CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE – FOR BETTER OR WORSE?

As the night deepened around her, Deonna remained in her office, unable to face the thought of returning to their apartment. She stared at the family photo on her desk - a staged picture from their hasty wedding, both of them smiling stiffly at the camera. It seemed a lifetime ago now. Absently, her hand drifted to her slightly swollen belly. The baby - their baby - was a constant reminder of the ties that bound them together, for better or worse. But was that enough? Could they build a real family on such a shaky foundation? Deonna's thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at her door. She looked up, half-expecting to see Logan, but instead found Nia, her best friend and colleague, standing in the doorway. "Hey," Nia said softly, taking in Deonna's tear-stained face. "I heard... well, I think the whole floor heard. Are you okay?" Deonna attempted a smile, but it came out more like a grimace. "I've been better," she admitted. Nia crossed the room, perching on the edge of Deonna'