That night, the world was quiet.
Aarika worked late into the evening, planning her next move. She sketched out timelines, listed potential allies, and crossed out names of people she would never trust again.
Then it happened.
A sudden, sharp flutter from her stomach. Not painful. Not random. Just... intentional.
She paused.
The knock at the door came seconds later.
She rose cautiously and checked the peephole. Zayden stood outside, perfectly groomed, wearing the same smile that had once charmed her. A bouquet of white lilies—her favorite—was in his hands.
"Aarika," he called gently. "I just want to talk."
Her hand never touched the knob.
Inside her, the baby kicked again. Stronger.
It wasn't just a warning. It was a decision.
Aarika stepped back from the door.
Not this time.
She turned away and walked back into the apartment, her spine straight.
She was done being soft.