“And not in that cute little toxic relationship way women joke about online either,” I added flatly. “I mean real grief… real funeral arrangements… real people standing around in black asking what happened to poor Zonnique.” I gave a slow, unbothered shrug.
Zonnique appeared completely shattered… but she nodded anyway.
“And another thing. Do not—under any circumstances—bringherback to my crib… or yourself for that matter. If you think for one second either you or her will be staying under my roof while you run this charade, you’re delusional. My people pop up unannounced, open doors without knocking, search refrigerators they didn’t buy groceries for, and ask invasive questions before saying hello. One awkward interaction and my mama gon’ have the entire pregnancy timeline mapped out like a federal investigator.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but I cut her off.
“Since this was your sneaky doing, let her stay with you. You handle the day-to-day: the mood swings, cravings, and emotional bullshit. I’ll check in when necessary. I’ll also cover whatever she needs pregnancy-wise. I’ll even show up to appointments. But beyond that? I don’t want any unnecessary dealings with either one of y’all.”
I stood from the chair, signaling that the conversation was over.
“You’re dismissed. And I meant what I said. Don’t bring yo’ ass back here again. And pass the news to yo’ newly founded friend too in case she’s curious and wants to test the waters. If I need something, I’ll come to you.”
Zonnique stormed toward the door, then stopped abruptly and glanced back over her shoulder.
“You know… everything I did was for you. Not to mention, that will be your child… your blood. So, at the veryleast, you couldshow alittlecompassion and appreciation!” Zonnique snapped emotionally.
“First of all,… lower your tone. Second, I wasn’t being cruel to the child; I was being ruthless toward the woman who birthed this scheme. There’s a difference. And I’ll act like a father whenfactsrequire me to. But I’m not about to start performing like some loving family man overnight just becauseyouwant me to. And maybe I would be more appreciative had you run yo’ lil’ master plan by me before you started interviewing women like Human Resources for my bloodline… or hell, before the damn implementation stage…at the very least,” I mocked her, “I should’ve had final say over who carries my child. The last thing I need is a woman confusing biological contribution with authority and her waking up six months from now suddenly thinking she has a voice in Belvior business all because she shared a placenta with my heir.”
Zonnique frowned harder.
“Good intentions stop meaning shit the second deception gets involved. You crossed me first, then expected gratitude afterward. Around here, you don’t get loyalty points or praised for crossing boundaries just becauseyoubelieved you meant well. A person can hand you a gift and still disrespect you in the process. Remember that.”
Zonnique huffed, preparing to leave.
“One last thing Zonnique,” I called out before she could walk out completely.
She stopped stiffly, near the doorway with a sharp little attitude, like she was one comment away from popping off herself.
“Before the end of the day, shoot me a text with the doctor’s name who confirmed her pregnancy. I want scans, paperwork, timelines… not no ‘trust me, Merge.’ Nah. I wanna see the proof for myself before I entertain any more surprises around here.”
I waved her off afterward.
“Nowyou can go.”
Zonnique huffed, then left the room without argument, cheeks wet, and jaw set.
When the door shut behind her, anger still hummed under my skin, but beneath that was calculation.
I hated that the plan might work, I hated Zonnique’s audacity, and most of all, I hated that I agreed to play along… but maybe not for too long.
I strolled over to my liquor stash and poured myself a drink.
What I really needed was to vent… yell… maybe put my fist through something expensive. But Knox was off somewhere being a devoted husband on his anniversary trip, and he still had a couple of days before he got back. I wasn’t ruining that for him with my drama.
I didn’t really trust anybody else enough for those kinds of conversations where I could spill ugly thoughts out loud without wondering if they’d be recorded, repeated later, weaponized, or quietly stored away for leverage. So, I’d wait.
Chapter thirteen
Haelyn
Ihadn’t moved an inch. I stood frozen, unwilling to move a muscle.
The moment I stepped across the threshold of that grand house, I was engulfed in a spell of enchantment. It was classy, cold, and clean enough to eat off the floors. It was definitely the type of place that screamed money, but whispered danger. I envisioned myself living there, indulging in a life of leisure—pregnant and pampered—gliding through the halls with silk robes, requesting strawberries and lobster. I could almost hear the soft melodies of jazz drifting through the air as Jace leaned down to kiss my swollen belly, his strong hands gently kneading my tired feet.
Yet, even as my imagination soared, my lips remained sealed, for just three feet away loomed the human block of ice known as the security guy. Towering and broad, he wore black gloves, and had a visible gun at his hips, which hinted at the seriousness of his duty. His gaze remained fixed, unflinching.
I wasn’t stupid.
