Juwon stood at the mirror adjusting his cufflinks. He appeared to be very comfortable, like he still had the right.
“Good morning,” he said, like they weren’t living in a warzone of unresolved betrayal.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” she said, flat.
He never turned to her, just continued to watch her through the mirror’s reflection. “Of course.”
She stepped inside and shut the door behind her.
“I didn’t want you here,” she said quietly. “You know that.”
He sighed. “It’s Yana’s birthday, Love.”
“Exactly. It’s her day. That’s the only reason you’re inmyhouse right now.”
He looked at her with tired eyes beneath a fresh cut. “You act like I don’t want to make things right.”
“You’re right,” she dryly replied. “I don’t think you want to make things right. I think you just want to undo being caught.”
He opened his mouth to respond, but she cut him off.
“You don’t get to cheat with your assistant and then parade back in here like the husband of the year.”
“It was one mistake,” he muttered.
Love laughed bitterly. “Yeah, accidentally falling into her pussy was a mistake. Don’t forget, yourmistakecalled me from your phone, telling me she’s pregnant with your child. Can’t keep your hoes or yourdickin check.”
He flinched. He stopped fiddling with his cufflinks and sat at the edge of the bed and exhaled. He’d heard this same rant over and over for the past six months. He wanted to work it out, but Love was too far past gone with this marriage, despite his attempts. He knew there was nothing left to do or say to win her back, but he couldn’t bring himself to sign the divorce papers she had delivered to the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta that had become his temporary residence three times already.
Love folded her arms, took a deep voice, and spoke calmly. “I’m not here to fight you. But don’t play husband in front of my friends. I do not have the strength to pretend with you any longer. Be Yana’s father. Then go peacefully.”
With that, she turned to leave with one hand on the door handle to shut behind her.
“Love,” he said softly.
She didn’t turn around but paused with her hand still on the handle and door slightly ajar.
“I miss you.”
She didn’t respond. Instead, she sighed and closed the door. She stood there for a moment, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
“I miss who you were supposed to be,” she whispered.
Then she strutted down the hallway to her bedroom.
Later that afternoon, the house overflowed with family, friends, and love.
Yana stood tall at the center of it all, with soft brown skin, wide expressive eyes, and a quiet power that pulled everyone in. She wore her hair in a curly puff, earrings sparkling as she leaned into her mother’s arms.
“You okay, birthday girl?” Love asked and gently pulled her into a hug.
Yana nodded, then shrugged. “I’m good. Just weird having Dad here after not really being around for this long.”
Love smiled and brushed a curl behind her ear. “I know, baby. But today’s about you. We’re gonna celebrate you exactly how you deserve.”
Yana grinned. “Can we do the aquarium tomorrow? Just me and you. They’re having that jellyfish light exhibit.”
“Of course. Anything for you.”
