speak . Today , I actually want to apologize . " Arielle and Adrian froze , while Carter's brows knitted together . What was she doing ? Lauren's eyes reddened . " I've wronged you in too many ways . Those mistakes can't be undone , and I won't ask for forgiveness .

I just hope you don't hate me because holding on to that hate will only make your own lives unhappy . " 1/3 With a smile on her face , she reached out and brushed a hand against Arielle's cheek . " It's better to just forget me . " Then , she whispered , " Honestly , I never regretted having you two . You were my youth - the best part of my life . When I buy my own place someday , you're welcome to visit during the holidays . I'll whip up something yummy . " No one said another word after that . They finished the meal in silence and walked out of the restaurant together .

That was when Lauren turned to look at the two kids . " I wasn't a good mother , but I'll always be your mother . If you ever need anything , you can reach me anytime . " She added , " Carter , if you're willing , I can pay child support . I'll go with however you want it handled . " Carter didn't speak . Her private stash of more than six million dollars was still with him . " You two get in the car first , " he told the kids . Once they were gone , he took out his wallet and pulled out two bank cards . " This is the bank card you asked for before , and this one's mine .

You left 18 thousand dollars in there for groceries and meals . Here , take them , " he urged . Carter hadn't touched a single cent of the money she'd paid him . Just before he left , he gave her one last glance . " Work hard , save up , and don't spend so carelessly . If you get married , let me know . I'll bring the kids . " And with that , he got in the car . 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.