The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 133

Keen's eyes flickered nervously, avoiding Stella's gaze. "I... I didn't know the cake had nuts in it."

Stella pressed on, "Even if you didn't know about the nuts, surely you know you're lactose intolerant and shouldn't be eating cake at all?"

Keen felt a twinge of annoyance, "I only had a tiny bite."

Stella sighed, "It was that tiny bite that nearly sent you to the ER."

Keen's initial gratitude towards Stella morphed into irritation and defiance.

"You and that troublemaker can eat whatever you want. Why can't I? It's because you're always telling me what I can't eat that I get curious and want it even more."

Stella frowned, "I'm only thinking of your health..."

Keen cut her off, "You're just using 'it's for my own good' as an excuse to control me! Every day it's 'for my own good,' but you never respect me or care about what I really want!"

"Did someone put these thoughts in your head?

respect and freedom echoing in

with the same tired line: "It's for your own good." As if she'd ever let

wanted to keep him under her thumb, a

to use him to get more

I do feel this

was as if a cold wave washed over Stella, extinguishing her anxiety and the guilt she felt for

me,

didn't hesitate, words

I choose to do, no questions asked. I don't want you interfering with my decisions. I want freedom and respect. Stop treating me like a child. Just because you're my mom doesn't mean you can guilt-trip me with family obligations. You can advise me, but

to continue, but he noticed Stella was watching him intently. Her eyes were cool and calm, a stark contrast to the concerned mother she was moments

voice faltered, suddenly feeling a wave of

gaze, "And what

instinctively looked away, "That's it for