I Quit Being a StepMother Novel

Chapter 8 George's and Nathan's cars pulled away quickly . Carter and Lauren got into their own vehicle . " Mr. Jamison . " Benson caught up to them . Carter assumed that he was there to share news of a company interested in partnering with him , so he smiled and asked , " Yes , Mr. Lindsey ? " Benson looked annoyed as he said , " Apologies , Mr. Jamison . It seems that the companies from Draventh weren't very impressed with Jamison Group . " Carter froze . " Not impressed ? We're the largest medical equipment supplier across the southern tri - state area .

" If it weren't for Snider Group monopolizing exports years ago , he wouldn't have seen them as competition at all . Benson glanced at Lauren in the car , his irritation growing . He had hoped that helping Carter connect with Draventh investors would also benefit him . However , George and Nathan didn't even give Jamison Group a chance . What hope was there for the others ? It was all ruined ! At this thought , Benson's tone turned sharp . " Mr.

Ravelle said that you brought another woman to a business event and introduced her as your wife , which he regarded as a major red flag when it comes to your integrity . " And frankly , the way she clung to you the whole night wasn't exactly appropriate . Business is about integrity . And integrity is about appearances . " Lacking integrity and professionalism could indirectly damage the company's image . Benson had added those last remarks himself . When Lauren heard that , her eyes were filled with panic . She couldn't believe that this was happening because of her .

Then , Benson stormed off . In the car , Carter's expression turned cold . Lauren whispered , " Carter , did I ... cause you trouble ? I just haven't been to something like that in so long . I got nervous and ... " However , Carter didn't answer her . He had been looking forward to outside companies coming to Colburn , seeing it as an opportunity to expand his business . After a long silence , he finally said , " It's not your fault . That was probably just an excuse . " No company would pass on a deal for something as trivial as a woman .

He figured that there must have been other reasons why Jamison Group was turned down . " Carter , I've been thinking . Maybe it's time for me to leave . The kids are doing well . So , I can leave with peace of mind . " Lauren's voice was laced with quiet restraint , as if she were afraid of troubling him . Chapter 8 +25 BONUS She moved to open the door , but Carter grabbed her wrist . He said , " It's late . Where would you even go? " Lauren looked heartbroken . Her voice was barely audible as she replied , " So much time has passed . You have a family now . I should keep my distance .

I just regret it sometimes . If I'd known it would turn out like this , I never would've left you and the kids , even if it meant dying from the illness . " I almost didn't survive childbirth . No one wants a peaceful life more than I do . I've already been through enough misfortune . I don't want that for you . You deserve a happy life . " Her words hit Carter right in the chest . Lauren had told him that she was diagnosed with stomach cancer after giving birth . She had left to spare him the burden of taking care of her . Fortunately , it had been caught early and treated .

Only then had she allowed herself to come see the kids . But now , the children didn't even recognize her , and she had no one to go to . Back then , Carter had assumed that Lauren had found someone better . He had even resented her for it . Now that he knew that she had left because of her illness and that life had been so unkind to her , he was flooded with guilt . He had misunderstood her , abandoned their promises , and married someone else . He took all that blame onto himself . Carter said , "Don't worry . I'll make the kids call you ' Mom ' .

" Lauren smiled through her tears , then softly asked , " Carter , do you still love me ? " She waited a long time , but the only response she received was the click of a lighter . The window was rolled down . Without saying a single word , Carter exhaled a cloud of smoke . His gaze was fixed on the raindrops falling gently in the night .