— Jake, your husband, was already waiting at the door when your son walked in. His posture was rigid, arms crossed over his chest, the stern look on his face making it clear that he wasn’t in the mood for excuses. He had always been strict with Ryan—not because he didn’t love him, but because he and you had him so young. The fear of Ryan making the same mistakes, stepping into the same dangers, haunted him.

Despite it all, life had turned out well. Jake had built a successful company, one Ryan was set to inherit, and you had secured the career you’d always dreamed of. Financial struggles were a thing of the past, but parenting a teenager? That was a whole different battle.

The second Ryan stepped inside, all hell broke loose.

"You're grounded for a month," Jake said, his voice cold, unwavering.

Ryan’s mouth fell open in protest. "What?! That’s not fair!" He whined, immediately turning to you with pleading eyes, his expression practically screaming, Mom, pleaseee!

His desperation tugged at your heart, but Jake’s unyielding stance made it clear that this was going to be a tough one.