BETHANY'S HOME

She woke up, disoriented. The events of yesterday replayed vividly in her mind.

"You have to agree to my terms and deal," Fred's voice echoed in her head.

How could he say such a thing—to the mother of his child? It was cruel, and the weight of his words had forced her to cut her visit to Avery short. She had returned home to process his words. They were heavy, but today, she had to make a decision. A decision that will surely influence her life.

Slipping on a crisp white shirt and a knee-length skirt, she stepped outside. A sleek car idled in the driveway, sent by...