That name performed sorcery on Irish. It was endearing and she’d grown to love it. The possibility of not hearing him call her that made her chest ache.
“So, what’s it gonna be?” He cocked his head.
Every part of Irish’s existence wanted to be with Noble. She wanted to have his babies and wear his last name proudly. Still, she needed to make sure she and Jovanis were good. She couldn’t leave that situation a mess no matter how badly she loved Noble.
“Like I thought,” he sneered. “See your way out.”
Just like that, the bliss she had been wrapped up in for the last several months was snatched out of her life. There was so much finality in Noble’s tone. He left no room for her to wonder if he’d change his mind. Wanting to keep what was left of her dignity, Irish nodded and grabbed her purse. Her heels clicked against the marble tile as she walked toward the door. Reaching for the knob, she paused, contemplating if she should fight for Noble. Looking back, Irish noticed he didn’t even look her way. Noble was done so she had no choice but to follow his lead and put their love affair behind her.
Four
“Did you say she tried to kill you?” Deasia asked with bucked eyes.
Rio nodded, finding that reality to be unbelievable. All this time, he had been sleeping with the devil. Cali had pulled the greatest sham against him. In fact, he was so pissed at himself for not seeing the signs. Confessing to his mother and sister how his wife attempted to set him up wasn’t on his bingo cards. Rio never imagined planning the demise of the woman he had given his all to.
“I don't understand,” Ruthia said, shaking her head.
“What you don't get?” He gave her a loaded expression. “She was cheating with a man who cut my brake line. They the reason I got into the accident. Then when I didn’t die, she tried to act like the supporting wife and be there for me. Cali’s a snake and I’m not sparing her.”
“And you got proof?” Deasia asked.
“Yeah, Cee hired a PI ‘cause Cali was moving shaky. I’m glad he did.” He shook his head as the thoughts overloaded his mind. “I never would’ve known she was my opps. The video show that nigga fucking with my car and him running back to his. I can’t wait to catch up with his ass.”
“I don't believe she would do that,” Ruthia claimed.
Rio exhaled a sharp breath. “Why? ‘Cause she helped you out with your bills when I was down?”
“Hey.” Ruthia cut her eyes at Rio. “Don't dare say that to me as if I can be bought. You know I’m not money driven so don't go there.”
Rio calmed himself and replied, “You right, Mama. My bad.”
“Mama, if he has proof, then the writing is on the wall. But what I don't understand is why she would want to kill you.”
“Money!” he snapped. “Why else would a person kill their spouse?”
“But you were willing to give her everything,” Deasia reasoned. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Rio couldn’t deny that fact. None of this made sense. He didn’t understand why Cali chose to cheat on him. He attempted to be everything she needed. Whatever Cali desired, Rio ensured that she had it before the end of the day. Her actions propelled Rio to ponder their marriage and see where he’d gone wrong. Did he not love her hard enough? Was he lacking in any areas? Rio’s workload kept him away but still, cheating on him of all people was an action that he couldn’t let slide, not even for Cali. She had to pay for her consequences, considering he had almost died.
“She’s selfish,” Rio declared. “She don't care about nobody but herself. Nothing makes sense to a selfish person. As long as it makes them feel good, they don't care about other people.”
Ruthia shook her head. “I really don't believe Cali would have you killed. She loved you.”
“She ain't love nothing,” he retorted, cutting his eyes at her.
“No, really,” Ruthia continued, “what I witnessed in that hospital was love. She cared so deeply for you. Praying day and night for you to come back to us. Cali spoke life into you, Rio. She was there, and I witnessed every tear that dropped. You can’t fake that kind of love. My discernment would’ve told me if she wasn’t honest. She loved you, so I don't believe that she wanted you dead.”
Rio was unmoved by his mother’s admission. He didn’t care about Cali playing devoted wife while he was down. She was a snake who had fucked him over. He fell in love with her, making sure to give his all, only for her not to give a full return.
“We can’t just ignore the evidence, though,” Deasia asserted.
“Exactly,” Rio added. “Mama, if you wanna keep believing Cali is this good person, then do it. But I see her for what she is.”
“I’m not saying she’s an angel, and I’m not denying your claims that she was having an affair. The only thing I don't believe is her trying to kill you.”
“Damn, I can’t believe she was cheating on you.” Deasia shook her head. “You of all people. She should’ve known you would find out.”
Learning Cali had tried to set him up to be killed was a gut punch. However, finding out that she had been intimate with another man, left him virtually gasping for air. Cali was supposed to be his. Reserved for only him. How could she open her legs to another man? Did he have her heart? Was he the one that she loved because it certainly hadn’t been him that had her heart. Rio had been fighting for Cali’s love for years, desperately trying to connect with her but she refused to open up. He had been broken about it, but Rio was a man and showing his heartwas something he didn’t do in his position. Nonetheless, it didn’t take away the unwanted feeling Cali tortured him with for years.
