I walked down the street, my mind spinning with thoughts of what to do next. Every step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the ache in my chest that was far worse than any physical pain. Everything I had been through, since that fateful night at the club until now, was unraveling before me, tearing me apart piece by piece.

Now, Mrs. Carlos had threatened to harm my child until I did what she demanded. How long could she continue to use me for her own fame? How long could I keep holding on, pretending that I had the strength to survive this?

I had believed that my...