Ryan's POV
I pulled back from my mom's embrace, my mind racing with questions. "Why?" I demanded, my voice shaking with anger and confusion. "Why did you fake your death and disappear for a whole year?"
My mom's eyes dropped, and she hesitated before speaking. "I'm sorry, Ryan. I know this must be hard for you to understand, but I had to leave. I was in danger, and I had to protect myself and our family."
I felt a surge of frustration. "What kind of danger? And why did you have to fake your death? Why couldn't you just tell us the truth?"
My mom sighed, and I could see the weight of her secrets bearing down on her. "I'll explain everything, Ryan. But you have to promise me you'll listen with an open mind."
I nodded, my heart still racing with emotions. "I'll listen. But you have to te
