Chapter 151

Cedar's POV

After hours of internal debate, I finally made my decision.

The doctor had said that with a supportive family environment, Aria could show improvement in just a few months. That meant I'd only need to stay at the Sterling mansion for a short time.

A few months. I could handle that.

I sat on the sofa, pulled out my phone, and found Ridley's contact. My fingers hovered over the keyboard before typing:

[Mr. Sterling, after careful consideration, I've decided to accept your offer.]

I checked for typos and tone before hitting send, then waited anxiously, unable to focus on anything else.

One minute... two minutes...

Still no reply.

My heart tightened, then relaxed, then tightened again. The waiting was giving me anxiety.

I gave up and headed to the kitchen to boil water for pasta. My phone suddenly vibrated, and I practically sprinted back to check it—only to find it was spam. Disappointed, I returned to the kitchen. Then came another vibration, and this time it was Ridley.

[Good. When will you move in?]

I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding and replied: [I'll need time to pack my things first.]

Ridley sent back a simple smiley emoji.

The next day was Sunday, and I was still planning my day when the doorbell rang. Expecting a delivery person, I opened the door only to be ambushed by three small figures rushing toward me.

"Mommy! I missed you so much! Did you miss me?" Oliver crashed into my legs first.

"Mommy, we're here to help you move." Aria followed, her eyes bright despite her quiet demeanor.

The children tumbled in with Ridley standing behind them, his tall figure filling my doorway.

"How did you know I was moving?" I asked, bewildered.

"Hee hee!" Oliver's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Daddy told us we were coming to help you move. Mom, are you happy? You can share my room—I'll give you half my bed!"

I glanced at Ridley, who remained expressionless in my doorway. "Mr. Sterling, isn't this a bit rushed? I was thinking next weekend..."

"Not at all," Ridley replied coolly. "We'll be finished before eleven."

There wasn't much to pack anyway—just some essentials and clothes. Within thirty minutes, I had everything ready.

Before I knew it, I was sitting in the passenger seat of Ridley's luxury SUV, still processing how quickly this was happening. Yesterday I had just agreed, and today I was moving into the Sterling mansion.

In the back seat, the three children whispered excitedly. I caught Oliver's voice: "Mom's moving in because of me! She loves me so much she couldn't say no."

"What does this have to do with you?" Aiden's skeptical tone carried forward.

"The other night I begged Mom to move in with us," Oliver continued proudly. "And Mom said she likes Daddy too! Soon she'll marry Daddy and stay with us forever!"

"Didn't you say before you didn't want Mom to like Daddy?" Aiden challenged.

"If Daddy isn't good to Mom, I'll steal her away!" Oliver declared. "Besides, even if she likes Daddy, I still come first."

The kids clearly thought they were being quiet, but every word reached the front seats crystal clear. My ears burned hot, and I wanted to disappear into my seat.

I cleared my throat loudly. "Your Dad might not have explained properly. I'm moving in primarily for Aria's sake."

Oliver's excitement deflated instantly, but the silent Aria beside him suddenly lit up, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Seeing Aria so happy, Oliver's disappointment vanished. "Mom, you're so kind! With you there, Aria will get better in no time!"

Aiden nodded solemnly. "That's right."

"Then I'll share Mom with you, Aria," Oliver said generously. "You can share your bed with Mom and maybe a tiny corner with me, okay?"

"I want a spot too," Aiden joined in earnestly.

The children were already dividing up Aria's bed space while she sat between her brothers, the faintest smile touching her lips.

My room was on the second floor—the same guest room I'd stayed in during my previous visit. Everything had been refreshed: new decorations, new bedding, and fresh lilies with morning dew on the coffee table.

"Wow, Mom, your bed is huge! I love rolling around on it!" Oliver kicked off his shoes and climbed onto the bed, rolling across it like he was claiming territory. The previously immaculate bedding was instantly transformed into a rumpled mess.

I could see a vein pulsing in Aiden's temple. "Oliver, get down from there."

"You just want to take my spot!" Oliver stood on the bed, hands on his hips.

"Do whatever you want. I'm going to help Mom unpack," Aiden said, turning away.

Oliver's eyes darted around before he jumped down. "Wait for me! I want to help too!"

After they left, Aria quietly approached the bed, carefully smoothed out the tangled sheets, and folded the blanket neatly before following her brothers.

Charles, the butler, was giving me a tour of the mansion: "Ms. Wright, this is the living room—please make yourself at home. Here's the kitchen; just let us know if you'd like anything special. This is the tea room for enjoying tea and flowers. Here's the medicine room with essential medications. And this is the garden..."

I'd been to the Sterling mansion several times, but this was my first comprehensive tour. The more I saw, the more amazed I became.

From the outside, the mansion didn't look enormous, but it actually spanned over 10,000 square feet. Behind the garden was even a private playground for the children.

I never imagined I'd live in such a place.

"Ms. Wright, let me take your luggage to your room," Charles offered with a warm smile.

"No need, I can manage," I insisted, picking up my small suitcase and heading upstairs.

Charles's POV

I watched Ms. Wright climb the stairs with her suitcase, my eyes crinkling with happiness. "Sir, wouldn't it be wonderful if Ms. Wright could stay here permanently?"

Since her arrival, this enormous mansion finally felt alive with laughter and joy—finally felt like a home. The young Sterling children rarely appeared together so cheerfully, but with Ms. Wright here, they finally acted like the children they were meant to be.

"Once Aria's condition improves, she'll move out," Mr. Sterling stated flatly.

I started in surprise. "Ms. Wright moved in just for Miss Aria's sake?"

I had assumed Ms. Wright and Mr. Sterling were together, which explained her moving in... But apparently, Mr. Sterling was moving far too slowly.

I sighed deeply. "Sir, if you married Ms. Wright, she could stay here forever."

"Marry her?" Mr. Sterling gave a bitter laugh. "What right do I have to marry her?"

Knowing he had less than a year to live, marrying a woman would only ruin her life—I understood his thinking all too well.

"Sir, I respectfully disagree," I shook my head. "If Ms. Wright cares for you, she would want to be with you for whatever time remains. And if she doesn't, well, the title of Mrs. Sterling would compensate for any reservations. With that name, even after you..." I trailed off, not wanting to speak the words. "She would be well taken care of. And the children—"

My voice dropped lower. "When you're gone, the children will have no family left. Having Ms. Wright would ease their pain and grief..."

Mr. Sterling just lowered his eyes, saying nothing.