The relief was palpable. I was no longer alone in this fight. Together, we could form a shield strong enough to protect Emma from any harm that threatened her.

I was determined to show Wayne that his threats were empty, and his reign of terror was over.

The flight home felt interminably long, each minute stretching into eternity. My mind flitted between memories of Emma’s laughter and the fear etched in her voice during our call.

I was returning not just as a mother, but as a force of nature ready to dismantle any obstacles in my path.