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Chapter 108
Sharon’s voice was cold. “That depends on what he’s done.”
Carter’s tone grew heavy. “No matter what he’s done wrong, he’s still your son. Sharon… are you really going to stop acknowledging him?”
“The one who doesn’t want to acknowledge me-is him.” Her face was blank. “To him, I’m just an embarrassing mother. Maybe he’s better off without me.”
“So you’re really going to keep that scheming boy by your side?”
Sharon’s expression darkened. “Carter, don’t you dare talk about Matty like that. He’s only five. How could a five-year-old possibly be scheming? If anyone’s being ridiculous…”
Her lips curled into a cold smile. “You’d rather believe a five-year-old is full of cunning than admit your precious Kelly isn’t as innocent and flawless as you imagined. Carter, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year.”
Carter’s brows furrowed. “We’re talking about Theo. Why do you keep dragging Kelly into this?”
“You were the one who said my relationship with Theo deteriorated because of Matty. I think it’s because of Kelly. What’s the issue? If even hearing her name rattles you this much, then I don’t think we have anything more to say.”
Sharon truly had no interest in arguing with someone like him any longer.
She turned to Matty. “Matty, let’s go.”
Without looking back, she walked away with Matty.
By the time everything settled down, it was already noon.
Sharon took Matty to a nearby restaurant with a solid reputation.
“I’m sorry, Matty,” she said softly. “You didn’t deserve what happened today.”
Matty shook his head earnestly. “I’m not upset.”
After a pause, he added, “Actually, Theo doesn’t hate you as much as he says he does. If he really didn’t care, he wouldn’t feel like I was stealing his mommy.”
Sharon looked into his eyes. “Even after everything, you’re still willing to speak up for him?”
“I just don’t think he’s a bad person,” Matty said, then suddenly reached out and took her hand.
“Sharon, can we just let it go? Please don’t be angry with Theo. And…”
He glanced around the restaurant, eyes wide with innocence. “Let’s not tell Daddy about this, okay?”
Sharon paused. “But your injury—”
“It’ll heal in a few days. It’s not that serious. Besides, boys get scrapes and bruises all the time. Daddy always says boys shouldn’t be so delicate, and we definitely shouldn’t go crying to people every time we get hurt. He’d look down on me.”
Matty blinked up at her. “Sharon, I don’t want Daddy to think less of me. Can you keep it a secret?”
A wave of guilt rose in Sharon’s chest.
He was still just a child-not yet old enough to mask his emotions like an adult. She could tell right away he was lying. He only said that to keep her from worrying.
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Her heart ached. The guilt deepened.
Even though Matty was thoughtful and mature beyond his years, when it came down to it, she always leaned toward Theo. She couldn’t help it.
In that moment, she understood why Carter and Theo still chose to protect Kelly, even after everything she’d done.
It wasn’t about reason. It was about how much they cared for her. 1
She called over a waiter and ordered a kids’ meal for Matty and another for herself.
Matty had a somewhat delicate stomach, but compared to Theo, he was much healthier, with far fewer dietary restrictions.
Just then, Theo arrived at the restaurant. From a distance, he saw them-Sharon and Matty, sharing a milkshake. A familiar bitterness crept back into his chest.
Kelly, noticing where Theo’s gaze had landed, followed it.
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