It Wasn''t Too Late


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


    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 why he found this so appalling.


    To her, these were the necessary sacrifices to uphold family alliances.


    She scoffed. "Dreadful? That''s exactly how your dad and I have lived our lives. Do you think that''s terrible?"


    Theo answered, "Dad would rather spend years in the forest than e home. He finds more joy


    in watching a nt grow than in living with you. Can you honestly say there''s love in your marriage?"


    Hearing that, Zandra''s eyes widened with anger.


    She stormed over to Theo and pped him across the face.


    The p left a clear mark on Theo''s


    Zandra was visibly shaking with anger and bitterness as she red at Theo.


    Her son''s words had deeply wounded her, the pain evident and fresh.


    Zandra couldn''t confidently argue that Theo was wrong, fully aware that her husband didn''t love


    her and that their marriage was a matter of convenience.


    Thankfully, her husband remained faithful. Despite not loving the woman he married, he never sought fort in the arms of another.


    But he didn''t like to be close to her.


    After Theo was born, he took his equipment and went to a distant mountain forest for research. For years, Zandra had never acknowledged that her husband didn''t love her.


    She preserved her self-respect. Anyone who dared to gossip about her situation faced her anger. So, no one had brought it up in recent years.


    She had almost managed to convince herself that she was cherished in her marriage. Night after


    night, she would wait, hoping her husband would return home after pleting his research.


    But now, with Theo confronting the truth so bluntly, she felt deep shame. She could no longer hide her embarrassment.


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    Theo was unfazed by the p; he had anticipated it from Zandra after his ments.


    Feeling the numbness in his cheek, he said, "Mom, you know living in a marriage without love is


    miserable. Why can''t you understand and let me be with the one I truly love?"


    Zandra, masking her embarrassment with stubbornness, replied, "I''m doing this for your own good. You''ve always followed my advice and had a sessful life because of it. Your friends and rtives have been there to support you. Freda is the best wife you can have!"


    She clenched her teeth and added, "Don''t choose a path that leads to suffering!"


    Theo realized Zandra was unable to see his point of view.


    At that moment, he stopped trying to convince her.


    He had initially nned to persuade his mom before reaching out toThis is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Elyse.


    After all, when he was in love with Elyse, Zandra had treated Elyse harshly.


    Now Theo decided it was time to set aside his efforts with his mother. He would handle things with Elyse first, then try to persuade his mother afterward.


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


    Theo stood up and said, "I don''t know if I can find true love again. I once had it but didn''t value it. Now, 1 deeply regret it."


    "Stubborn!"


    Zandra realized she couldn''t sway him despite her efforts.


    She grabbed her purse, ready to leave, but paused at the door to add, "You owe Freda an exnation. 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, Zandra stormed out in anger.


    Theo thought he was ridiculous. He regretted not understanding his feelings for Elyse sooner. Why hadn''t he realized it earlier? If he had, perhaps Elyse wouldn''t be married to another man


    now.


    But it wasn''t toote; he believed he could still make things right.


    He then took out his phone and dialed Freda''s number...