CHAPTER 48

Gabe's POV

I watched Emma from across the room, her eyes fixed on the kids with an intensity that made me uneasy. She's been acting strange lately, ever since she started spying on them. I get it, she's worried, but this is getting out of hand.

At first, I thought it was just her usual overprotectiveness, but now I'm not so sure. She's been distant, preoccupied, and snappish. Even the kids have noticed, exchanging worried glances when she's around.

Is she okay? Really okay? I wonder. We haven't talked about it, but I sense something's bothering her deeply. Maybe it's more than just the kids. Maybe it's us, our relationship, or something else entirely.

I try to remember the last time we had a real conversation, just the two of us. It feels like ages ago. Now, it's all about the kids, their schedules, and their needs. Don't get me wrong, they're our priority, but what about us? What about Emma's needs?

I make a mental note to talk to her, really talk to her, tonight. No distractions, n