Theo curled his lip. "My lactose intolerance is much better now. The doctor said it's fine if I eat a little now and then. But Mom always wants to control me—make me do what she says."

That word—control—coming from a five-year-old's mouth, felt too heavy, too strange.

Carter was just about to respond when his phone rang.

He answered, and Kelly's voice came through from the other end.

"Carter, are you home now?"

"Yes."

"Sharon hasn't come back yet, has she?"

He paused for a moment. "Why?"

"I think I just saw her…" Kelly's voice hesitated. "She was having dinner with a young man. They seemed… close."

She fell silent for a beat, then carefully asked, "Is it because of what happened earlier today? Did something upset her again? Carter, maybe you should explain things to her properly."

A chill slipped into Carter's eyes.

Sharon didn't come home to cook—because she was out on a date?

His voice turned colder without him realizing it. "Where is she?"

Kelly gave him an address.

"I got it," he said, and hung up.

…

In the restaurant, John Westin looked at Sharon steadily.

"Have you really made up your mind?"

She nodded. "Shaluna was something my mother custom made just for me… and I gave it up for my family, for five whole years."

Her voice trailed off as she let out a quiet sigh. A hint of wistfulness flickered across her face.

"And now?" John's voice was low. "If you return, you'll have to perform regularly. It'll be exhausting. You won't have much time left—for your husband, for your son."

"Theo's health is fine now." A trace of irony flashed in her eyes. "Besides, he doesn't need me anymore."

"And what about Carter?" John asked. "Will he agree?"

At the mention of Carter, her gaze turned icy.

"I don't need his permission. This is my life."

John looked at her for a long moment. "But he won't allow you to be around me."

"I don't need his approval."

Her voice was steady, but guilt surfaced on her face as she recalled how she'd once distanced herself from John—just because of something Carter had said.

"John," she murmured, "I'm sorry."

But John shook his head. "Sharon, you don't need to apologize to me. It's me who should be sorry. I promised your mother I'd protect you. But I didn't have the strength to keep that promise. I let you suffer so much."

John was her senior. The two had studied violin together under her mother since childhood. Now, John was one of the most celebrated violinists in the field.

His striking features and melancholic temperament had propelled him beyond the classical music world, turning him into a heartthrob with fan followings rivaling top-tier celebrities.

Fame, fortune—he had it all. But he still couldn't compare to someone like Carter, a man with real capital behind him.

"It's not your fault," Sharon said softly. "It's mine—"

She didn't get to finish.

A soft voice cut in from behind. "Sharon, what a surprise to see you here."

Sharon turned to see Kelly, dressed in a pristine white dress.

Running into someone she disliked—twice in one day—what rotten luck.

Her voice turned cold. "What's it to you?"

Kelly smiled sweetly. "Don't be upset, Sharon. I just found it strange—Carter rarely goes home, and yet you're not there cooking dinner?"

Her tone was light, face gentle—an image of innocence and grace.

By contrast, Sharon suddenly seemed sharp, callous, and unkind.

But Sharon could hear the taunt beneath Kelly's gentle voice.

She lifted her eyes—and saw the flicker of smugness in Kelly's gaze that hadn't quite been tucked away.

She shot back, "And why is it rare for Carter to go home? Isn't it because his time is all taken up by you, Kelly? Are you really that clueless, or just pretending to be?"

Shock spread across Kelly's face. She grabbed Sharon's hand, anxious to explain.

"Sharon, wait, I didn't mean it like that—"

Before she could finish, Sharon yanked her hand away. "If you're not pretending, then you really don't know your place. And women with no self-awareness? They're very annoying."

"Ah!" Suddenly, Kelly let out a shriek and stumbled backward.

Before Sharon could even react, a tall figure caught her just in time.

"Kelly, are you okay?"

Kelly's face had gone pale. When she looked up and saw who it was, her eyes immediately brimmed with tears, as if she had suffered some great injustice.

"Carter… I'm fine. Sharon didn't mean to. Please don't be mad at her, okay?"

Carter's gaze flicked, finally locking on Sharon nearby.

His brows drew together, voice low and cold.

"Sharon, apologize to Kelly."

