Richard, still grappling with the situation, attempted to regain control. “Emily, we can talk about this. I didn’t mean—”

“It’s too late, Richard,” Emily interrupted, her voice firm but not unkind. “This isn’t just about today. It’s about every day leading up to this. I deserve respect, and so does our son. If you can’t provide that, then you’re not welcome here.”

Richard stood there, silent and defeated, the realization of his actions settling in. The power he thought he wielded was gone, replaced by the undeniable truth of his own misconduct.

Emily turned to Michael, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. “We’ll be okay,” she assured him, her own strength bolstering them both. “We have each other, and this is our home.”