For six years 295
Chapter 295
Carter’s voice was low as he asked, “Why are you crying?”
He and Lauren had grown up together, after all. He couldn’t remain completely unmoved.
Lauren raised her head. Her red eyes made her look heartbreakingly vulnerable. “I can’t bear to leave you. Carter, I love you. I love you so much that I would risk my life for you. But I don’t know how to turn this situation around. All I can do is leave you, even though it pains me.”
No man could stay indifferent in the face of a woman crying and pleading that she couldn’t leave him.
Especially not Carter.
His chest felt heavy, but he chose to speak honestly. “Lauren, the kids need Rhea. This family needs her. I’m not the same man I used to be. I’m a father and the head of a company now.”
He disguised weighing the pros and cons as a sense of responsibility.
Lauren almost laughed. “I understand. I’ll treat those nights we spent together as a dream—a dream I had longed for since I was young. Don’t worry, Carter. I won’t make things difficult for you anymore.”
The more she spoke like that, the more conflicted Carter became. Indeed, Lauren had made some mistakes, but they were merely the result of being carried away by her emotions.
“You-”
“There’s no need to say anything. I’ll leave tomorrow.” Lauren smiled. “I’ll rest now. You should sleep early, too.”
Seeing Lauren’s fragile back, Carter felt conflicted and agitated. He drank more than usual that night.
The next day, Carter didn’t forget his purpose. He got up early and had Alisha dress Arielle.
He was taking Arielle to the hospital to see Rhea that day.
Rhea cared deeply for the two children she had raised. Carter figured that with the kids speaking up, Rhea might relent and give up the idea of divorce.
…
At the inpatient department, Rhea had been on IV fluids all night. By morning, her fever had subsided, but her body still felt weak. The illness had come on too quickly.
Nathan had the driver send Liam and Ruby home last night. Kate, Nathan, and George stayed behind
to care for Rhea.
George hadn’t slept a wink all night.
Whenever Nathan looked up, he would see George’s eyes fixed on the sleeping Rhea.
Nathan found his attentiveness reassuring.
By 6:30 am, Rhea opened her eyes. George was the first to notice again. He got up and walked over before asking softly. “Are you thirsty?”
Rhea blinked lightly.
George poured a glass of water and used a cotton swab to wet her lips first, then poured another glass for her to drink with a straw.
Rhea felt a little uncomfortable.
Kate noticed it and said, “I’ll do it.”
George didn’t insist and handed the glass to Kate.
Rhea’s voice was hoarse as she asked, “Did you stay here all night?”
“How could I rest knowing you were like this?” Kate’s eyes were red from fatigue.
After drinking, Rhea felt slightly better and said, “I’m fine. It’s nothing serious. You should go home.
11
“Well, I’m fine, too. I had someone make breakfast. It’ll be here any minute,” Kate replied.
Just then, there was a soft knock on the door. dar palate deh
Nathan said, “Come in.”
A head peeked through the slightly opened door. Arielle’s big, round eyes looked up. “Mom?”
Rhea was surprised to see her. “Arielle?”
The door opened fully, revealing Carter behind her. He hadn’t expected George to be there.
Carter maneuvered his wheelchair and brought Arielle to Rhea’s bedside. He glanced at George, then asked Rhea, “Honey, how’s your body?”
The room fell silent at once.
Rhea’s arms broke out in goosebumps.
Carter, however, remained composed. If he wanted to win Rhea back, he had to swallow his pride. A
formidable father–in–law was enough to make him yield willingly.
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.