Side Chick Era... Over

Loving Mom 196

Chapter 196

Theo had been raised under a strict, elite education from the very beginning.

Swimming-one of the most basic survival skills-was something he had mastered when he was just a few years old. In his kindergarten, swimming was a required course. In certain situations, it could mean the difference between life and death for a child. They even held swimming competitions during final exams.

Matty, on the other hand, hadn’t yet learned how to swim. Last year, he’d accidentally fallen into the ocean, and the trauma had left him with a deep fear of water. Still, he knew it was something he had to overcome. He’d made up his mind to learn before the end of the semester-to face that fear, head-on.

Sharon had encouraged him when she heard.

Theo froze, his breath suddenly uneven.

Right. He had forgotten. He could swim.

Just moments ago, he had followed them-shadowed their steps-only to be caught by Matty.

“Theo,” Matty had said. “You really followed us all the way here? After trailing behind us this whole time… what’s it feel like?”

Theo had already been seething, watching the way Matty and Sharon interacted, so naturally close. It drove him mad.

to you, you’ll never take my place. I can call her Mom. You can only call her Sharon. That’s the difference between us. She’s ignoring me right now because she’s mad. That’s all. You? You’re just a substitute. You want to bet that if I apologize, act cute a little, she’ll come right back to me? And

Matty’s eyes narrowed.

Sharon to side with him. But

Still, he wasn’t worried.

good enough to

still a kid. He couldn’t hide his emotions like adults could. Knowing something in your head was one thing. Hearing it out loud-those harsh,

to Sharon and threw a few sweet words her way…she might just come back to him.

couldn’t let that happen.

wouldn’t let her be

his head and saw the lake nearby. Suddenly, an idea sparked. He remembered

the stairs

would’ve been blamed. By both Theo and

idea clicked

less than you, then why would Sharon

blinked, caught off guard. “A

Matty stepped toward the lake. “I’m going to find Sharon