Chapter 17

Simon noticed the shift in her demeanor, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes.

"What's wrong?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.

"Ethan," she replied, her own voice sounding foreign and weak to her ears. The shock of the news left her feeling numb.

Guilt consumed her, tearing at her insides. She labeled herself a bad mother, overwhelmed by the realization that she had been enjoying a date while her son was in pain. Had he been suffering even before she had left home? How could she have failed to notice? The thought tortured her, shattering her self-perception as a responsible and attentive parent.

"What happened to Ethan?" Simon pressed, his concern deepening.

"I need to go," she declared, her voice trembling with urgency, as she swiftly made her way off the yacht and toward her car, ignoring Simon's presence.

"Wait! I'll drive!" he called after her, reaching out to grab her wrist. Her body trembled slightly, not from his touch, but from the overwhelming emotions c