It wasn't the first time something like this had happened.

In the past, Sharon would've hurried to explain. "It wasn't me," "Please hear me out," "I didn't do it," "Can't you believe me?"

But Carter never took her side. He always made her apologize to Kelly.

If she refused, he'd punish her with silence.

He wouldn't answer her calls. Wouldn't reply to her messages.

He would treat her like air—not a single word, not even a glance.

Later, even Theo joined in the silent treatment.

In the end, she had no choice but to lower her head and give in.

The memory made her laugh bitterly.

"Why should I listen to you? Who do you think you are?"

Carter froze for a second, wondering if he'd misheard her.

"What did you say?"

Sharon met his gaze, calm and cold. "When I cared about you, everything you said mattered. But now? Tell me—what are you to me?"

He finally understood what she meant.

In all the time he'd known her, she had never spoken to him like this.

She had always been gentle. Always considerate.

She'd leave the lights on when he worked late.

She'd make him midnight snacks when he stayed in his study for hours.

She'd bring him tea to sober up when he came home drunk.

Even after Kelly reappeared and Sharon changed, she'd never defied him so directly.

So why now… why did his chest feel so tight?

And then, a young voice cut through the tension.

"Mommy, you taught me that when someone does something wrong, they should apologize. So… now that you've done something wrong, shouldn't you say sorry to Kelly?"

Sharon turned her head and saw Theo standing behind Carter. Though he was speaking to her, his gaze remained fixed on Kelly, worry written plainly across his face.

Since forever, even the slightest sign of trouble from Kelly would send both Carter and Theo into a frenzy of concern.

There was a time when the four of them went to a park together. No one could tell if it was a heatstroke or some sudden onset of illness, but Kelly suddenly looked as if she were about to collapse. Both Carter and Theo rushed toward her at once.

In his panic, Carter even pushed Sharon to the ground. And yet, no one noticed.

The cruelest part? Later, when Carter saw her injured and bandaged hand, he actually asked her how she'd gotten hurt.

The memory shattered as Kelly's fragile voice broke into her thoughts. "Theo, I just lost my balance. It had nothing to do with your mother."

Kelly shook her head at Theo, tears sliding down her cheeks in pitiful silence. "It's my body… it's just too weak…"

Theo pouted, lips pushing forward. "But I saw it. I saw Mommy push you."

He turned to Sharon then, his little face serious. "Mommy, you always told me that when someone makes a mistake, they should admit it and fix it. You're a grown-up… you wouldn't go back on your word, would you?"

Sharon had put everything into caring for Theo's health. But when it came to his studies, she had hardly needed to lift a finger.

At only five years old, Theo was already fluent in three languages and possessed an extraordinary gift for speech. More than once, he had left grown adults speechless.

Carter's mother often said the boy's brilliance reminded her of Carter when he was young.

And now, this little boy was using that sharp mind… against her, for Kelly's sake.

As his mother, as an adult, she knew she had to set the right example. If she couldn't live by her own words, how could she ask a child to?

Sharon looked at her husband and son, both standing beside Kelly. In that moment, she felt that they looked more like a family than she ever had with them.

She had long since stopped hoping for anything from this father and son, but still, Theo's words pricked at her heart.

Lowering her gaze to meet his eyes, Sharon said softly, "You're right. I did tell you that if we do something wrong, we should apologize. But—"

She paused, her voice calm and deliberate.

"I didn't do anything wrong. Why should I apologize?"

In the past, she would've yielded. She always did when it came to Theo.

But today, she didn't.

Theo spoke without thinking, "But I saw you push Kelly."

Sharon didn't argue. Instead, she smiled faintly.

"Just because I pushed her… does that mean I was wrong?"

"But Mom, you said hitting people is wrong…"

Her tone was light, even serene. "And I also told you that we shouldn't bully others. But that doesn't mean we should let others bully us. If someone keeps crossing the line, then—you shouldn't hold back."

For all his cleverness, Theo was still only five. He hadn't expected her to say something like that. For a moment, he was stunned into silence.

Just then, John's voice came from the side. "Theo, that's not how you speak to your mother."

