The first thing Aarika did was change the locks.
The second was send an email.
To: Zayden Black
Subject: Termination
Message: Effective immediately, our personal and professional relationship is over. Do not contact me.
Her fingers hovered over the send button, just for a second. In her previous life, she would have hesitated. She would have reasoned. Waited.
But not this time.
She clicked send.
A strange wave of calm settled over her. A part of her, deep down, knew she had just changed the future. She had taken her first step in reclaiming control.
She sat back in the chair, her hand resting on her belly. "We'll be okay," she murmured. "I won't let anyone hurt us again."
The room seemed to hum in agreement.
And somewhere inside, the child stirred.