The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel 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!"

Stella stared at Keen, taken aback, "Did someone put these thoughts in your head? Or is this really how you feel?"

Keen paused, Rachel's words about respect and freedom echoing in his head.

But his mother? She'd never given him either. Every request, every plea—shot down with the same tired line: "It's for your own good." As if she'd ever let him decide what that meant.

But that wasn't true. She just wanted to keep him under her thumb, a mama's boy who'd obey her every command.

She wanted to use him to get more attention from dad.

Keen steadied himself, "I... I do feel this way."

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