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.

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,

Matty’s eyes narrowed.

tried to provoke Theo, and sometimes succeeded in getting Sharon to side with him. But deep

Still, he wasn’t worried.

time-if he was good enough to her-eventually, he would become the one she cared about

couldn’t hide his emotions like adults could. Knowing something in your head was one

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

couldn’t let that happen.

way. He wouldn’t let her

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

the stairs to frame

Sharon would’ve

clicked

so much less than you, then why

off guard.

telling.” Matty stepped toward the lake. “I’m