Chapter 61: Making Big Moves

*Layla*

The phone rang, and I quickly picked it up, seeing Tamika's name on the caller ID. "Tamika, hey," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me.

"Layla, I heard about your mother," Tamika said, concerned. "I'm so worried about your situation. How are you holding up?"

I felt a lump form in my throat, and I had to take a deep breath before I could respond. "I'm... I'm not doing great, Tamika. I'm so distressed that my mother might be getting ready to turn against Dante for killing Marco, even though he was a scumbag who kept her hostage and cut off her finger."

Tamika sighed, and I could almost picture her shaking her head on the other end of the line. "Listen, I know you love Dante, but you have to think about your pregnancy and your own safety too. You can still run, you know. Take on the new identity and life that's waiting for you."