Chapter 4

I sat across from Rachel in her office, staring at the ultrasound photo clutched in my trembling hands. My baby—a girl, Dr. Chen had confirmed—was healthy despite everything. A miracle amid the chaos.

"You need to start rebuilding your life," Rachel said, her voice gentle but firm. "Not just for the legal case, but for yourself. For your daughter."

My daughter. The words still felt surreal, a fragile hope I was afraid to fully embrace.

"I was a graphic designer before I married Marcus," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I gave it up to focus on..." On…