30. A Sudden Departure

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the cozy dining room, casting a warm, welcoming glow. The breakfast table was set, and the atmosphere in the room was a mix of light-heartedness and a subtle undercurrent of unease. The family members were seated together, savoring their morning meal. Elena, her radiant smile lighting up her face, was engaged in a cheerful conversation with George. Both of them appeared content and in high spirits. However, one person at the table stood out in stark contrast to the general mirth – Shawn.

Shawn, who usually contributed to the lively banter, sat there with a gloomy expression, the remnants of the previous night's painful encounter with Emma still haunting him. Her words, veiled in her eyes and filled with bitterness, had wounded him deeply. A cloud of distress loomed over him, and he couldn't shake off the sense of hurt that had settled in his heart.

Elena, attentive as always, couldn't help but notice Shawn's somber mood. Her brows furro