A week later, Ethan sat Emma down to explain the situation. He had rehearsed the conversation in his head, but nothing could have prepared him for her reaction.
"What do you mean you're divorcing Mom?" Emma's voice cracked with disbelief. She stared at Ethan, her eyes wide with shock.
Ethan sighed, trying to keep his tone gentle. "Your mother and I haven't been happy for a long time, Emma. This isn't a decision I made lightly, but it's what's best for all of us."
Emma's face twisted with anger. "No, it's what's best for *you*!" she shouted. "You're the one who's never around! You're the one who's always been more focused on work than this family!"
Ethan's heart sank. "Emma, that's not true. I've been working hard for all of us, but—"
"Stop lying!" Emma cut him off. "You don't care about us! This is all because of *you*! You're the one breaking up this family!"
Ethan was stunned by her outburst. He had anticipated that Emma might be upset, but this level of anger took him by surprise.
"Emma, I know this is hard to understand," Ethan said quietly. "But your mother and I—"
"I don't care!" Emma shouted. "I'm staying with Mom. She's the only one who's ever been there for me. You're just walking away because you don't care about us!"
Tears filled her eyes as she stood up abruptly and stormed out of the room, leaving Ethan sitting there in stunned silence. He had lost Emma's trust, maybe even her love. And now, as the divide between them grew, he realised that repairing their relationship would be far more difficult than he had imagined.
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Deception in Silicon Heights
Short StoryHere's a compelling story description In the heart of Silicon Valley, Ethan Turner is an ambitious employee at one of the country's biggest tech companies, struggling to balance his demanding career with a troubled home life. Married to Jessica, a m...
