Away to love

Chapter 6 Part 3

As Nina continued to touch on the advantages of healing, her parents remained her steadfast pillars of strength. They celebrated her small victories and offered unwavering encouragement during moments of resolute doubt. " We think it might be a good idea for you to explore some jobs here. If it'll not be bad for you to start over here. Housing is cheaper here, and it's much more peaceful and quiet than in the City. "

Nina thought about his words. This life in the country was what she needed after all to really move on. She was joyous. As much as she loved this pace, she could not move to live here. The city had her heart. And who knows, she may just meet another generous and kind billionaire.

As the days turned into weeks, Nina began to feel more like herself. She found joy in the small pleasures of life - reading a good book in the sunlit corner of her favorite bookstore, taking long walks in the park to clear her mind, and spending quiet evenings with her family. One evening, as Nina sat with her parents in the cozy living room, she felt a sense of happiness and peace wash over. She swallowed hard, meeting her father's gaze with a mix of fear and uncertainty.

"I don't know if I can," Nina admitted, her voice barely a whisper. " Facing him again... It's too much. " Her father reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. " I understand, Nina.

It won't be easy, but you don't have to do it alone. We'll be there every step of the way. "

Nina searched her father's eyes, finding unwavering support and love mirrored back at her. She took a deep breath, the weight of his words settling over her like a wave of courage.

"Maybe you're right," she replied softly. "Maybe it's time."

In the days that followed, Nina wrestled with conflicting emotions. The thought of confronting Josh filled her with fear, yet a part of her knew that seeking justice was a necessary step towards closure. She spent restless nights walking around her room, wrestling with memories that threatened her. Her father was engrossed in a newspaper, her mother sitting by the fireplace. The atmosphere was peaceful.

But despite the progress she was making, there were still moments when the past crept up on her like a shadow. Nightmares would wake her from sleep, leaving her gasping for breath and trembling in the darkness of her room.

Flashbacks would strike without warning, pulling her back into the sad lane of fear and pain.

It was during one of these difficult moments that her father sat down beside her, his expression a blend of concern and determination. "Nina," he began gently, " you've come so far, and we're so proud of you. But I think it's time you considered taking legal action against Josh. He shouldn't get away with what he did to you. " Nina froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The mere mention of Josh sent a shiver down her spine, reopening wounds she had desperately tried to heal. One evening, as they sat together in the living room, Nina's father broached a topic that had been on his mind for some time. "Nina, your mother and I have been talking," he began, his voice gentle yet resolute.

" We think it might be a good idea for you to explore some jobs here. It'll not be bad for you to start over here. Housing is cheaper here, and it's much more peaceful and quiet than in the City. " Necessary step towards closure. She spent restless nights walking around her room, wrestling with memories that threatened to be so proud of her. But I think it's time you considered taking legal action against Josh. He shouldn't get away with what he did to you. " Nina froze, her heart pounding in her chest. The mere mention of Josh sent a shiver down her spine, reopening wounds she had desperately tried to heal.

She swallowed hard, meeting her father's gaze with a mix of fear and uncertainty. "I don't know if I can," Nina admitted, her voice barely a whisper. " Facing him again... It's too much. "

Her father reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. " I understand, Nina. It won't be easy, but you don't have to do it alone. We'll be there every step of the way. "

Nina searched her father's eyes, finding unwavering support and love mirrored back at her. She took a deep breath, the weight of his words settling over her like a wave of courage.

"Maybe you're right," she replied softly. "Maybe it's time. " In the days that followed, Nina wrestled with conflicting emotions. The thought of confronting Josh filled her with fear, yet a part of her knew that seeking justice was a necessary step towards closure. She spent restless nights walking around her room, wrestling with memories that threatened to swallow her once more.

Her mother noticed the struggle beneath Nina's calm behaviour, sensing the storm raging within her daughter's heart. One morning, as they sipped tea in the kitchen, she broached the topic gently.