Both Carter and Theo turned toward the sound, surprised. As if they had only now noticed John standing nearby.

Theo blinked. "Mr. Westin?"

Carter's expression darkened. "Why are you here?"

John — Sharon's childhood friend and senior schoolmate — was someone Carter had met many times. He'd heard about him from Sharon, too.

She once told him that John had grown up without parents, raised by his grandparents.

By middle school, he had lost even them, and was left completely alone in the world.

It was around that time Sharon's mother discovered his musical talent and took him under her wing.

But John had been a withdrawn, melancholy child who ignored everyone around him. It took Sharon three years to get through to him, for him to accept her as a friend and fellow student.

And yet, for reasons Carter couldn't explain, he'd disliked this man from the very first moment they met.

"You can meet your ex-girlfriend, but it's strange that Sharon has a meal with someone who's like family to her?"

John's tone was flat, but every word carried weight, each one slicing through the pretense like a blade.

He stripped away Carter and Kelly's carefully constructed facade with chilling precision.

Carter's eyes darkened, and his face hardened. "Sharon, come home with me."

She answered without emotion, "No. I'm still eating with John."

His voice grew cold, laced with threat. "Sharon, I'll say it one last time. Come home with me."

She knew this tone well — it meant he was furious. If she didn't yield now, it wouldn't end with a simple fight.

He would take action. He always did.

She could never forget that night, when thunder rolled through the sky and rain soaked her from head to toe. She had knelt at his feet, soaked and shivering, begging him with tears streaming down her face to return Theo to her.

He had looked down at her, cold and arrogant, and asked, "Do you admit your mistake?"

The sound of her tears had echoed against the ground like rain, and in the end, she could only agree to apologize for Kelly's fall into the water.

He always had a way of forcing her hand.

The thought made Sharon smile.

Then, calmly, she said, "No."

Carter's eyes turned icy, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"Sharon, think carefully about the consequences."

She met his gaze without fear.

"Mr. Biggs, whatever tricks you've got, go ahead and use them."

Her only weakness had ever been Theo. But now, she didn't even want him anymore. Carter had nothing left to threaten her with.

Turning to John, she said, "John, the vibes here aren't great. Let's find another place to eat."

He paused for a beat, then nodded. "Alright."

Without sparing the three behind her another glance, Sharon picked up her bag and prepared to leave.

Behind her, Theo called out stubbornly, "Mommy, are you really not going to apologize to Kelly?"

She paused, just for a second — then walked away without looking back.

Carter stood where he was, watching her retreating figure. His gaze grew colder and darker by the second.

Beside him, Theo stared after her too, a flicker of confusion crossing his delicate little face.

Something about his Mommy felt different.

Noticing both of their gazes locked on Sharon, Kelly's eyes gleamed with something sharp and cold. Then, all at once, she let out a weak gasp. "Ah…"

In an instant, both Carter and Theo snapped their attention back to her.

Kelly's face was pale. Her body swayed unsteadily, as if she might collapse at any moment.

Carter's expression shifted, and without hesitation, he swept her up into his arms.

Carter turned to Theo, who stood quietly to the side.

"Theo, wait here for me," he said.

Theo gave a small nod, obedient and aware. He knew Carter needed to tend to Kelly first.

As soon as Carter stepped away, a murmur of conversation rose from a nearby table.

"Dennis, look," a woman whispered. "That little boy over there looks even younger than you, but he stood up for his mom and drove away the mistress. Impressive, isn't he? When you see that awful woman again, you need to learn from him. Don't be scared, alright?"

Theo heard them and turned his head toward the voices.

A woman in her thirties was sitting at the next table, dining with a little boy who looked around seven or eight.

The boy—Dennis—nodded earnestly.

Noticing Theo looking their way, Dennis jumped off his chair and walked up to him.

"You're amazing. Can you teach me how to get rid of a mistress?"

Theo blinked, a little thrown off. "Mistress?"

Dennis thought Theo didn't know what that meant and proceeded to explain with grave seriousness.

"A mistress is someone who comes between a mom and dad. The third person. She ruins everything. She makes your mom sad, and she makes your parents get divorced. Women like that are bad!" Dennis's face twisted in anger. "Lately there's been this bad woman who keeps clinging to my dad. But…"

His voice faltered, replaced by a look of helplessness.

