LOGIN“You meant all of what you said back there?” They were currently in Malakai's car. “Yes.” Malakai muttered, turning the key in the ignition.“Wait, where are we going?” “To a restaurant.”“Why?”“So that you can eat?”“I never said I was hungry.” Her stomach growled, betraying her.“You didn't have to say it. Christ, just take a look at yourself, Jamila. You are drained and exhausted.”Jamila kept quiet.When they arrived at a red light, she spoke again.“Why do we have to go to a restaurant when we can just eat at your house?”“Nathaniel isn't home.”“Oh, I saw him earlier today, though. Where did he go?”“It's not my place to say.” He said, fingers drumming on the steering wheel.“What if Drew and I hadn't broken up? Who would you have asked to be your pretend girlfriend? Your employee, Victoria?”“Victoria has a fiancé,” Malakai scoffed. "And even if she didn’t…I don't see her that way.”“So you see me ‘that’ way?”Malakai's eyes twitched, and when he turned to face her, she was
[RESTAURANT]“Oh my goodness!” Maria exclaimed. “This is so good. Jamila, you should have a taste.”“I'm allergic to shrimp, Mum.”“Oh, you are?” Maria frowned.Jamila nodded, looking away.“Well, too bad.”“Um… where have you been, Mum?” “Just here and there, you know…” Maria waved her hands vaguely.“Is that an engagement ring?” Jamila sucked in a breath, gaping at her mother's hand, a million different emotions running through her veins.“Oh, yes. I'm engaged.”“That's… nice. Who is he? Can I meet him?”“Okay.” Maria responded plainly, twirling the pasta around her fork.“You don't want me to meet him?” “You're still in school, right?” Maria asked, obviously diverting.“Yes, Mum.” Jamila sighed, eyes lowering to the glass of water in front of her. That was the only thing she ordered. “I missed you, Mum." Jamila lifted her gaze to the woman in front of her, fiddling with her hands under the table.“Oh, Jamila.” Maria laughed like Jamila had just made a joke, “Don't be silly. You
“What the fuck, man?!” Drew bellowed, holding his jaw.The girl beside Drew finally woke up, rubbing at her eyes.“You!” Nathaniel pointed at the girl. "Get out now.” She glanced at Drew, but he didn't acknowledge her.She quickly grabbed the blanket, covering herself with it, and then grabbed her dress and heels, scurrying out of the room.“You're really a piece of shit.” Nathaniel spat at Drew.“I should go.” Jamila finally spoke, taking a step back.“What? Where?” Nathaniel faced her, his expression softening.Her right hand was already trembling, and she used her left hand to cover it, holding it still.“I just… it's fine, I'm fine.” She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.Her right hand was already shaking, and she used her left hand to cover it, holding it still.“Jamila, we should talk,” Drew said.“Do you want to talk to him?” Nathaniel asked Jamila, and she nodded.“Are you sure?” Nathaniel probed further.“Yes. I'm sure you should really get the fuck out of here!” Drew in
Jamila pushed through the glass doors, closing them behind her, shutting out the blaring music.She let out a breath of relief, grateful to be away from all the prying eyes of Drew's friends. And most importantly, Drew.This wasn't the first time he tried making out with her in front of his friends. She just wasn't comfortable in their presence. She didn't like them. Simple.As she made her way up the stairs to the quiet hallways, her phone began buzzing in her hand.She looked down at the caller ID. An unknown number.Her spine instantly turned rigid against her will, her palm tightening around her phone.Her head was still down when she bumped into something solid.“Careful!” Large hands immediately caught hold of her.She lifted her gaze to see Malakai.He wore a dark, baggy hoodie and sweatpants, making him look different and younger.This was her first time seeing him in something so casual. And he looked really… nice.“Are you okay?” Malakai's brows knit together as his eyes s
[A WEEK LATER]“Mummy, please don't leave me again. I'm all alone.”“Mummy, please. Take me with you.”“Mummy! Mummy!!”“Please!” Jamila jerked awake from her sleep, her chest heaving with uneven breaths.She glanced at the other side of the bed to find it empty. It was currently 2am, and Drew still hadn't come home.She immediately dashed out of the room, padding down the stairs and into the library.“Jamila?” Malakai's voice came from across the room, making her flinch.Even though this was his house, she still wasn't expecting to see him here.“Uh, are you okay?” His brows furrowed with concern.“Yes—yes, I… um.” She swallowed, hiding her trembling hands behind her.“Sorry, I should go.” She quickly turned away.“No, you can stay,” Malakai spoke, and she halted.“If you want.” He added, and she secretly rolled her eyes before turning around to face him.“Victoria, let's pick up from where we stopped at the office. Goodnight.” Malakai ended the FaceTime and glanced up at Jamila.“Yo
“What's that supposed to mean?” Drew stood up, glaring at Ava.Nathaniel walked out of the kitchen into the living room."Oh, the piece of shit boyfriend wants to play pretend,” Ava shuddered mockingly.“Ava, let's talk outside.” Jamila shot a quick glance at Malakai, grabbing Ava's arm.“I think I would like to hear what she has to say.” Malakai said calmly, lifting his weight from the chair."Well, your son is a liability. A big one! He's irresponsible and immature, always making shitty investments and squandering my friend's hard-earned money, making her life harder than it already is. He's the reason they were evicted from their apartment, so he had no other choice than to run to Daddy,” Ava mocked, and continued talking.“He blew their entire rent money like it was nothing—the one that came solely from Jamila. He didn't contribute shit. I wouldn't be so shocked if he lied to her and gambled away the—”"Avaaa,” Drew snarled, jaw clenched.“If you dare say my name one more time, I







