The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 12

Rebecca signaled the driver to pull over. She opened the car door, her slender figure slipping gracefully onto the sidewalk.

Before she left, she leaned back into the car and spoke softly to her four little ones. “Sit tight, all right? I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay, Mommy!”

All four kids nodded in perfect unison, their little heads bobbing like ducklings.

But Rebecca had barely disappeared around the corner when Ethan started fidgeting, glancing anxiously around until he clamped his hands between his knees. “Noah, I really have to pee.”

Noah frowned slightly, trying to reassure his brother. “Can you hold it just a little longer? Mom will be back soon. Let’s wait until we get home.”

Ethan squeezed his short legs together, his face scrunched up in distress. “But I can’t hold it anymore!”

Noah peered out the window, his expression torn. “We’re in the middle of the street. I don’t see any bathrooms nearby.”

Ethan’s tone grew more desperate. “I can’t wait! If I don’t go now, I’m going to have an accident. I have to get out.”

Noah hesitated for a moment, then turned to the driver. “Stay here and watch Aiden and Evan. I’ll take Ethan to find a restroom.”

The driver nodded. “Of course, young sir. But be careful, okay?”

“We will,” Noah promised, already opening the door.

He led Ethan out, and together they started searching for a bathroom. Ethan could barely stand still, hopping from foot to foot. Suddenly, he spotted a big tree across the street, his eyes lighting up. “Noah, wait here!”

Before Noah could react, Ethan dashed toward the tree, sprinting straight across the road.

At that very moment, a sleek black sedan came rolling down the street.

The driver, hands on the wheel, suddenly saw a small shadow dart across his path.

Screeeeech—

A piercing squeal of brakes shattered the quiet.

Noah paused, turning to the man with polite composure. “Thank you for the warning, sir. I’ll be more careful.”

The driver nodded, but he still looked worried and decided to give the boy a piece of his mind.

“Listen, kid, you can’t do that again. If you keep running into the street, you’re going to get in trouble one day. Where’s your dad? Call him to come pick you up.”

At those words, Noah’s eyes dimmed.

“I don’t have a dad.”

The driver’s mouth hung open for a moment before he let out a quiet sigh. “No dad, huh… No wonder nobody’s taught you any better.”

Poor kid.

A fleeting chill flickered across Noah’s eyes.