Like a thief at dawn, I raced back home. I ran from confrontation, from explanations, but isn’t that what I’m best at? Running away?
What was I supposed to say? That my life is a whirlwind of chaos, spinning out of control? So, I did what I’ve always done—avoid it.
It was Saturday already, and I knew Maryam would be home by now. I didn’t have a clue what to do next, but at least I had her. Maryam, the only person who’s ever seen the raw, unrefined version of me. She knows it all—my days as a trafficked victim, the family trauma that haunts me, Nate’s love, his protection... and his betrayal.
As I opened the front door, it was no surprise to find her already up, going about her day. She had a mop in her right hand, looking up with a grin as I stepped inside. "Well, well, look who's glo
