Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 122

Chapter 122

Theo’s gaze flickered, refusing to meet Sharon’s eyes.

“I… I didn’t know there were nuts in the cake.”

Sharon pressed on. “Even if you didn’t know about the nuts, don’t you know you’re lactose intolerant? You shouldn’t be eating

cake at all.”

Theo’s face twisted into a frown. “It was just one little bite.”

“That one little bite nearly cost you your life,” Sharon said quietly.

The warmth Theo had felt earlier toward his mother began to twist into irritation, frustration simmering beneath his skin.

“You and Matty get to eat whatever you want. Why can’t I? It’s only because you’re always telling me what I can’t eat, what I shouldn’t touch, that I get curious. That’s why I want to eat those things even more!”

Sharon’s brow furrowed. “I’m only thinking of your health-”

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using that as an excuse. Pretending it’s out of love so you can control me! Every day it’s ‘I’m doing this for you,’ but you

you to say that? Or…

Theo’s breath caught.

respect. That it didn’t matter if someone was older, or even a

mom never

she said no. Said it was for his

that wasn’t it-she just wanted to shape him into some obedient little “mama’s boy.” Someone who’d listen to her every word. Someone she could use to steal back his

calm. “That’s how I feel.

had poured

stubborn tenderness Sharon had clung

and asked, quietly, “Then tell me, Theo. What is it that you

Words

No more forcing me or interfering with what I choose. I want freedom and respect. I don’t want to be treated like a little kid anymore. And just because you gave birth to me doesn’t mean you get to use that to guilt me all the time. You can give me advice, sure. But you don’t get to make my decisions. And…”

he noticed Sharon

as still as water.

voice grew

asked, “And what

that’s it for now,” he

can

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