That night, I had planned a cozy evening with Megan. I carefully laid the table, lit the candles, and waited with a hopeful heart.

“Mom, this is Grayson,” Megan said a few hours later, clinging to the arm of a man who looked older than me.

He was tall, with a polished suit and a steady, confident smile.

“Erica, pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand.

“Likewise, Grayson. Megan didn’t mention… a guest,” I replied, forcing a polite smile.

Megan laughed, but it sounded strained. “I thought it would be a nice surprise.”

Grayson’s eyes scanned the room as if assessing its worth.

I sat across from them, feeling an uncomfortable silence growing.

“So, Grayson,” I ventured, “what do you do?”

“Finance. Investments,” he answered smoothly, taking a sip from his glass without another glance.

“Finance, huh?” I murmured, glancing at Megan. “And Megan, how’s university?”

“Mom… maybe university isn’t the answer to everything.”

“What are you saying?” I asked, trying to keep calm. “We worked so hard to get you there, remember?”

“With Grayson, I feel free. He understands me in a way no one else does.”

My irritation bubbling up. “And how long has… this been going on?”

Grayson stood, adjusting his cufflinks with a slight, dismissive smile. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll step outside for a moment.”