Chapter 12 #4
“Zonnique, this ain’t one of them messy reality shows where everybody can lie for a whole season and magically get away with it.
This is real fuckin’ life. And my mama doesn’t just want a grandchild because of tradition; she wants the experience attached to it.
She already talks about baby showers, football games, and dance recitals.
That means she’s gonna wanna touch the stomach, go to doctor appointments, and sit in ultrasound rooms. And ultrasounds don’t lie, Zonnique. That’s real.”
Zonnique’s bravado wavered. “Right. Well… maybe you can just tell them the truth and they’ll understand,” she suggested weakly.
I scoffed, dark amusement in it. “Maybe.”
Downstairs was a woman carrying possibilities I never asked for because another woman had decided she knew what was best for my future. And somehow, against all logic, all instinct, and every rule I normally lived by… I hadn’t shut the situation down completely.
“Look… I don’t know how this shit is going to play it or when I’ll explain this to my folks, but I’ll entertain this scheme you put together…
for now. But hear me carefully… and I do mean carefully.
If this shit blows up in my face… if this desperate project of yours costs me my position or my name, because you got impatient and wanted a short-cut so bad that you started making executive decisions with my life behind my back…
I’ll make sure you regret the day you thought you could fix a Belvior problem with favors, lipstick, or pussy,” I warned, every word calm enough to sound deadly.
“And yes, I said pussy since I’m sure that played a part in it somewhere. ”
I held her stare coldly as I continued.
“It’s one thing if I fail because of my own mistakes.
I can live with consequences I created myself.
But if my empire crumbles because somebody else got emotional, overstepped boundaries, and tried to play savior without permission…
that’s a different kind of rage. So you better pray this little miracle plan of yours works perfectly… or I’ma kill you.”
Zonnique’s face drained instantly.
“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—bring her back 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 very least, you could show a little compassion 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 when facts require me to.
But I’m not about to start performing like some loving family man overnight just because you want 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 because you believed 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.
“Now you 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.