the world below. It wasn't the opulence she had once known, nor was it the gilded life that Lucas had provided. But it was

best decision she had ever made. She had not yet fully healed from the betrayal that had shattered her trust, but she was no longer allowing that betrayal

uded a sense of peace that she hadn't known in years. It was hers, and that was all that mattered. She had even started to enjo

as a small step, but it felt monumental. For the first time in years, Kendra was doing something for herself. No longer d

ame with its

she was on her own. She no longer had the security of wealth, the status that came with being married to someone as powerful as Lu

ng her from her thoughts. It was a tex

ess venture in town. I think it might be p

re for her. She had been one of the few people who hadn't judged Kendra for her marriage or her past mistakes. Instead,

had always seen the woman Kendra was, not the woman she had been forced to become. That wa

eir day. Kendra had never really appreciated the city before; she had always been too busy with events, social gatherings, and her duties as a wife. Now, howe

at a corner table, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone. Ha

y, standing to hug Kendra. "You look

t. "It's the freedom," she said, sitting down across from Harper. "I

But I'm so proud of you, Kendra. You

e had gained. "I'm just... trying to figure it out," she admitted. "Everything feels like it's

nd reassuring. "You don't have to have all the answers right now. You've

friend's unwavering support. It was a comfo

alking about?" Kendra asked, eager to change

or someone with your skills. It's in marketing, and they're building a brand around empowerment and

ted women, particularly those who had been silenced or oppressed. It was something she had been quietly involved in th

d, her mind racing with possibi

apply directly through their site. But I'll warn you-this is a big opportunity, and they

etrayal, loss, and rejection, but she was stronger than she had ever b

e firm. "I want to be a part of

iend's resolve. "I knew you'd say that

e first time in years, she felt a sense of purpose-something beyond survival. She was no longer defined by the life sh

as going