Side Chick Era... Over

Chapter 7

Loving Mom 7

Kelly froze. For a second, she wondered if she’d misheard.

“…What?”

Theo repeated the question, his tone serious.

“Ms. Walt, are you a mistress?”

She hadn’t expected that—hadn’t even come close.

The word “mistress” was loaded, sharp, and deeply wounding–especially for a woman.

Her expression went stiff, and for a long moment, she couldn’t respond.

“Theo. Do you even know what you’re saying? Where did all your manners go?” Carter’s voice came low and cold, displeasure laced through every word.

Snapping back to herself, Kelly quickly tried to smooth things over

“Carter, don’t be angry. He’s just a child. He doesn’t know any better.”

She paused, a trace of sorrow in her voice.

I know… Sharon never liked me. But no matter how much she dislikes me, she shouldn’t say things like that to Theo. Adults should keep children out of these matters. He’s innocent. He’s still so young…”

The implication was clear–there was no way Theo could’ve come up with those words on his own unless someone had taught him.

Carter didn’t say a word, but the tight line of his lips and the sudden chill that swept through the air made his displeasure unmistakable.

Theo was a sharp kid. Even though his father hadn’t spoken, he could still sense that something was wrong. The mood had shifted.

He opened his mouth, instinctively trying to explain. “It wasn’t Mom who said that, it was…”

Before he could finish, Kelly cut him off. “Theo, I know. That didn’t come from Sharon. Must’ve been something some random person said on the street, right?”

Theo didn’t catch the underlying message in her words. He just thought Kelly was amazing–like she somehow knew everything. He nodded seriously.

“That’s right. I heard it at the restaurant earlier. Some people at another table were talking.”

Kelly smiled gently. “Theo, I believe you.”

on him. His expression turned serious again. He looked

going to

a hand, stopping him. She gave him a subtle shake of her head before turning back to

have at most half a year left

her “pretty sister” or “Kelly.” Now, hearing himself address her so differently-“Ms. Walt“-a flicker of unease stirred in

a child you could treat like fast

Chapter 7

+25 BONUS

paused, as it just now remembering. He didn’t even know why he’d

so kind, so gentle–how could he have doubted

she didn’t

He didn’t notice that from beginning to end, Kelly

without realizing it

her voice still soft and warm. “It’s alright. Let’s not talk about that anymore. Think about what you’d like to eat later, and I

of the awkward moment and happily

I want

even thinking, Kelly

health isn’t great. The doctor told

fine if it’s just once in a while,” she said lightly, glancing back

the book? You’ve got to indulge now and then–otherwise,

eat anything fun, and suddenly felt like–yeah, Kelly really

just always told him what not

sleep still clouding his face,

furrowed his

11

one woke me

housekeeper, appeared from the kitchen,

her, sharp with irritation.

glanced at Theo, still standing there, and hesitated. Her voice was awkward as she tried to

Biggs, it’s usually Madam who wakes Theo

are prepared by Madam, and she

was cold, the silence between his words thick

never seen him this angry. His presence–long accustomed to command- filled the room with an

then, as she thought about how much Madam had done over the years, only to have it go unappreciated, Marie couldn’t hold back

that you and Theo have sensitive stomachs and can’t just eat anything. You need specially prepared meals. Some of the herbs for these meals take over two hours to stew, and the process is incredibly intricate. Madam even studied herbs for a long time

Specially prepared incals?

+25 BONUS

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255