CHAPTER 2: THE CHOICE NO SON SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE

The nursery remained silent except for the baby's cries.

Ethan stood between his mother and his wife, his chest rising and falling with barely controlled anger.

Margaret stared at him in disbelief.

"Ethan, you're misunderstanding—"

"No."

His voice cut through hers like a knife.

For thirty-three years, Margaret Walker had controlled every room she entered.

But not this one.

Not anymore.

Ethan turned briefly toward Emma.

She was still sitting on the floor beside the crib, one hand pressed against her scalp where Margaret had pulled her hair.

Tears filled her eyes.

The sight nearly shattered him.

His wife.

The mother of his child.

Hurt.

By his own mother.

Ethan carefully helped Emma to her feet.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly.

Emma nodded, though they both knew she wasn't.

Then Ethan picked up his crying daughter and held her against his shoulder.

Slowly, the baby began to calm.

Margaret folded her arms.

"So now you're choosing her over your family?"

Ethan looked at her.

A strange sadness appeared in his eyes.

"No, Mom."

The answer surprised her.

"I'm choosing my family."

Margaret's face went pale.

"You can't be serious."

"I've never been more serious in my life."

The room felt colder.

For years, Ethan had ignored the warning signs.

The insults.

The manipulation.

The cruel comments Margaret made whenever Emma wasn't around.

He told himself it would improve.

That his mother would eventually accept his marriage.

But tonight changed everything.

"You assaulted my wife while holding my newborn daughter hostage in this room."

Margaret's mouth opened.

No words came out.

"I want you to leave."

The sentence hit harder than any scream.

"What?"

"Leave."

"Ethan—"

"Now."

For the first time in her life, Margaret realized she had lost control of her son.

And it terrified her.

Without another word, she grabbed her purse and walked toward the door.

Before leaving, she turned back one last time.

"You'll regret this."

Ethan didn't answer.

The door closed behind her.

And for the first time in years...

The Walker home felt peaceful.