"Nina, honey," her mother began, her voice soft yet steady. " I know this is incredibly difficult for you. But your father and I truly believe that holding Josh accountable is important -not just for you, but for others who might be at risk. " Nina looked down at her trembling hands, the tea cup forgotten between her fingers. " I'm scared, Mom, "she admitted quietly. " What if what… What if he tries to hurt me again? "

Her mother reached across the table, taking Nina's hands in her own. " We won't let that happen,"she vowed, her voice firm with determination. " We'll take every precaution to keep you safe.

You're not alone in this, Nina. We're in this together. "

Nina nodded slowly, the weight of her mother's words grounding her in the present. "Okay," she whispered, finding strength in their shared resolve.

With her parents' unwavering support boosting her courage, Nina made the decision to seek legal advice. They found a lawyer who specialized in domestic abuse cases, someone who understood the delicate nature of Nina's situation. Josh was a lawyer too. His father owned a law firm. She had to be careful because he could win. She would want to file for divorce here, in the country. She wanted to file in the city where she could go toe to toe with him.

The first meeting with the lawyer was anxious and unsettling. Nina sat in the small office, her hands clenched tightly in her lap as she recounted the years of torment she had endured at Josh's hands. The lawyer listened attentively, her expression a mix of empathy and professional resolve. " Nina, what you've been through is deeply troubling, "the lawyer said, a voice gentle yet firm. " But you're taking a brave step by seeking justice. We'll do everything we can to support you through this process. " Nina felt a flicker of hope ignite within her-a fragile ember of justice and closure. She signed the necessary documents, each stroke of the pen a testament to her determination to reclaim her life.

As preparations for the legal proceedings began, Nina found herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, anger, and a stubborn resolve intertwined within her, creating a tumultuous storm that threatened to overwhelm her fragile peace. Her therapy sessions with Dr. Nicole became a lifeline once more. Together, they navigate the complexities of Nina's emotions, unraveling the tangled threads of trauma and resilience.

" I'm so scared, Dr. Nicole, "Nina admitted during one particularly raw session. " But I can't let fear dictate my life anymore. Josh needs to be held accountable. " Dr. Nicole nodded empathetically, her voice a soothing anchor in Nina's turbulent sea of emotions. " You're facing your fears properly, Nina. That's incredibly courageous. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. "

Each therapy session became a sanctuary where Nina could voice her doubts and fears without judgment. She learned to harness her inner strength, drawing upon the support of her loved ones and the guidance of her therapist.

Meanwhile, Nina found solace in activities that brought her a sense of peace and purpose. She immersed herself in painting once more, each brush stroke testament to her journey towards healing. The sun room became her sanctuary, a place where she could channel her emotions into vibrant canvases that spoke of faith and hope. One afternoon, as she stood before an unfinished painting, her mother entered the sunlit room with a thoughtful expression.

"Nina, have you ever considered hosting singing concerts here too from time to time?" her mother asked, her eyes bright with quiet pride. "Your songs are so powerful-they could inspire so many people."

Nina paused, her gaze lingering on the lyric books that were laid before her. The idea of sharing her songs with others had both excited and terrified her. "| don't know, Mom," she replied hesitantly. "It feels... vulnerable. " Her mother crossed the room, placing a gentle hand on Nina's shoulder. "Your songs are a reflection of your inspiration, you make art to show your soul that you're, listening," she said softly. " It's a part of your spirit speaking to you and telling you to do it. It's your destiny. "

Nina considered her mother's words, a spark of determination lighting up within her. "Maybe you're right," she said, her voice stronger. "Maybe it's time to share my songs differently."

With her mother's encouragement, Nina began to prepare to sing in her father's garage in an event that would not only showcase her music but also serve as a platform to show people her talent. Her songs became a narrative of her strength, each lyric and music touching the heart and soul.

The night of the presentation by the fire arrived with a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

Nina stood before the mic, her heart pounding with a mixture of pride and vulnerability. Her family and friends surrounded her, their presence a source of unwavering support.

" You're going to do great, Nina, "Betty whispered, squeezing her hand tightly. "We're all so proud of you."

Nina nodded, her gaze steady as she surveyed the backyard filled with curious-on-lookers. The Backyard was carefully arranged in ways where everyone hand sets to sit.