That morning, as I sat across from Aviana eating breakfast, I sent Taye a quick text instructing him to get some movers over to my place ASAP and pack up all of Lelani’s things.
After leaving the hotel, I drove over to Rachel’s house, where the movers were waiting for me. I stepped out of my truck, the June sun shining down on what felt like a new beginning for me and Aviana. Though this opportunity had come with tragedy and betrayal, it felt like the universe had finally put us together at a time where we didn’t have to be ashamed or feel any guilt. The last two days with her had been further confirmation that she was mine. That woman was not only mine, she was also my peace and my home. I was upset that Lelani had lied to me, and I was upset with myself for not having my guard up. But her accident was my blessing because I didn’t have to feel bad for kicking her to the curb so that I could finally be with the woman that owned me.
As I walked up to the moving truck, the movers were unloading boxes. I had told them to only pack up any feminine clothes and products, so there was only about twenty boxes.
“Yo, leave those boxes on the lawn,” I instructed.
One of the movers looked up, confusion written all over his face. “Uh, shouldn’t we take them inside? It’d make it easier for you.”
I shot him a glare that could cut glass. “Nah. I said leave them out here. Just do what I said.”
The second mover chimed in, trying to diffuse the situation. “Look, man, it’s just a suggestion. We can help you—”
“Do I look like I need your suggestions, motherfucka?” I snapped back, feeling my temper rise. “Just put the boxes on the fucking lawn and keep it moving.”
They exchanged glances, probably debating whether they wanted to push back or just get the job done. I glared at them as they finally reluctantly complied and started to drop boxes on the grass. As they did so, the front door swung open, and Rachel stormed out fuming, with her usual disgust for me painted all over her face.
“What the hell is going on here? What are you doing, Mythic?” Her sharp, piercing tone was so high that it cut through the afternoon quiet.
I leaned against my truck coolly. “I’m giving your daughter’s things back. She should be lucky I’m even doing that.”
“Why are you doing this?” she asked as she stormed toward me.
“Because your daughter lied to me about having cancer just to keep me from breaking up with her. Had me all worried about her and shit, faking like she was sick, throwing up and shit, when ain’t shit wrong with her except that she’s fucking diabolical.”
The movers paused for a second as their eyes widened in shock while they listened.
Rachel’s jaw dropped, disbelief flooding her features. Stunned, she paused her approach, stopping in the middle of the lawn among the boxes that now scattered it. “You’re lying!”
“I don’t have to lie to you about shit.” Then I shrugged. “I don’t give a fuck what you believe.”
“I knew you weren’t a good man for her,” she growled. “You’re just a ghetto thug who was never good enough for my daughter.”
I didn’t flinch at her insults. I’d heard worse on the streets. Her anger only seemed to fuel my persistence. “You can think what you want, but it doesn’t change the truth. I might be a thug, but your daughter is a lying ass bitch who needs therapy.”
Rachel crossed her arms as her frustrations boiled over. “Can you at least have the movers put the boxes inside?”
I leaned back slightly, smirking. “Hell no. They’ll leave them right where they are.”
She turned to the movers, asking, “Can you please place the boxes in the house?”
I locked eyes with the guys. My gaze dared them to listen to her. They glanced at me, then back at Rachel.
“Sorry, ma’am,” one of them told her. “We have to listen to the man who’s paying us.”
“This is insane,” she quipped.
I chuckled tauntingly. “No.Your daughteris insane.”
Rachel’s mouth opened. She was probably about to unleash some long-winded speech defending Lelani, but I was already done listening. I pushed off the truck and took a few slow steps toward her. “She faked an illness to manipulate me. She played with emotions I don’t even let most people see. And now?” I gestured to the boxes littering her lawn. “She can sit in this mess and figure out how to rebuild her life without me in it.”
AVIANA SCOTT
As I stepped into Mythic’s condo, my breath caught in my throat. The moment the door swung open, I was met with overwhelming luxury. I had toured so many places since I’d shown him this one, so I showed myself around to refresh my memory.
The first thing that caught my eye was the open layout of the living space. The floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the room with natural light, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. I took a moment to just soak it all in, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest.
I set my bags down at the front door and took off my shoes, respectful of the polished floors. Then I wandered over to the kitchen. My fingers glided over the cool marble of the island. It was polished to perfection, gleaming under the sunlight, and I couldn’t help but admire the high-end appliances that lined the countertops. Everything was immaculate, like a scene straight out of a magazine.
