"You don't have to decide what the rest of your life looks like today."
Naya looked up.
Her friend squeezed her hand.
"Today, we make sure you and your daughter are okay. Tomorrow, we deal with the next thing."
Naya closed her eyes.
For the first time that morning, she allowed someone else to carry part of the weight.
Naya's doctor recommended an assessment later that afternoon.
Her friend drove her to the maternity unit, where the care team checked her symptoms and monitored the pregnancy as appropriate. Naya explained the confrontation honestly, including the slap to her hand, the sudden fright, and the fact that nobody had struck her abdomen.
The medical staff listened without judgment.
They were concerned about her emotional well-being as well as the immediate physical questions.
After the evaluation, Naya received reassuring news.
Her daughter appeared well.
There was no indication from that assessment that the confrontation had caused an immediate complication.
The clinician nevertheless reviewed the symptoms that would require urgent attention and encouraged Naya to seek support if the stress became overwhelming.
Naya nodded.
For a moment, she felt enormous relief.
Then she began crying again.
The nurse beside her offered tissues.
Naya pressed them against her eyes.
"I'm sorry."
The clinician shook her head gently.
"You've had a difficult day."
Naya looked toward the monitor.
For several seconds, she listened to the steady sound of her baby's heartbeat.
Then whispered.
"I just want her to be okay."
Her friend reached for her hand.
And Naya finally allowed herself to smile.
The following week was consumed by legal and financial decisions.
Naya's attorney initiated the appropriate divorce proceedings and sought temporary arrangements addressing the home, financial responsibilities, and the pregnancy.
The request was supported by the property records, the executed financial agreement, and evidence concerning the confrontation.
Naya also documented the slap and reported it through the appropriate local process.
Her attorney explained that a signed property agreement didn't necessarily settle every issue automatically.
A court might still need to examine its validity, the parties' circumstances, and any legally relevant contributions made during the marriage.
But the document was important evidence.
Her husband had voluntarily acknowledged the home's premarital ownership after receiving advice from his own lawyer.
And the records showed that Naya had purchased the property long before they met.
Those facts were difficult to reconcile with his claim that he had the right to bring another woman into the residence and force Naya out immediately.
The attorney also sought temporary exclusive use of the home for Naya while the divorce proceeded.