“I’ll make arrangements for you to stay at a hotel,” Ethan continued, his voice firm. “We can discuss everything else later, but for now, I need you out of here.”

Olivia nodded silently, tears streaming down her cheeks. The woman who used to light up his life with her laughter now seemed small and distant. She gathered her things quietly, the echoes of her departing footsteps a haunting reminder of the life they once shared.

As the door closed behind her, Ethan turned back to Margaret, his heart heavy yet resolute. “I’m so sorry, Mom,” he murmured, kneeling by her side once more.