As the door closed behind Olivia, Ethan turned back to his mother, the weight of the night pressing heavily on his shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Mom,” he murmured, kneeling beside her once more.
Margaret managed a weak but reassuring smile, placing her hand over his. “You did the right thing, Ethan. Sometimes people aren’t who we think they are,” she said softly.
Her words sank deep, bringing a measure of clarity amid the heartache. Ethan understood that while he had lost something precious, he had also reclaimed something invaluable: the safety and dignity of the woman who had always stood by him.
Though the night remained long and filled with uncertainty, Ethan felt a newfound resolve. He would protect his mother at all costs, face the challenges ahead with strength, and ensure that no harm would come to those he loved.
In that moment, amid the sorrow and betrayal, a quiet determination took root. The life he had known was changed forever, but the bond between him and his mother had been strengthened, forming a foundation from which he could confront whatever lay ahead.
Ethan rose slowly, helping Margaret settle more comfortably in her wheelchair. Together, they faced the night—not as victims, but as survivors, bound by trust, resilience, and the unwavering strength of family.
