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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Pretending it’s out of love so you can control me! Every day it’s ‘I’m doing this for you,’ but you never actually see me. You don’t respect what

stunned. “Who taught you to say that? Or… is that

Theo’s breath caught.

him: everyone deserves freedom and respect. That it didn’t matter

mom

time he wanted something, she said no. Said

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 dad’s

“That’s how I feel. It’s what

like someone had

clung to through the long night

quietly, “Then tell me,

didn’t hesitate. Words

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

was still going when he noticed Sharon staring at

eyes were cool, distant, as still as water. Nothing of

grew smaller.

asked, “And

it for now,” he mumbled, looking

slowly. “I can

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