Chapter 35 Summary: My Little Cabbage

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Caroline receives a phone call from Isaac but initially declines, fearing it is Sofia. A text arrives with the French endearment mon petit chou—a term Caroline hopes Isaac uses only with her. Unable to resist, she answers. Isaac explains that Sofia suspects he was too happy while she was away, and she called Caroline to spy on him. Caroline is relieved that Sofia does not suspect her specifically, but she feels slighted that she would not even be considered a threat. Isaac asks Caroline to lie to Sofia, assuring her no one visited. Caroline struggles with the request, aware that she is the one who made Isaac happy. She questions why Isaac does not choose her, but he insists he loves Sofia, though he was happy with Caroline. The conversation shifts to Caroline’s project, and Isaac promises to review it with her in New York. Just then, Sofia calls again; Isaac tells Caroline to decline and wait until tomorrow. Caroline hangs up, and a text from Sofia arrives: “Are you on the phone with Isaac?” Caroline realizes the loneliest place in the world is between two people.

Key Events

Caroline declines Isaac’s call but answers after the mon petit chou text.
Isaac reveals Sofia’s suspicion and his request for Caroline to deceive Sofia.
Caroline learns she is not considered a likely rival by Sofia.
Isaac admits he was happy with Caroline but claims to love Sofia.
The conversation includes a promise to collaborate on her project in New York.
Sofia calls again; Caroline declines per Isaac’s instruction.
Caroline receives Sofia’s accusatory text and experiences a moment of profound loneliness.

Character Development

Caroline: Shows vulnerability by answering Isaac’s call despite knowing the risk. Her hope that the endearment is exclusive to her indicates deep attachment. She struggles with her role as a secret, longing for Isaac to choose her. The chapter ends with a new self-awareness about her isolation.
Isaac: Portrayed as manipulative, using endearments and promises of future collaboration to keep Caroline compliant. He maintains his commitment to Sofia while exploiting Caroline’s feelings.
Sofia: Though absent, her actions—texting and calling—demonstrate suspicion and control. Her use of Caroline as a spy suggests a lack of trust.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Secrecy and Deception: The entire chapter revolves around hiding the affair. Isaac’s request for Caroline to lie underscores the theme of betrayal.
Power Imbalance: Isaac holds emotional leverage over Caroline, using pet names and future plans to maintain her loyalty while keeping Sofia.
Loneliness: Caroline’s final reflection on “the loneliest place in the world” crystallizes her emotional isolation, caught between her love for Isaac and the reality of being a secret.
The Endearment Mon Petit Chou: Represents intimacy and exclusivity for Caroline, but it also becomes a tool for Isaac’s manipulation.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the emotional stakes of Caroline’s affair with Isaac. It exposes the fragility of her position and foreshadows potential conflict. The revelation that Sofia is suspicious raises tension for the weekend and beyond. Caroline’s growing self-awareness about her loneliness signals a possible turning point in her character arc. Additionally, Isaac’s promise to work on her project ties the professional and personal threads together.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Caroline answer Isaac’s call after declining it initially?
Caroline is powerless to resist the intimate endearment mon petit chou, which she believes is unique to her relationship with Isaac. The term triggers hope and attachment, overriding her caution.
How does Isaac manipulate Caroline during their conversation?
He uses emotional language (“I was happy because we were together”), makes promises about collaborating on her project, and asks her to lie to Sofia. He frames his request as a favor while reinforcing his commitment to Sofia, keeping Caroline emotionally invested without offering a real future.
What does Caroline realize at the end of the chapter, and why is it significant?
Caroline realizes that “the loneliest place in the world is between two other people.” This insight marks her recognition of the painful position she occupies—not fully part of Isaac and Sofia’s relationship, yet not free of it. This moment of clarity could lead to a change in her choices.