CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN – A BREAKING UNION

"Maybe what?" Madison asked, a flicker of hope rekindled in her eyes. Ethan took a deep breath. "Maybe it's time I re-evaluated my work schedule. This can't keep going on." Madison looked at him, her heart pounding in her chest. A conversation, a genuine attempt to understand each other's needs – it wasn't a perfect solution, but it was a start. Weeks turned into months, with Ethan's revised work schedule offering little solace. Sure, he was home for dinner more often, but the phone calls demanding his immediate attention continued, interrupting their evenings and chipping away at the fragile sense of normalcy they were trying to build. One such evening, as Madison wrestled a fussy Donald into his pajamas, the phone rang for the third time that day. She glanced at Ethan, who sat at the dining table, a frown creasing his forehead as he spoke in hushed tones. Donald's wails escalated, his frustration mirroring Madison's own. With a sigh of exasperation, she slammed the bassinet down