Chapter 259:

Zandra found Theo's perspective ridiculous. "You're too young to realize that love is the most delicate thing in the world," she said. "It cannot withstand real trials. You're merely blinded by the idea of it."

Theo responded calmly, "Life is far too long. The thought of spending decades with a woman I don't love, having children with her, and raising them together until we're old fills me with dread."

Zandra couldn't understand his apprehension. To her, these were necessary sacrifices to maintain family alliances. She scoffed. "Dreadful? That's exactly how your father and I have lived our lives. Do you think that's terrible?"

Theo answered, "Dad would rather spend years in the forest than come home. He finds more joy in watching a plant grow than in living with you. Can you honestly say there's love in your marriage?"

Zandra's eyes widened in anger. She stormed over to Theo and slapped him across the face, leaving a clear mark on his cheek. Visibly shaking with anger and bitterness, she glared at him. Her son's words had deeply wounded her; the pain was evident and fresh.

Zandra couldn't honestly argue that Theo was wrong. She knew her husband didn't love her; their marriage was a matter of convenience. Thankfully, he remained faithful, never seeking comfort elsewhere, but he also avoided closeness. After Theo's birth, he'd retreated to a distant mountain forest for research, remaining there for years. Zandra had never acknowledged her husband's lack of love, preserving her self-respect. Anyone who dared to gossip faced her wrath, so the subject remained unspoken. She'd almost convinced herself she was cherished. Night after night, she'd waited for his return.

But Theo's blunt confrontation exposed her shame. She could no longer hide her embarrassment. Theo, unsurprised by the slap, felt the numbness in his cheek. "Mom," he said, "you know living in a loveless marriage is miserable. Why can't you understand and let me be with the one I truly love?"

Masking her embarrassment with stubbornness, Zandra replied, "I'm doing this for your own good. You've always followed my advice, leading to a successful life and supportive friends and relatives. Freda is the best wife you can have." She clenched her teeth. "Don't choose a path that leads to suffering."

Theo realized Zandra was incapable of seeing his perspective. He stopped trying to convince her. He'd initially planned to persuade his mother before contacting Elyse, given Zandra's harsh treatment of Elyse during their previous relationship. Now, he decided to prioritize Elyse, attempting to persuade his mother afterward.

Seeing Theo's defiance, Zandra sneered. "Why insist on making your life difficult? Are you tired of living comfortably? Don't say I didn't warn you; true love is hard to find. Everyone weighs the pros and cons of marriage. Do you really think you'll be the lucky one?"

Theo stood. "I don't know if I can find true love again. I once had it but didn't value it. Now, I deeply regret it." Stubborn to the end, Zandra realized she couldn't sway him. She grabbed her purse, pausing at the door. "You owe Freda an explanation," she said. "You can't afford to lose the partnership with her family. I don't care who you end up with, but if you jeopardize our cooperation, you'll be the one to make amends." With that, she stormed out.

Theo felt foolish. He regretted not understanding his feelings for Elyse sooner. If he had, perhaps she wouldn't be married to someone else. But it wasn't too late; he believed he could still make things right. He took out his phone and dialed Freda's number. . . .