Stay-at-home mom and fiancée Cierra Jones is ready to find her way as her baby girl, Ivy, grows out of her lap and sets out in the world. Although she considers herself content with her relationship, a drawn-out engagement and failure of commitment from her long-time fiancé pushes Cierra away from the life she envisioned. In their younger days, Calvyn was the man of her dreams but facing the reality of their situation has Cierra’s eyes wide open. Calvyn Manning is a hard-working Real Estate lawyer, a family man, and in his mind, the best thing that's ever happened to Cierra. Although he proposed years ago, his fear of making the next big step stems from a fatherless childhood and a mother who was always too busy to be present for him. Calvyn will be forced to step up to the plate or step back as Cierra magnifies her intentions for their future. Will Calvyn be the man she needs him to be and meet her at the altar? Or will his fear of commitment to Cierra lead her into the arms of another man who is ready to give her what she needs? Cierra and Calvyn are up against some of their most challenging days, but true love always prevails, right? In her first independent romance novel, After The Pain, Author Zarkia takes readers on an emotional ride; love is tested, friendships are shattered, and ties will forever be broken.