RankNovelChapter 485 Stella snapped, "Cedric Clarke, stop making decisions for me! I never agreed to this!" The little bundle in her arms, Aster, flinched at her raised voice. His lips began to quiver, on the verge of tears. Briony quickly reached over and gently patted Aster's chest, soothing him. "You really need to rein in that temper of yours, Stella. Look, you nearly scared Aster to death." Stella gave her son a gentle pat on the bottom and murmured a few soft, comforting words.
Only then did the furrow in Aster's tiny brow begin to ease.
Stella gazed down at her son and let out a sigh. "Bryn, I just don't think I'm cut out to be a mom." Briony patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Don't say that. Aster's healthy and adorable—that's all thanks to you. Give yourself time. Every new mom has to go through an adjustment period. Besides, Dr. Clarke is a good husband and a devoted father. Don't get stuck in your own head." Stella looked up at Briony, her eyes searching. "Bryn, I just find it so hard. How did you manage to get through everything you did?" "Silly girl." Briony gave her a mock glare. "Everyone's story is different, every choice is different. You and Dr. Clarke are happily married. Your baby just adds to the joy you already have. For me, Little Nina was my salvation, my reason to keep going. There's no comparison." "And now?" Stella pressed, holding her gaze. "Last night I grilled Cedric about everything that's happened these past years. He toldyou're planning to fight Stewart for Mario's custody." Briony's lips curled in a faint smile. "As a mother, I can't agree with Stewart's way of raising him. So yes, I'm planning to seek custody. But right now, Maactually wants to stay with his dad." Stella sighed, resigned. "I guess boys always tend to side with their fathers." "I know," Briony said softly. "So I'm not going to force it. I've made up my mind- I'm going to work hard, make a living, and build myself up. That way, if Maever needs me, I'll have the strength to help him. I want to be someone who can stand toe-to-toe with Stewart, not just for Mario, but for myself." Upstairs, around the landing, Cedric Clarke paused, listening to Briony's words. He pressed his lips together, sighing quietly to himself.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMuch as he thought Stewart was a jerk, he had to admit-Stewart had won this round.
Briony had fallen apart for just one day. Cedric had visited her when she was discharged from the hospital, expecting to offer comfort, but to his surprise, she was already a different person.
She was calm, as if yesterday's emotional collapse had never happened.
Cedric was stunned. He didn't know whether to credit Stewart for knowing Briony so well, or Briony herself, for her resilience. In just twenty-four hours, she'd cto terms with everything.
Maybe it was for the best. Briony had weathered this storm and found new resolve. Stewart had achieved his goal.
Even if Stewart were no longer around, Briony would be able to raise her two kids and carve out a good life for them.
Cedric shook his head, grabbed his suitcase, and headed for the guest room.
Downstairs, Briony and Stella sat together on the living room sofa.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBriony lifted Aster into her lap and tapped his tiny nose. "Look at him frowning- he's got your expression, Stella." "Everyone says he's Cedric Clarke's mini-me. Stella rolled her eyes. "Anytit's something good, they say it's from Cedric. When he's being stubborn, suddenly he take after me." "Who says that?" James chimed in. "Don't tellit's your in-laws?" "No, my in-laws are actually fine," Stella shrugged. "It's my mom and my aunt- they say it every tthey cover. It drivescrazy." James raised an eyebrow. "Your own mom and your aunt?" "Who else?" Stella sighed. "Sometimes I just don't get it. Ever since I had a baby, my mom's need to controlhas doubled!" James pursed his lips and waved a hand. "Hey, she's your mom, I'm not touching that one." Stella shot him a look. "..." Cedric Clarke cdown the stairs.
"We still need a crib. I'll go pick up a new one at the store," he said helpfully. "Honestly, I have a feeling the three of us will be spending a lot of tat Skybreeze Retreat from now on."
"Get lost!" Stella replied, but her tone was more exasperated than angry. Cedric just grinned. "Well, I actually
do have to get going. There's a m patient at the hospital who needs surgery MP Delaney, Ms. over Kensington, I'm leaving Star and Aster in your capable hands!"
Stella huffed, "No one's asking for your concern. Just do already!
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