CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY NINE – DONE WITH ALL THAT

Without another word, she grabbed her jacket and stormed towards the exit. As she reached the door, she heard Melissa's voice behind her. "You heard the lady," Melissa said, her tone icy. "Show's over, folks. Go back to your drinks." The cool night air hit Nia like a slap as she burst out of the bar. She gulped it down, trying to calm her racing heart. Tears of frustration pricked at her eyes as she strode down the sidewalk, not caring where she was going as long as it was away from there. After walking for what felt like hours, Nia found herself back at her apartment building. She trudged up the stairs, feeling drained and defeated. As she unlocked her door, a sudden clarity washed over her. She couldn't do this anymore. The drama, the tension, the constant feeling of being trapped – it was all too much. With a newfound sense of purpose, Nia marched to her closet and pulled out her largest suitcase. She tossed it onto the bed and began to pack. First went her work clothes – the p