Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 22

Chapter 22

At the sight of them together, a heavy weight settled in Sharon’s chest, like a stone pressing hard against her lungs.

In five years of marriage, Carter had never once gone with her to drop off their son at preschool. She had asked him before, of course–more than once–but he always waved it off, claiming work kept him too busy.

Now she understood. It wasn’t about work. He just hadn’t wanted to go with her.

Theo, still bleary–eyed and yawning, looked like he hadn’t slept well again. Probably stayed up too late, as usual. But the second he heard Kelly’s words, his eyes flew wide open–and sure enough he spotted Sharon standing not far away.

Kelly leaned down to him, her tone soft and coaxing. “See, Theo? told you. There’s no way your mom could really be mad at you. Look, she came so early just to see you.”

A flicker of smugness lit up Theo’s face.

He turned to Sharon, speaking with exaggerated loftiness, “Don’t think your little tricks will make me cave. If you don’t apologize to Kelly, I’m not forgiving you.”

Kelly smiled and glanced at Carter. “Looks like Nate’s idea is working after all.”

Carter gave a faint “Mm” in response. Then he turned to Sharon and said, flatly, “Kelly hasn’t had much of an appetite lately. Go prepare her some medicinal soup.” 1

Sharon gave him a strange look, and two words left her lips, calm but sharp.

“You’re crazy.” 1

to talk about, let’s all sit down like adults. You’ve

offering help, but her words dripped

she added gently. “Theo’s still young. We really shouldn’t involve children in adult matters, don’t you

was clear: Sharon was using Theo to make herself the

Sharon like a frost settling over

now,” he said. “If you do, I’ll

Theo frowned, face twisted with irritation. “Mom, I’m not your tool to fight over

so ridiculous it hurt. If someone walked by, they’d think she was

her with the sincerity of a best friend. “Sharon, you

step back? Freezing my accounts and demanding an apology–is that what you mean by taking a step back? If this is the kind of ‘good‘ you’re offering, why don’t you take

her mouth, but

Theo suddenly stepped in front of Kelly, arms spread wide like a

“Don’t bully Kelly anymore!”

Sharon froze.

had always been affectionate with Kelly, but he’d

Chapter 22

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