Chapter 146:

After parting ways with Elyse, Theo decided to drown his sorrows at the local bar. With each drink, he felt the evening's weight lift until, tipsy and unsteady, he stumbled out. While attempting to drive home, his vision blurred, his reflexes slowed by the alcohol. He veered into a guardrail; the car lurched, the airbag deployed with a loud pop, knocking him unconscious.

Thankfully, a passing motorist witnessed the accident and immediately called for an ambulance. Theo was rushed to the hospital. Zandra, receiving the distressing news of her son's accident, left her overtime work and hurried to the hospital.

Upon arrival, her heart clenched at the sight of her pale, unconscious son. With trembling hands and tear-filled eyes, she anxiously checked him over.

The doctor entered the ward, his demeanor calm yet reassuring. "Please try to remain calm," he said steadily. "Your son will be fine. He's experiencing the effects of alcohol, but the accident was less serious than it appeared. He's been thoroughly examined, and thankfully, he has no internal injuries—only a few scrapes and bruises."

Relieved, Zandra sighed. She smoothed the hair from her forehead, took a deep breath, and resumed her usual composed demeanor. "Thank you, Doctor."

After the doctor explained the necessary precautions and left, Zandra sat beside Theo's bed, her gaze fixed on him. Annoyance crept in as she watched him lie there. Turning away, she closed her eyes, trying to quell her frustration.

A few hours later, Theo stirred, blinking at the unfamiliar hospital ceiling. Realizing he wasn't home, he sat up, wincing as the movement aggravated his wounds. His sharp gasp awakened Zandra, who immediately pressed the call button for the doctor.

Shortly after, the doctor and a nurse arrived, conducted a thorough checkup, reassured them both, and departed. As Theo rubbed his throbbing head, Zandra's expression turned frosty. "What? Have you forgotten how you ended up here?" she asked sharply.

Theo's memory was hazy; the strong liquor had blurred the events after leaving the bar. "I… I don't remember," he admitted, confusion evident. "Mom, why am I here?"

Zandra's disappointment curdled into anger. She pinched his ear. "You drove drunk, Theo! Do you realize the danger you put yourself in? Are you so reckless that you're willing to risk your life?"

Theo's bewilderment deepened. "I drove drunk?"

"I don't care if you want to die or not. You must give me a grandchild before you die!" Zandra's anger flared. She hugged herself, struggling to maintain control.

Theo winced, his usual loquacity replaced by silence. Zandra sat down, her voice laced with disappointment and concern. "What happened to you? Why were you drinking? Didn't I tell you to take care of yourself?"

Sulking, Theo mumbled, "I was in a bad mood. It's nothing."

Zandra pressed for answers. "Why were you in a bad mood?"

Theo hesitated. "Mom, Elyse told me I'm not as good as Jayden Owen."

Zandra's confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"

"In her eyes, I'm inferior to someone with a disability," Theo spat, meeting his mother's surprised gaze.

Shocked, Zandra asked, "But you broke up with Elyse ages ago. Why are you still in contact with her?" She hadn't considered Elyse as the source of her son's distress, let alone his reckless behavior.

Theo fell silent, unable to admit he still missed Elyse. Consumed by thoughts of her, he'd contacted her.

Suppressing her anger, Zandra said with controlled frustration, "Since childhood, I've invested in your elite education. I've always taught you that success grants you the pick of any woman. Yet here you are, fixated on Elyse, a woman you left."

To Zandra, education and success were paramount; relationships held value only if beneficial. She couldn't understand Theo's attachment to someone she considered insignificant.

A sudden thought struck Zandra. She narrowed her eyes. "Do you love Elyse?"

Theo's brow furrowed. "Mom, what are you saying?"

"I see it, Theo. You're still hung up on Elyse. Even though she's married now," Zandra said sternly.

Theo looked incredulous. "How could you even think that?"

Zandra searched his face for any deception, finding none. She sighed in relief. "I think you're not over her because she praises others while belittling you. It must be intentional. Women like her often play hard to get."

Theo echoed her words softly. "Playing hard to get… She must be doing it intentionally."