The rented space smelled like old paper and lost dreams. But Aarika saw potential.
The floors creaked. The walls were cracked. But it had a window facing the city.
She placed her laptop on a folding table and her files in a cardboard box. Slowly, this would become the birthplace of her new company.
No Zayden. No Rachel. No lies.
Just her—and her baby.
She glanced at the calendar. In three days, she'd submit registration documents for Auralyn Industries.
She touched her stomach gently.
"You and me, little one. We're going to build something that can't be destroyed."
A soft kick answered her.
She smiled.