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Chapter One Hundred And Six : A New Beginning Lily's POV The city air in the morning was something different—lighter, fresher, bursting with the energy of a city that never slept. Stepping out of the hotel with Simeon and Nelson, I felt like I was entering a new life. A new life free from the violence, the struggles of the past, and the constant battles for survival. Simeon had made up his mind—we were leaving, starting over. And that meant going to his company.

A brutal one. Should I be relieved? I sucked in a deep breath. "This is a consultancy agreement," I said. "This is — it's just work." I almost added 'so, what's the big deal?' "Mhm..." He looked amused. "It's just work." He took a step closer to me. "Let me read it to you the way I wrote it before my lawyer thought it wise to modify it into legal language." My heart thundered. I knew it. "Sixty nights." He nodded at the page in my hands. "That clause about availability after eight. It means when I call, you come. Not when it's convenient. Not when Liam's out of town. When I call."

--- Meanwhile, in Sophia's apartment, Amara sat at the dining table. --- The old notebook remained open in front of her. --- Its pages filled with dreams she had abandoned years ago. --- Slowly... She picked up a pen. --- And wrote three words at the top of a blank page. --- AMARA EVENTS COMPANY --- A small step. A tiny beginning. --- But every new life starts somewhere. --- And tonight... Amara Collins finally took her first step forward.

Holt immediately informed him that no such decision existed. Their familiar exchange drew another wave of laughter from inside. Nova listened to the comforting sounds. “I think I know how I’m going to begin.” Adrian looked at her expectantly. She smiled. “I’m going to tell them about the first time I walked through the doors of Tomorrow House.” “I think that’s exactly where you should begin.” As the evening sun settled gently over the lake, Nova picked up her notebook once more. This time she wrote only a few simple lines. There were no complicated phrases.

Day three. The first workday under the new rules. By seven-thirty that morning, the department was already a mess when I walked in. "Dr. Altman, the OR called. Anesthesia's ready for the first case, but the attending surgeon still isn't here." "Who's the attending?" "Dr. Lowe." I checked the wall clock. 7:35. The surgical board listed a 7:40 start. "Where is he?" The nurse lowered her voice. "In his office. Says his back hurts too much to operate today."

Something that wasn't going away. It was a start.

Something that was beginning— to see.

I pressed a hand against it before lifting my gaze to Baron. "Fine. I feel sorry for her, so you can take her back to your place now and hand over your entire salary next month while you're at it. "If you're leaving, then go. If Mrs. Jones next door wakes up, your little situation will be all over the neighborhood by tomorrow." Without waiting for their reaction, I turned around and walked straight into the bathroom. In my new life, I only want to live for myself. After a while, Baron's voice came faintly from the doorway.

I looked at the screen for a moment, then quietly left the chat. My applications were already submitted. My flight was booked. I was going overseas for a vacation.