CHAPTER THIRTY
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The warm water of the bath had worked its magic, and I feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I wrap myself in a plush towel and reached for my phone, dialing Ethan's number. He answers on the first ring, and we exchange warm greetings.
Ethan :Hey, Martina .How are you?
I cant help but put on a wide smile as I reply
Me : I'm amazing, I'm finally a free woman! Kuda signed the divorce papers, and I can't wait to start this new chapter of my life.
Ethan : Congratulations .That's such wonderful news! I'm so proud of you for taking this huge step towards your freedom.
I beam with pride
Me : Thanks and guess what? Tomorrow, Ashley and I are auctioning off Hope's Haven! We've worked so hard on this program, and I can't wait to see it come to life.
Ethan :That's incredible. You and Ashley have done an amazing job. I know how much this means to you, and I'm honored to have been a part of your journey.
We chatted for a bit longer, and I feel grateful for Ethan's support and guidance. He has helped me through some of my darkest moments, and I know I can always count on him. ?e said our goodbyes, I ???? a sense of excitement and anticipation for what tomorrow w??? bring. Bring it on, I thought, smiling to myself. I finally drift off to sleep, feeling refreshed and ready for the big day ahead.
The next morning, I woke up with a spring in my step and got dressed in my formal wear. I called Ashley to let her know I'd meet her at the auction, and then headed to the kitchen for a quick breakfast.
My family ?? already up and about, my mom sipping coffee and my kids munching on cereal. I grab a bowl of instant porridge and joined them.
Mom : Are you ready for today?
she asks, looking at me with a warm smile.
Me : Yes, I'm so ready! Today's the day we've been working towards for so long!
Tiana and Joshua wish me good luck, and mom gives me a tight hug.
Mom : We're all so proud of you, Martina. You've worked so hard for this.
I thank them heading out the door, feeling . I hail a taxi and headed to the auction venue, where I am greeted by a sea of people and journalists. Ashley waves at me from across the crowd, and I rush over to her, taking her into a tight embrace.
Me : We did it, ! We're finally here!
I exclaim with excitement.
Ashley grins, her eyes shining with pride.
Ashley :We sure did, Let's do this!
I walk onto the stage, my heart filled with excitement and nerves. I greet the crowd, my voice shaking slightly as I begin to speak.
Me : I'm so honored to be standing in front of you all today. I never thought I'd be here, to be honest. I was supposed to be long gone, a victim of my ex-husband's abuse.
I take a deep breath, continuing my speech.
Me : But I'm here today, and I'm proud to say that I'm a survivor. I was abused for years, and it affected not just me, but my children too. That's why Ashley and I started Hope's Haven - to empower women who are being abused, to show them that they don't have to stay silent.
As I spoke, Im filled pride and purpose. This is what I? meant to do. l ask Ashley to take the front once lm done with my speech.
l glance over at Ashley, who smiles and nods in encouragement.
Me : I'll give this chance to Ashley to put a few words in front of you
I say, gesturing to her. Ashley thanks me taking the microphone, starting her speech. I take a moment to glance at my phone, which had started beeping with messages.
And then, chaos erupted. A gunshot rang out, startling me and the crowd. I saw Ashley's eyes widen in fear, and I instinctively jumped in front of her.
Ashley : Alex!
she screams, her voice trembling.
I watch him, his eyes cold and detached. He scratches his nose with his shaking hand, the gun still clutched in his grasp. He pulls the trigger again.
I feel a searing pain in my chest, and my formal shirt became red with blood. I fall to the ground, my vision blurring.
I lay there, I see Ashley screaming, her face contorted in horror. Security rushes towards Alex, cuffing him as he stood there, still shaking.
I try to speak, but my voice was barely a whisper.
Again In the hands of an abusive man, I became a Shadow. One that will be looking over my kids from heaven.
Me :My babies...please take care of them...
I will be their guardian angel, their protector, their Shadow.
Me : My babies
I whisper
Me : I'll always be with you...in here
I touch my heart,
Me : and up there,
I point to the sky.
And with that, I was gone. But my love for my children, my desire to protect them, and my legacy of hope and empowerment will live on forever.
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Stopp????
Posted on November 17, 2024, 8:49 amStopp????
Posted on November 17, 2024, 8:49 am