For six years 1

Author: Cypress Gem

The clock struck eight in the evening, casting a warm glow over the elegant halls of Colburn. The Jamison Group’s celebration was alive with energy—laughter rippled through the air, glasses clinked in toasts, and compliments were exchanged with genuine enthusiasm.

At the heart of the gathering stood Carter Jamison, the man everyone was here to honor. Once a scion of a family brought low by misfortune, he had fought relentlessly to reclaim his legacy. Piece by piece, he had reconstructed the Jamison Group from near ruin and successfully taken it public once more. Such a triumph naturally earned him admiration and respect.

“Congratulations, Mr. Jamison,” a well-dressed guest said with a smile. “You’re remarkably young and accomplished. I’m eager to collaborate with you.”

Another chimed in, “Not only is your career soaring, but your family life seems picture perfect. My wife always says that having a supportive partner at home makes all the difference. You’re truly fortunate.”

Envy was palpable. Carter’s wife, Rhea Ravelle, had embraced the role of stepmother at a tender age, nurturing his two children as if they were her own flesh and blood. Any man would be proud to have such a woman by his side.

Hearing his wife’s name, Carter’s gaze swept across the room. There, standing with quiet grace amidst the crowd, was Rhea. She wore a sleek black evening gown that accentuated her elegant poise. Every detail of the evening’s celebration had been meticulously planned by her, months in advance. Despite her demanding schedule, she had never once neglected the children’s needs.

Now, with the kids growing strong and his career finally stable, Carter couldn’t deny that none of this success would have been possible without Rhea’s unwavering support.

Just then, Rhea approached, gently linking her arm through Carter’s, the twins trailing close behind her. Compliments resumed from every corner.

“Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, with their two adorable children, truly embody the perfect family.”

“They’re so blessed,” someone whispered in admiration.

Rhea smiled warmly. “You’re all too kind. Thank you for standing by Carter all these years. We hope to—”

Before she could finish, a voice broke through the chatter from the entrance. “Lauren? Is that you? Lauren Thayer, right?”

A security guard added in a low but firm tone, “Mrs. Miller, this woman’s been lingering around all night. Do you know her?”

Though the words were spoken softly, they sliced through the festive atmosphere like a knife, drawing every ear.

Rhea’s heart lurched the moment she heard the name “Lauren Thayer.” Before she could react, Carter’s arm slipped free from hers.

He was already striding toward the door, his face taut with tension, eyes flickering with something like anticipation.

Lauren Thayer? How many women bore that name? And what were the odds she would appear here, tonight?

At the entrance, a guard gripped a woman’s arm, demanding, “Who are you? Do you have an invitation?”

“Let go!” Carter’s voice cut sharply through the murmurs.

Guests followed his lead, curiosity piqued.

Everyone knew the name Lauren Thayer. She was Carter’s childhood love, the woman he had once been engaged to marry. More significantly, she was the biological mother of the twins Rhea had raised.

“Lauren? Is it really you?” Carter grasped her arm as if to confirm she was real.

The worry and tension etched on his face did not go unnoticed by Rhea, whose chest tightened painfully.

“I—I missed the kids so much,” Lauren stammered, eyes red-rimmed and weary. “I just wanted to see them. I didn’t mean to intrude… I’m sorry. Truly sorry…”

Dressed simply and looking fragile, she gazed longingly at the two children standing beside Rhea.

Seeing that, Carter felt as though a sharp blade had pierced his heart.

He remembered Lauren as fearless and radiant, always laughing. This broken, fragile woman before him was unrecognizable.

His eyes never left her, as if afraid she might vanish again if he blinked. “Where have you been all these years?”

A hush fell over the crowd.

“Who’s that woman Carter’s holding? Is she his mistress?” someone whispered.

“No, that’s Lauren,” another explained. “She was the heiress of the Thayer family. When the financial crash hit years ago, it destroyed both the Jamison and Thayer fortunes. She and Carter were engaged, but after giving birth to the twins, she disappeared. The wedding never happened.”

“Wait, she’s the twins’ biological mother? Then Mrs. Jamison is…”

All eyes turned toward Rhea.

She gripped the children’s hands tightly, forced to watch as her husband’s attention shifted entirely to another woman in front of everyone.

Lauren looked helpless as she spoke, “I got very sick after giving birth. We were struggling so much, and I didn’t want to be a burden. I know leaving without saying goodbye was wrong, but the children are innocent. Now that you’re doing well, please take good care of them.”

To the onlookers, her words sounded like an accusation toward Rhea—the stepmother.

Carter frowned, trying to process. Lauren had been ill after the birth? She left to avoid dragging them down?

Lauren pulled her arm free. “I should go. Carter, please let me leave.”

“Stay,” he said firmly.

The crowd responded quietly, many glancing at Rhea.

But what could she do? Lauren was the children’s birth mother—a fact no one could erase.

Suddenly, Arielle Jamison, the elder twin, looked up at Rhea with innocent curiosity. “Mom, who’s that lady Dad’s hugging?”

Adrian, the younger, added, confused, “Why is Dad holding another lady?”

Their voices, small but clear in the silence, reached every ear.

Carter hesitated, then said, “I’m sorry, everyone. It’s late. I’ll invite you all over another time.”

“Of course! We’ll take our leave, Mr. Jamison,” guests murmured as they filed out swiftly.

Once the room emptied, Carter reached out to gently wipe away Lauren’s tears. “Don’t cry. If you want to see the kids, stay tonight. Spend time with them.”

Lauren looked up, surprised and uncertain. “C-Can I really?”

Then she turned to Rhea, voice soft. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Jamison. I just want to see my children. I hope you don’t mind.”

How could Rhea refuse? It was only natural for a biological mother to want to be with her kids.

She lowered her gaze and said quietly, “Of course not.”

A rare flicker of relief crossed Carter’s face at her words. He called to the butler, Devan Witt, “Prepare the guest room. Make sure it’s spotless. Lauren’s a clean freak.”

Lauren’s eyes brightened at that, touched that he remembered.

Rhea remained silent, eyes cast downward.

Once inside the guest room, Lauren crouched to reach out to the twins, trying to touch their faces gently. But Arielle and Adrian instinctively recoiled.

A wave of despair washed over Lauren’s face. “Carter, do they hate me?”

Carter quickly urged the children, “Arielle, Adrian, this is your one and only mother. Come on, call her ‘Mom.’”

Rhea’s heart twisted painfully. One and only mother? Then what did that make her?

The maids watching nearby frowned.

Though Rhea was not their birth mother, she had raised them from infancy. Carter’s words seemed harsh, even unfair.

“I don’t want to!” Adrian snapped, frustration flaring in his voice. “She’s not our mom! Our mom is right here!”

He gripped Rhea’s arm tightly, ducking protectively behind her.

How could Rhea not be their real mom? Adrian refused to believe it. He was certain Carter was wrong.

Trying to clarify, Carter said, “Rhea isn’t your birth mother. Lauren is. She loves you more than anyone. No one can compare to a biological mother. You need to respect that.”

Rhea lifted her head, torn. She would never deny a mother’s love. But Carter’s words made her feel excluded, as if she didn’t belong.

She had sacrificed so much to raise Arielle and Adrian as her own, even giving up the chance to have children herself.

Arielle snorted defiantly. “I don’t care about any of that! The one who loves us most and takes care of us is Mom! It’s Rhea, not anyone else!”

Cedella

Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.