“Ethan, please, let’s talk about this,” she pleaded, stepping forward as if to reach for him. But he took a step back, raising a hand to halt her approach.

“Talk?” he scoffed, incredulity lacing his words. “You think there’s anything left to say? You attacked my mother, Olivia. There’s no coming back from that.”

Tears welled up in Olivia’s eyes, but Ethan’s resolve was unyielding. The love he once felt was overshadowed by the betrayal that loomed over them like a dark cloud. He couldn’t allow her presence in his home, not after what she had done.

“I want you out of this house tonight,” he continued, his voice firm. “I’ll have someone pack your things. Don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.”

Desperation clawed at Olivia, but she realized there was no swaying him. The realization struck her like a blow, and her shoulders sagged in defeat. Without another word, she turned and fled the room, her footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Ethan watched her go, his heart heavy with a mixture of sorrow and relief. He had loved Olivia, but he couldn’t forgive her for the violence she’d inflicted on his mother. His priorities were clear now—his mother’s safety and well-being came first.

Returning to Margaret’s side, Ethan knelt beside her once more. “I’m so sorry, Mom,” he murmured, guilt gnawing at him for not protecting her sooner.

Margaret reached out, her hand finding his. “Ethan, it’s not your fault,” she reassured him, her voice shaky but earnest. “I never wanted to come between you two, but I couldn’t let her…”

He hugged her gently, feeling the weight of the night press on his shoulders. “You did nothing wrong,” he assured her. “I should have seen it, I should have known.”

In the following days, Ethan focused on healing the wounds left by the betrayal. He arranged for professional care to ensure Margaret’s safety and well-being, and he sought therapy to help them both navigate the emotional turmoil. The mansion, once a testament to his success, now felt hollow, echoing with memories of happier times.

But Ethan was determined to rebuild, to create a new life grounded in truth and love. It would take time, but he vowed to move forward, stronger and wiser, with his mother by his side.