Chapter Seventy Eight

I pleaded with Salie not to follow me, tears streaming down my face, I could see the determination in her eyes. But before we could continue our conversation, the sound of footsteps echoed outside my bedroom. My heart sank when I realized my mother had overheard us.

"Naomi, what is going on here?" my mother's voice was filled with anger and concern.

I turned to face her, my voice trembling as I tried to find the right words. "Mom, I...I need to leave. I can't stay here anymore. It's not safe for me or the baby."

My mother's eyes widened in disbelief. "Leave? Are you out of your mind? You're carrying my grandchild, and you think you can just run away like that?"

Salie stepped forward, her voice steady and resolute. "Mom, I understand your concerns, but Naomi needs our support right now. We need to protect her from the media and any potential harm."

My mother glared at Salie, her face red with anger. "And who are you to think you can protect my daughter? You're just a sibling, not a par