I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

The seatbelt clicked into place , and Carter let out a quiet breath . Meanwhile , Arielle and Adrian watched as Lauren's figure faded into the distance . A dull ache rose in their chests . They couldn't help wondering why every mother they had ever had eventually left . " Dad ? " Adrian's voice was barely above a whisper But Carter didn't answer . He pulled the car to a stop at a red light . Silent tears fell onto his trousers , leaving dark spots that quickly disappeared . He couldn't quite name what he was feeling , only that he understood that there was no going back .

Between him and Lauren , they could no longer return to the way things were before . Even if they stayed together for the children , it wouldn't be right . The love between them was gone . A lifetime was such a long time to endure . He thought it would be torment to have to put up with someone they didn't love every minute of every day . His final act of kindness was to wish that Lauren would meet a good match . Looking out the window at the city lights , Carter ruminated over how he'd been a jerk all along .

He thought that Rhea and Lauren had both been unfortunate to have met him , and leaving him was the only way they could find peace . He would take care of the children . At the very least , he owed them that much - to Rhea , for her six years of devotion , and to Lauren , for risking her life to bring them into the world . At that thought , Carter composed himself . " Alright , kids . Let's go home . " " Okay , Dad ! " Arielle and Adrian said in unison . They weren't happy about this , but they wouldn't voice it . Carter was treating them better than ever , and he'd been working hard .

Moreover , Rhea once told them they had to learn to understand him , grow up , and get used to people leaving . Eventually , Solaris Ventures welcomed a second Camilla . It was none other than Lauren , who had thrown herself into work and climbed from a junior translator to a position at Solaris ' headquarters . Rhea noticed Lauren's quiet effort and how she would carefully pick out Children's Day gifts for the kids from time to time . Growing up was a part of life , and so was change . Hence , Rhea began training Lauren to handle investment projects . Two years passed just like that .

During that time , Lauren was serious , humble , and willing to take on challenges . After everything she'd been through , she no longer rushed for results . In her 30s , she was more composed than ever . So when Carter saw her again , he almost didn't recognize her . Her hair was cut into a clean and sharp bob . She wore a fitted suit . Her smile was calm , her words precise , and her actions were measured . In some ways , she even reminded him of Rhea - capable , confident , radiant , and a true eye - catcher . " How are the kids ? " Lauren asked . Carter dipped his head in a nod .

" They're good . " As they reunited , one was now the deputy project director for domestic affairs and the other for international , and they both reported to Rhea . 1/3 Lauren passed him by and said , " That's good . Call me if you ever need anything . " Carter nodded . Around them , employees who knew nothing of their past whispered among themselves . " Hey , have you heard about the story ? " " What story ? " " The relationship between the three pillars of Solaris Ventures ! " " I had no idea ! What happened ? " " You're in for a ride .

I heard from a friend of mine about what went down all those years ago ... " No one had really forgotten what happened all those years ago . " Heading home , Ms. Ravelle ? " Lauren called out . " Yeah , the baby's restless , " Rhea said , rubbing her belly . Lauren's gaze was filled with envy . " Go on . I'll finish up here . " " Okay . " When Rhea left , Lauren wandered over to the window . A few minutes later , she caught sight of Rhea stepping out of the front doors . Down by the curb , a sleek black car was waiting .

It belonged to George , and he had parked his car there to pick Rhea up . Lauren's lips curved faintly . Rhea was expecting her second child now , and she was almost due . Everyone was living well , in their own way . Lauren glanced down at her watch and told herself to work harder . After all , she promised the kids that she'd take them on an overseas trip by year's end . 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.