I slumped onto the couch when I got home. I was exhausted as I gazed at the ceiling, thinking I was wrong to assume everything would go smoothly after divorcing Matthew. Despite my efforts to move forward, I felt trapped.

I didn’t know what Matthew and his “allies” aimed for. Beside them, it seemed an unseen force was pushing me to move. I doubted whether my previous decisions were correct.

It was good for the company to have projects, but I also felt tied down. I couldn’t turn back, even if it meant facing tremendous challenges.

My mom must’ve heard me and realized I hadn’t returned to my room, so she quietly came downstairs. Her heart ached when she saw me looking so tired. She sat beside me, saying, “You look exhausted.”

I smiled bitterly and nodded. "Yeah. Mom, why do we have to grow up?" I asked softly.

My mom stroked my hair gently. "It’s a long journey, and you must learn to stop and smell the roses.”

“Tanum is my dream and the result of my hard work. Although it’s undergo