008

EIGHT

The following Day

Imani stood in front of her closet, her eyes scanning through the array of designer suits and dresses. Since she missed her schedule yesterday, she had tons of meeting waiting for her. She settled on a sleek black dress, pairing it with statement jewelry and heels.

As she began to get dressed, her phone buzzed on the dresser. She glanced at it, seeing Luke's name flashing on the screen. “What does he wants from me!” She ignored it, her expression unimpressed.

He'd been calling nonstop since she'd served him with the seizure papers.

The buzzing continued, persistent and annoying.

Imani's eyes narrowed, her patience was a minute from wearing out. What did he want now? She let it go to voicemail, focusing on her hair and makeup.

But Luke wasn't giving up. The phone buzzed again, and again, each notification chipping away at Imani's calm demeanor.

She finally picked up, her tone icy. "What, Luke? The last time I checked,I have no business with you?"

The voice on the other end was slurred, desperate. "Imani, listen. We need to talk. What you're doing isn't right."

Imani's laugh was cold, her grip on the phone tightening. "I have nothing to discuss anymore. Your 30 seconds is up.”

She hung up, dropping the phone onto the dresser.

As she finished getting dressed, Imani heard a commotion outside her apartment. She frowned, walking to the window. She pushed aside the curtains, her eyes scanning the scene below.

“What the hell is the noise- huh? Isn't that Luke?” Her voice shocked as she looked at the man struggling to enter her building with scrutiny.

Indeed, it was Luke!

Luke was standing at the entrance of her building, his face red and contorted as he argued with the security guard.

Imani's eyes narrowed even more, her heart rate spiking. What was he doing?

The guard tried to block him, but Luke pushed forward, his voice rising. "Let me up, I know she's in there! Imani! Imani! Let me in!"

Imani's phone buzzed again, Luke's number flashing on the screen. She ignored it, her eyes fixed on the scene below.

"Imani, open up! We need to talk!" Luke screamed obviously causing a scene at her villa.

Her eyes flashed with anger, her mind getting separated. She grabbed her phone, dialing the security guard's number. "Yes, it's Imani. Let me handle this."

The guard's voice was apologetic. "Ma'am, I'm sorry about this. He's been causing a scene."

Imani's tone was firm. "It's okay, I'll take care of it. Just...just let me handle it. Let him in.” She instructed them.

With a balled fist, Imani made her way to the guest room. Luke is sure going to hear it from her today!

Imani reached the guest room, she saw Luke pacing to and fro with his finger in his mouth.

He turned and saw Imani standing in the doorway, her expression unreadable as she gazed at Luke. He looked desperate, his eyes pleading, and for a moment, she almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

"What do you want, Luke? Why are you disturbing the neighborhood? You're well learned to know what's right, isn't it?" she asked, her voice firm.

Luke took a step forward, “I'm sorry Imani. I was desperate.” He pleaded while Imani rolled her eyes.

“What do you want?” she asked getting pissed.

He cleared his throat. "Imani, please. I know I messed up, but I can make it up to you,. Just...just take off the seizures on my assets, I can't survive if you take all of them,” He pleaded.

Imani scoffed, “Do I look like someone that cares if you don't survive? Look here young man, I’m not going back on my words. The seizure is happening…” Imani said with no mercy.

Luke bat his lashes, searching for mercy, “Please don't do that…you were once my wife, Imani. I was good to you…think about those good times.” Luke added making Imani laugh loudly.

“Good to me? Oh please, save me that joke. Get out before I chase you!” Imani told him firmly but Luke wasn't giving in.

“Fine! I'll do whatever you want." He yelped.

Imani raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Whatever I want, huh?"

Luke nodded, his eyes shining with desperation. "Yes, anything. Just please, Imani."

Imani's smile was slow, her eyes glinning with triumph. "I want your mother to come work for me. Hmm..As a cook. In my house. How about that?”

Luke's face paled, his eyes widening in horror. "What?? No, Imani, that's not-"

Imani cut him off, her voice firm. "That's the deal, Luke. Take it or leave it."

Luke's face contorted in anger, his fists clenched. "You know that's not something I can agree to."

Imani shrugged, her expression unyielding. "Then I guess we're done here.” She sprang up on her feet.

“ Get out or should I do it for you?” She said icily

Luke's eyes flashed with rage, “Who do you think you are!”

Imani just smiled, her phone already in her hand. "Security, please come up to my guest room and escort Mr. Anderson out." With that Imani stood up, her head high and she almost walked out.

She stopped when she was about to walk out and turn to Luke who was still in diaspora, “IMANI SHAWN. That's who I am,”

With that she walked away.