MYKEL Jade was glaring at me and then at Sax and Kye before she stepped aside. The apartment was awfully small, but the furniture was pretty clean and sturdy. There were toys on the coffee table, on the floor, and the small bookshelf, reminding me that my son did exist and I had been a father for almost four years. “Have a seat.” “These are my—” “Bodyguards?” she replied vilely. “Also, my friends. Sax the bald and the blond is Kye.” “Hello, ma’am.” My guys took a seat. I went to look at the photos on the walls and shelves. “Why are you here, Mykel?” I turned to face her. “What’s my son’s name?” She wallowed. “Zhaer Jax with E. He likes to be called Jax. Zhaer is a mouthful.” Unknowingly, I was smiling. “Beautiful name.” “You still did not answer my question.” “I wanna know him. I wanna meet him. Of course, with your permission.” Before Jade could say something, the boy walked in with a superhero action figure in his hand. “Mommy?” Jade stiffened next to me, and so

ADLEY “Mykel?” I woke up at two in the morning to his call. I found missed calls and messages from him. I thought I was dreaming, hearing the constant playing of a song. I realized it was my ringtone. After two days, it finally got into his freaking mind that he had a wife he left in New York. “Baby, I wasn’t sure you would answer.” Really? That was the best excuse he could think of. There was also a hesitation in his voice. “After two days, then you are about to drain my batteries. Why are you calling, Mykel?” “Baby, I’m sorry, okay? I’m coming home. My jet is taking off in thirty. I’m picking you up as soon as I land—” “Mykel, do you realize it’s early morning when you land? Don’t waste your time. I’m not coming with you.” “Baby—” “I’m sorry—” “Adley, I gave you two days to think. I know you’re still angry with me, but we need to talk, and this split-up, you staying in the other house, doesn’t do any good in our marriage. You and I need to sit down and settle this issue.”

MYKEL There was so much pain in her eyes. She had withdrawn to somewhere she didn’t want to be reached. It fucking hurt knowing I was the one who put it there that I made her that way. I wished I could take those pain away. I didn’t care how excruciating it was for me—I just wanted to see the sparks in her eyes and hear her rich laugh again. For a second, I didn’t buy that tough girl bullshit. I’d known my wife for months, and she’d never turned her back on me. I knew she didn’t mean those words—those words were coming from a woman who was hurting and carrying the world over her shoulder. I fucking missed her—my wife—the woman I fell in love with. Now was not the right time to give up on someone I loved. Now was not the time to have some doubts. Days had passed, and I had not heard from Adley again. Romare was keeping me updated—that put me in bed and made me sleep at night, even if not peacefully. I was giving her the time and space she needed. What I didn’t expect was that she

ADLEYOn my last visit to my OB, she prescribed something for my morning sickness. I was also now on prenatal vitamins.My baby was healthy. My little peanut had grown so fast. I felt like I had not been able to breathe freely until my OB announced my baby had ten fingers and ten toes.I knew this trip would be a little bumpier than the last one—this time, I had to protect this little human inside me. I also had to keep my hormones at bay and ensure I would not throw up in front of Mykel.“Baby, breathe.” Mykel looked me in the eye as he held my hand tight. “You’re gonna be fine, just like the last time.”“Yeah. I know.” I nodded. We’re gonna be okay. “I’d rather sleep the entire trip.”“Of course.” He smiled. “Thank you for doing this.”“The least that I could do.” I closed my eyes. The last time I remembered was Mykel whispering sweet words into my ear while he brushed my hair with his fingers.We finally landed. I used to be okay with the weather in LA, but this time, I felt like I

ADLEY I decided to work on my emotions. I thought women could agree that not all pregnant had experienced what I was going through right now—maybe it was all in my head. I started yoga ten minutes ago, but my mind was somewhere, and I couldn’t push every thought out of my head. I took a few deep breaths and started with seated poses. I was just about to begin stretching when Mykel sat in front of me, glaring. “What?” “Are you planning on leaving me?” I was taken aback by his question. Judging by the slants of his eyebrows and eyes, he was not joking. I should make things clear between us that no one should ask this kind of question to me early in the morning. “What kind of question is that?” “A valid one. It’s in your itinerary.” “So you’re going through my stuff now?” “I was pissed off with your phone. Who are those people who kept calling you early in the morning? And you always kept your phone silent when you’re at home.” “Actually, not on silent mode, but I kept the vo