Chapter 17 She had returned to start packing. After the kids ' birthday , she planned to be honest with them about separating from Carter . She believed that they were old enough to be told . Besides , she had raised them . Leaving without saying a single word would be irresponsible . " Mom ! " As soon as she stepped into the house , Arielle ran up to her barefoot with a cooling patch stuck to her forehead . Rhea frowned . " What happened ? " Arielle clung to her tightly . " Mom , where did you go ? Don't you want me and Adrian anymore ? " Rhea's heart broke . She held Arielle close , murmuring reassurances . " You're finally back , huh ? " Having barely slept all night , Carter looked utterly exhausted . His eyes were bloodshot . But Rhea no longer had her usual gentleness about her . She ignored him and carried Arielle toward the kids ' room . Carter said sharply , " Arielle's fever wouldn't go down . I called you , but your phone was off . " Rhea paused . " So ? You're their biological parents . You couldn't take care of your own kids , and now you're blaming me , the stepmother ? " Carter sighed , trying to explain . " What I said last time was in the heat of the moment . But you raised them . Arielle went out in the rain looking for you . You know she's always been frail ! " Rhea didn't want to argue . " Carter , if all we do is fight , maybe we shouldn't see each other anymore . I'll pack my things and move out later . " She felt like Carter had changed beyond recognition . All her hope in him vanished . Just then , Lauren rushed in , looking distraught . " What's going on ? Can you please not fight in front of my kids ? " She acted as if she deeply pitied the children , as if it was completely justified for a birth mother to blame the stepmother . Her words reignited Carter's barely contained temper . His eyes chilled as he looked at Rhea . " You're really losing your motherly touch . " Then , he walked away . A bitter helplessness flooded Rhea's chest . She lowered her gaze to meet Arielle's hopeful eyes . She smiled through the pain and said , " Let's take your medicine . " Arielle beamed . " Okay ! " Her cheeks were pink , but her lips were pale . She was clearly still weak . In the kids ' room , Rhea asked while brushing Arielle's hair , " Why did you go looking for me yesterday ? I'm a grown - up . I won't get lost . " Arielle pressed her lips together before whispering , " That lady had people looking for her when she left . You should have someone too . Mom , you're not alone . You have me and Adrian . You don't have to be scared . " Chapter 17 +25 BONUS Adrian nodded seriously . " Yeah , Mom . " Rhea thought that she had cried herself dry the night before , but tears spilled again . Because in the past six years , she hadn't gained nothing . She had two lovely kids , even if they weren't biologically hers . She should be proud of herself , not full of doubt and self - reproach . She said , " Arielle , Adrian , I need to tell you something . " Arielle grew a little wary . " What is it ? " " You're in elementary school now , so I'm going to start working . That means I won't always be home . You have to be strong and learn to manage on your own , okay ? " Both kids fell silent . Rhea decided to use work as an excuse to gradually reduce the kids ' dependence on her . That way , when she eventually told them about separating from Carter , it wouldn't be so hard for them to accept . However , she had overlooked one thing . These six - year - olds weren't easily fooled . Arielle blinked up at her and asked , " Mom , are you going to split up with Dad? " Rhea froze . " No , I just ... " " Mom , is it because Adrian and I wear you out ? " Arielle rushed to say , " We don't need you to pick us up , feed us , or help us with homework . Please don't- " Rhea immediately pulled both kids into a fierce hug , tears streaming down her face . She held back the tremor in her voice . " No , no , you two will always be my treasures . You didn't wear me out . I just really have to work now . Don't you want me to do more than just stay home forever ? "