SIXTY NINE: BROKEN

[SHAIRA's POINT OF VIEW]

Two months had passed since I made the difficult decision to leave everything behind. My best friend, Hera, snapped her fingers in front of me, bringing me back to the present moment. Concern filled her eyes as she questioned my resolve.

"Hey, are you sure about this? I mean..." Her words hung in the air, heavy with worry. Hera was the only person who knew my whereabouts, and even her husband remained unaware of the truth. I couldn't risk Taehyung inadvertently revealing my location to Jhotam. Not yet. It had been two months since I ran away, taking my son, Tamra, with me.

I took a deep breath, mustering the strength to respond. "Yes, Hera, I'm sure. His signature is the only thing that remains. Once he signs those papers, we can proceed with the trial for the permanent dissolution of our marriage and fight for custody of Tamra," I explained, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within me.