Thank you for sharing your dream. Dreams like this can be quite vivid and emotionally charged, often reflecting our subconscious thoughts, fears, and unresolved feelings.

1. Setting and Characters: The childhood apartment represents a place of comfort or nostalgia, but it also ties to your past experiences, particularly with your ex. The presence of your ex and the violent intruders signifies a struggle between past relationships and current fears or anxieties. The muscular man who assaults your ex could symbolize feelings of vulnerability or threats in your life, possibly reflecting fears of losing control over a situation.
2. The Woman: The woman dressed in business casual attire, who seems to have an unkempt appearance, may represent a part of yourself that feels out of place or unprepared in your current life situation. Her caring demeanor juxtaposed with your distrust indicates a conflict between wanting to feel safe and the fear of betrayal.
3. The Delivery Drivers: The delivery drivers could symbolize new opportunities or people entering your life, particularly since you felt an attraction to one of them. This suggests a desire for connection and support amidst your fears. The box spring can represent comfort and stability, as it's a fundamental part of a bed, which might symbolize your need for security and rest.
4. Fear and Paranoia: Your fear for your children and mother indicates a protective instinct. The anxiety about the intruders returning emphasizes a feeling of being threatened, reflecting real-life situations where you may feel vulnerable or unsafe.
5. Transformation of the Home: The transition from an ugly apartment to a beautiful home signifies personal growth and change. It may represent an evolution of your identity or circumstances, indicating that you are moving towards a phase of life where you feel more secure and in control.
6. The Stage and Jealousy: The dramatic shift when you see the woman from earlier transformed into a glamorous performer could represent feelings of inadequacy or jealousy regarding others' success or confidence. The urge to run away reflects a desire to escape from uncomfortable feelings or situations.
7. Overall Themes: The overarching themes in your dream include fear, vulnerability, transformation, and the struggle between past relationships and newfound opportunities. It suggests an internal conflict where you're grappling with feelings of safety, trust, and the desire for connection amidst chaos.

Advice: Reflect on what aspects of your life feel threatening or unresolved. Consider how you can address these feelings constructively. Embrace the positive changes you see in yourself or your circumstances, and allow yourself to explore new connections without guilt. If your feelings of fear and anxiety persist, it might be helpful to talk to someone you trust or a professional who can provide support.

Your dream is rich with symbolism and emotions that reflect your subconscious thoughts, concerns, and experiences. Here are some insights to help you interpret it:

1. Setting and Childhood Home: The dream begins in a childhood apartment, suggesting a connection to your past and possibly unresolved feelings related to your upbringing or early experiences. This setting may symbolize nostalgia or a desire to return to a simpler time.
2. The Ex and Conflict: Your ex being attacked and taken away by masked men indicates feelings of fear and vulnerability in your relationships, particularly concerning past romantic connections. This may reflect lingering emotions about your ex or unresolved issues from your past relationship.
3. The Woman and the Purse: The woman’s presence and her disheveled appearance could represent someone in your life or a part of yourself that feels out of place or chaotic. The faded purse with holes may symbolize emotional baggage or the need for healing.
4. Fear for Safety: Your concern for your children and mother suggests a strong protective instinct. This part of the dream highlights your fears about safety and security for your loved ones, possibly tied to feelings of anxiety or stress in your waking life.
5. Ashley and Connections: The appearance of Ashley, a childhood friend, may represent a reconnection or reflection on past relationships. The coincidence of her name with your ex's child's mother could point to feelings of jealousy or competition regarding romantic relationships.
6. The Delivery Drivers: The attraction to one of the delivery drivers hints at a longing for new connections or opportunities. His presence may represent a desire for stability or a fresh start after past turmoil.
7. Transformation of the Home: The transition from an ugly apartment to a beautiful home symbolizes personal growth and transformation. Your evolving living space reflects your desire for a better life and emotional well-being.
8. The Club and Performer: The glamorous woman on stage represents aspects of yourself or others that you may envy or feel threatened by. This part of the dream reflects internal conflict, where you feel torn between moving on and unresolved feelings about your past.
9. Running Away: The panic and urge to run at the end of the dream indicate a strong desire to escape from fear or anxiety. This suggests that you may be avoiding certain issues in your waking life that need to be addressed.

Overall, your dream reveals themes of fear, transformation, and the struggle between past attachments and the desire for new beginnings. It may be beneficial to reflect on your feelings about your ex and current relationships, as well as any anxieties regarding personal safety and emotional well-being. Consider journaling or talking to someone you trust about these feelings to gain clarity and peace.