Chapter 22 At the sight of them together , a heavy weight settled in Sharon's chest , like a stone pressing hard against her lungs . In five years of marriage , Carter had never once gone with her to drop off their son at preschool . She had asked him before , of course - more than once - but he always waved it off , claiming work kept him too busy . Now she understood . It wasn't about work . He just hadn't wanted to go with her . Theo , still bleary - eyed and yawning , looked like he hadn't slept well again . Probably stayed up too late , as usual . But the second he heard Kelly's words , his eyes flew wide open - and sure enough he spotted Sharon standing not far away . Kelly leaned down to him , her tone soft and coaxing . " See , Theo ? told you . There's no way your mom could really be mad at you . Look , she came so early just to see you . " A flicker of smugness lit up Theo's face . He turned to Sharon , speaking with exaggerated loftiness , " Don't think your little tricks will make me cave . If you don't apologize to Kelly , I'm not forgiving you . " Kelly smiled and glanced at Carter . " Looks like Nate's idea is working after all . " Carter gave a faint " Mm " in response . Then he turned to Sharon and said , flatly , " Kelly hasn't had much of an appetite lately . Go prepare her some medicinal soup . " 1 Sharon gave him a strange look , and two words left her lips , calm but sharp . " You're crazy . " 1 Kelly immediately stepped in like some kind of peacekeeper . " Sharon , don't be so upset with Carter . If there's something to talk about , let's all sit down like adults . You've never had a job , and you've been used to a life of comfort . After leaving home , I'm sure you've had a hard time . " She said it like she was offering help , but her words dripped with condescension . " Why not just apologize to Carter ? " she added gently . " Theo's still young . We really shouldn't involve children in adult matters , don't you think ? " The implication was clear : Sharon was using Theo to make herself the center of attention . Carter's cold gaze settled on Sharon like a frost settling over a quiet field . " Apologize to Kelly now , " he said . " If you do , I'll let the past go . " Even Theo frowned , face twisted with irritation . " Mom , I'm not your tool to fight over attention . " Sharon looked at the three of them standing together - united in accusation - and almost laughed . It was so ridiculous it hurt . If someone walked by , they'd think she was the villain here , bullying a happy little family . Kelly looked at her with the sincerity of a best friend . " Sharon , you really should take a step back . " Sharon's laugh was low and bitter . " Take a step back ? Freezing my accounts and demanding an apology - is that what you mean by taking a step back ? If this is the kind of ' good ' you're offering , why don't you take it , Kelly ? " Kelly opened her mouth , but no sound came out . Just then , Theo suddenly stepped in front of Kelly , arms spread wide like a shield , his face tight with seriousness . " Don't bully Kelly anymore ! " Sharon froze . Sure , Theo had always been affectionate with Kelly , but he'd neverstood against her like this - never so openly . Chapter 22 +25 BONUS No , that wasn't right . It was just that all the times before , she had swallowed her pride first , given in before it ever came to this . Looking at the open hostility on her son's face , Sharon's steps faltered . She nearly lost her balance . Kelly's eyes gleamed faintly , and she reached out , as if to steady her " Sharon , be careful - ah ! " Suddenly , Kelly stumbled sideways like she'd been pushed , pitching toward the edge of the street . At that very moment , a car came rolling toward them . It all happened in a blink - Carter lunged forward and caught her , pulling her firmly into his arms . Kelly's eyes filled with tears almost instantly , her body trembling as she clung to him . " Carter , I ... I almost never saw you again ... " Chapter 23 +25 BONUS Chapter 23 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!