“I’m his wife. I deserve to know what’s happening,” I demanded, my voice tinged with desperation.

The officer hesitated, glancing back at the room where Ethan was being questioned. “Please, just let me see him,” I pleaded. “I need to understand what’s going on. Our daughter is terrified.”

After a moment, he nodded reluctantly and stepped aside. I entered the room, my eyes immediately locking onto Ethan’s. He sat at the table, flanked by two officers, his expression a mix of exhaustion and resolve.

“Claire,” he began, his voice both a plea and an apology. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to happen this way.”

“Why, Ethan?” I asked, struggling to keep my emotions in check. “Why involve Lily? What is all this about?”

Ethan took a deep breath and began to explain. He had discovered irregularities in the company’s finances months ago. At first, he thought it was a mistake, but as he delved deeper, it became clear that someone was embezzling funds. He had gathered evidence quietly, unsure of whom he could trust.

“I didn’t want to involve you or Lily,” he said, his eyes filled with regret. “But when I realized I was being watched, I panicked. I thought if anything happened to me, you’d need to know the truth.”

I felt a mixture of relief and fear. Relief that he wasn’t involved in wrongdoing, fear of the implications of his discovery. “What happens now?” I asked, glancing at the officers.

One of them spoke up. “Mr. Carter’s information is critical to our investigation. We’re working with him to uncover the full extent of the fraud.”

I looked back at Ethan, my heart heavy. “You should have told me,” I whispered.

“I know,” he replied, reaching for my hand. “I just wanted to protect you.”

As the officers continued their questioning, I sat by Ethan’s side, squeezing his hand for reassurance. The road ahead was uncertain, but we would face it together. Lily needed us both, and I was determined to support Ethan through whatever challenges lay ahead.

As we left the office, the weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders. But with each step, I felt a growing resolve. We would navigate this storm as a family, seeking truth and justice. And no matter what came next, we would face it together, united in our love and determination to protect each other.