"But I don't know how to make her leave. I don't know how to protect my mom."

He looked up at Theo again, his eyes filled with admiration.

"You were so cool just now. Just a few words, and that woman ran away. Your mom and dad got back together, right? Can you teach me how you did it?"

Theo was still struggling to process it all. "Got back together…?"

But… wasn't it Mom who left first?

Dennis tilted his head, confused. "Didn't that woman just get scared off by what you said? And didn't your dad carry your mom away right after?"

Mom?

So Dennis had mistaken Kelly for his mother?

At that moment, Dennis's mom walked over too. She reached out and gently patted Theo's head.

"You're such a good boy," she said warmly. "You didn't hesitate at all to take your mother's side. Not like my Dennis—he once said the bad lady was nice just because she gave him candy."

Dennis scratched his head sheepishly. "Mom wouldn't let me eat candy. I couldn't resist…"

"I don't let you eat it because I don't want your teeth to rot. When you're older, you can eat as much as you want."

Dennis hugged his mother's arm and whined softly, "I know now, Mom. You're just looking out for me. Don't stay mad, okay?"

"That woman almost sold you off. Took that for you to realize your mom's not so bad after all."

Dennis let out a goofy laugh. "Hehe… better late than never!"

Though the woman kept chiding her son, her eyes betrayed nothing but affection and tenderness.

…

More than half an hour passed before Carter and Kelly returned.

"I'm really fine, Carter," Kelly said helplessly. "It's just low blood sugar… no need to go to the hospital."

Carter's tone was firm, his face stern. "You're fainting more often lately. We should get you checked, just in case it's something more serious."

Something flickered across Kelly's face—barely perceptible.

Lately, in an effort to keep Sharon on edge, she had indeed asked Carter to come over more than she used to.

"I'll be alright," she said. "It's getting late, and Theo hasn't eaten yet. Let's let him eat first. I can go to the hospital tomorrow—it's the same."

They spoke as they walked, making their way back to Theo.

He sat alone at the table, staring blankly out the window, a faraway look in his eyes—lost in a way he had never been before.

Carter didn't notice. He simply stepped in front of him.

"Kelly's not feeling well. I'm going to take her to the hospital. We'll eat dinner after."

His voice was calm, but there was no room for argument in his words.

For all his outward coolness, Carter was inherently domineering. Once he made a decision, it was rarely overturned.

On any other day, Theo would've agreed without hesitation. But today, something felt different.

Sharon's face floated into his mind.

Until today, she had always prepared his meals on time.

He had a weak stomach—he needed to eat regularly. Even when they were out with Kelly and it got late, Sharon would insist he eat something light to tide him over.

She'd even customized those snacks just for him.

Her cooking was excellent, though after a while, eating the same things did get old.

Outside food always looked more exciting, more tempting. Gradually, he'd stopped enjoying the things she made.

Kelly's soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Carter, Theo's body is weak. Let's let him eat a little first."

Carter's voice was cool. "Your health is more important."

Kelly's cheeks flushed slightly. She didn't argue, only looked down and smiled gently at Theo. "How about we get you a slice of strawberry cake to eat on the way?"

Strawberry cake—Theo's favorite.

On any other day, he'd have jumped for joy.

But now, he only gave a quiet nod.

"Okay."

Kelly noticed something odd about him today, but didn't dwell on it.

After asking the server to pack up a slice of cake, she took his hand, and they walked out of the restaurant together.

…

On the way to the hospital, Kelly sat in the passenger seat, turning back every now and then to remind Theo to be careful while eating.

"If I didn't get carsick, I'd sit in the back with you," she said with a sigh. "Then I could take better care of you."

Even when Sharon was around, Kelly had insisted on sitting in the front. Her reason was always the same: she got motion sickness, and sitting in front made it easier.

Theo looked at the cake in his hands.

Suddenly, he remembered what Dennis's mom had said—that she didn't let her son eat candy because it was for his own good.

He looked up.

"Ms. Walt, are you a mistress?"