They say your life flashes before your eyes in a near-death moment. For me, there was only one thought: my babies—and Derek, the man I once trusted, standing over me, seething.
At 36 weeks pregnant with twins, I was rushed to the hospital for an emergency C-section. Derek showed up—not to support me, but to rage about the medical bills. When I begged him to stop, he hit me. Security pulled him out as he screamed threats.
Minutes later, I was in surgery, unsure if I’d survive. But I woke up to the cries of Leo and Zoe—and made a promise: they’d grow up safe.
With help from my best friend Jenna and a fierce attorney named Vanessa, I took Derek to court. He lied, but the truth won. I got full custody. He got 12 years.
Raising twins alone was hard, but art kept me grounded. That’s how I met Adrien, a kind soul at the art store. With his support and the help of a designer named Valerie, I launched Shield Her—a digital space where survivors can feel seen, safe, and strong.
Today, I watch my children play in our little yard. Zoe snuggles in my lap. Adrien stops by often. And I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving.
