144.

After a brief moment of silence, Riya attempted to lighten the atmosphere in the car. "I'm sure Mom is preparing all your favorite foods," she said, trying to inject some cheer into their tense drive. Damon let out a sigh, attempting to suppress any snappiness. He didn't want to inflict any emotional harm upon either his wife or his mother, but today he simply didn't feel prepared to tolerate the presence of other people.

Realizing the weight of the situation, Riya softly spoke to herself, determined to ease the tension. She buried herself in her mobile device, absentmindedly scrolling through its contents. "Okay, I'm going to shut up now," she murmured, seeking solace in the distraction of her phone.

The car smoothly glided into the spacious garage of Damon's parents' house, its engine purring to a halt. Damon's voice broke the silence, jolting Riya out of her deep thoughts and back into the present moment. She blinked, momentarily disoriented, before her gaze shifted to the surround