Sophia
The third day began like the others, with a steady heartbeat, a cup of lavender tea, and a vow to face whatever came my way.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, adjusting the soft cream blouse I’d chosen. I tied my hair into a low bun, swept a neutral gloss over my lips, and stared at the woman before me. Something about her was different.
She was still me — still healing, still remembering every betrayal, every heartbreak.
But her eyes? They no longer begged for survival.
They prepared for domination.
I was not here to play dress-up in an office chair or collect praise for merely showing up. I was here to build something. For myself. With or without approval.
Erick watched from the bed as I adjusted my collar.
“You’re glowing,” he said quietly.
I turned
