From the outset

Eight

Claire's POV:

After the dinner at my In Laws we thanked them and left for our townhouse.

Everyone went to their separate rooms feeling exhausted.

As we settled into our room, I turned to John in our bedroom. "I'm worried about Ryan," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

John looked up from his book, his expression attentive. "What's bothering you?"

"I don't know, but he seems... off," I said, searching for the right words. "Distracted, unhappy. It's been weeks since I've seen him truly smile."

John set his book aside, his eyes thoughtful. "I've noticed it too, He's been withdrawn.

I sat beside him on the bed, my concern spilling out.

Could there be something going on between him and Victoria? I asked .

John wrapped his arm around me. "I don't think so.

As we sat together in the quiet of our bedroom, I felt a sense of unease.

What was troubling Ryan?

He hasn't really been himself lately I suspect something was off

What could be off? I asked myself.

I lay awake, the darkness of my bedroom suffocating me. My mind raced with worries about Ryan.

Why was he distant? What was bothering him?

As a mother, I knew my son. I recognized the subtle changes in his demeanor, the faint lines etched on his forehead.

Tonight's dinner had only deepened my concerns. Ryan's smile had seemed forced, his laughter lacking its usual warmth.

Victoria's presence lingered in my thoughts. Was she the cause of Ryan's unease?

I tossed and turned, my sheets tangling around me.

John stirred beside me, his sleepy voice a gentle comfort. "Can't sleep, dear?"

I shook my head, not wanting to disturb him.

My thoughts swirled:

Could Victoria be seeing someone else? That would only explain Ryan's unease around her.

She's always using work as an excuse and toady at the dining table when her phone buzzed I noticed the anxious look in Ryan's eyes.

Could it be she's cheating on my son?

What if...

The clock glowed 2:47 AM. I threw off the covers and slipped out of bed.

In the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of water, my eyes wandering to the family photos on the fridge.

Ryan's bright smile in those pictures seemed like a distant memory.

I really need to talk to my son and it has to be soon before something goes wrong.

I retreated to my bedroom, seeking solace in sleep.

As I settled into bed, my mind began to unwind.

My concerns about Ryan slowly faded.

My eyelids grew heavy, and I surrendered to exhaustion.