CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY ONE – A NEW DAY IN A NEW TOWN

"You've got this," Nia whispered to her reflection, attempting to infuse confidence into her voice. Today marked the beginning of her new life, a clean slate she had fought so hard to obtain. She reached for the black blazer hanging on the back of her chair, slipping it on with care. The fabric felt foreign against her skin, a stark contrast to the casual attire she'd grown accustomed to in Tarrytown. But this was Philadelphia, and Bates and Bates was no small-town law firm. Nia's gaze drifted to the small box on her dresser, filled with mementos from her past. A photo of her and Maria peeked out from beneath a stack of letters. For a moment, she was tempted to open it, to draw strength from the memories of her best friend. But she resisted, turning away. Today was about moving forward, not looking back. She moved to her tiny kitchenette, brewing a strong cup of coffee. The aroma filled the apartment, grounding her in the present. As she sipped the hot liquid, she mentally rehearsed