Audrey's POV
I had just finished a quiet dinner alone, a small celebration for myself. The call from Ahmed, my lawyer and old friend, still echoed in my mind like the first breath after being held underwater.
"He hasn't responded to any of the notices," Ahmed had said, calm and efficient as always.
"So yes, Audrey — in a few days, the judge will grant the divorce. You'll be free."
"Thank you, Ahmed," I'd whispered, feeling a weight I'd carried for years lift off my shoulders.
Now, standing before the mirror, I smoothed down my dress and smiled at my reflection — not the broken girl who once begged for love, but a woman slowly finding her footing again. My body still felt fragile, but better. Stronger. Maybe the doctors were right — maybe I was healing, in more ways than one.
"I wonder if I'll be a good mother," I murmured softly, brushing my hand against my still-flat stomach. "Like you, Mom."
I grabbed my clutch and stepped out into the city night — the streets of El Salvador buzzing with music, laughter, and the smell of roasted coffee. For the first time in months, I felt light. Alive.
After dinner, I went to freshen up in the restaurant's washroom. The mirror reflected the soft glow of the lights, the faint curve of my smile. And then—
I froze.
Behind me, in the reflection, Adel stood by the door, her expression carved from fury.
Before I could speak, she crossed the space between us and shoved me hard against the wall.
"Adel, what—"
Her hand struck my shoulder, anger spilling out like venom.
"You think you can take everything from me, don't you?" she hissed. "You took Jeremy, and now you're playing the innocent victim?"
I tried to push her back, but she was stronger — or maybe it was the rage driving her. Two men I didn't recognize stepped inside, blocking the exit. The air thickened, my pulse racing.
"What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, my voice trembling but firm. "This is madness—"
Adel's laugh was sharp, unsteady. "Madness? No, Audrey. This is payback."
My back hit the tiled wall. The fear I thought I'd buried months ago began to claw its way up again. I refused to show it.
"Go ahead," I said quietly, forcing my voice steady. "You can hit me, threaten me, ruin me—but it won't change what Jeremy feels for you. Or what he doesn't."
That stopped her. For a second, her glare faltered — her pride cut deeper than my words ever could.
Then one of the men shifted. "Miss, what should we do," he muttered.
"Have fun with her, let see if Jeremy will still like you after this or even your powerful family can save you," Adel said as my heart skip a beat, my hand fumbling in my hand bag once I touch it I held on it tightly I will like to see them try.