𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙳𝙰𝚈

𝚂𝚄𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈

𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟽𝚃𝙷

Walking into her shop on the phone, Yazmine greeted everyone with a smile. One thing she loves was that her shop wasn't drama-filled. Sure, there was gossip here and there, and some thirsty clients, but nothing to the extreme. Everyone working in her shop was cool and easygoing. She was happy about that because the last thing she wanted was her shop to be labeled messy whenever clients came to get slayed.

Her shop consisted of one hair braider which is Monica, a makeup artist. Then there were three hairstylists, four including her.

Cherish just didn't know how much she helped Yazmine out when giving her two hundred thousand dollars. She will forever be grateful for a cousin like her. Cherish was also the one who purchased Yazmine's very own shop three years ago as a birthday gift. She had Marcus find the perfect location, then went from there. Yazmine always loved doing hair, so it was easy to know what to get her. Truth is, the majority of Yazmine's money has been going to the nursing home her mother is in. Feeling like her mother should have the best is draining her pockets.

Yazmine normally didn't do hair on Sundays. She'll stop by for a few to check on things, then she'll go visit her mom until visitation was over with. Sundays were family day at the nursing home, and she never wanted to be late because of doing hair. She always made sure to leave Sundays unavailable whenever someone is booking her services.

"I thought you weren't coming in today?" A hairstylist named Meka asked.

"I wasn't, but I wanted to check on things. I'm going to be in my office if anyone wants to know." Yazmine said before walking off.

"Now, what you were saying, Cherish?"

"I said I can't believe you were the one playing some damn Rod Wave last night. I wondered who turned to his heartbroken ass." Cherish laughed as Yazmine closed her office door.

"You know you be listening to Rod Wave."

"It depends on the song. A handful of his songs I could relate to, but you know I'm more of an old-school music lover. That, and music that came out in the early 2000s. I'll have to really love a song by a new generation artist to listen to it. Why that song, anyway? You so messy."

"Remember how Soul used to annoyingly say that you were the girl of his dreams? You'd call him corny, but it was low-key cute how he used to say it. I was fucking with him because his current hoe is just that. A hoe. Plus, Soul and his best friend pissed me off. I was definitely on some messy shit. I need to stop being childish."

"Yes! All the games that are being played are beyond me, and just childish. That's why I didn't stoop to Christine's level. We're getting too old to still be behaving as if we're in high school." Cherish said.

"You and Julissa definitely were being more messy than childish. She slapping my booty like that, then that comment. She knew Soul used to hate that. I'm going to need you and her to let it go with that messy shit when Soul and I are around each other. I really just want him and me to be co-parents and maybe get back to being friends one day. He may have been jealous, but me keeping his child definitely ruin what he felt for me, and that's cool."

"Girl bye, Soul was feeling those Rod Wave lyrics. You not no good for him, but you were looking good as hell. You know that man would forever be in love with you."

Cherish busted out laughing, "What? Bitch, shut up. You're just saying anything now. I think you meant you played that for you and Truth. You need to stop playing games with him and be honest about everything."

"Omari can kiss my ass. Nigga had the nerve to tell me to mind my business when I got on Soul about you, just because he was in his feelings. Lil bitch my cousin is my business."

"Not the government." Cherish laughed again. "Why are you calling that man a Lil bitch?"

"Because he blew me. I was ready for you to pop off on Crystal, Soul, and Paris. But Nah, you wanted to act mature and unbothered. I really want to beat Paris ass one good time. She was on some snake shit. Did you see that look she gave Marcus?" Yazmine rolled her eyes.

"Nah. What look? Like I fucked that nigga, but I'm going to pretend as if I didn't. Type of look? I really hope Marcus didn't go there. I like Julissa, plus Marcus and Shooter are friends. I'mma fall back off Paris for a minute, though."

"I like Julissa too. I can't put my finger on what type of look it was. Everything about Paris screams fake ass hoe. I just don't trust her and yes, you definitely need to fall back. The fact she invited Crystal, led her, inform her about your party; whatever, has me thinking she was plotting. My question is why didn't she mention you were Soul's ex-fiancée to her. Crystal didn't even know who you were, which means Soul didn't mention your name either."

"You know you could've just kicked the hoe out, right? Both of them. Hell, all of them."

"I know. What was the point, though? Sure, it's all about respect, but I didn't want to give Soul or her the satisfaction of thinking I was bothered by her being there." Cherish sighed.

"Weren't you?"

"Not really. If anything, it hurt me knowing he just wanted to hurt me. I knew he had a woman, doesn't matter if he lied or not about breaking up with her. It's pretty clear he doesn't want her, but wanted to rub her in my face to once again hurt me. Like I said. She's actually pretty, so I probably would've felt a little intimidated if things seemed genuine or if she was actually likable. Did you see how he treated her? They're both a joke. I'm not sure how you thought she played innocent before today in front of him."

"That's not how she used to act around Soul. She acted like she was the sweetest person than when he wasn't next to her, she switched up so fast, that's why he said she was showing off. I'm mad I had to censor my profanity. When you walked off, auntie and momma B went the fuck off. Soul was speechless and Crystal just looked embarrassed, as she should. Especially when momma B referred to you as her daughter."

"It's you calling her a prostitute. I was like she wants to say hoe again so badly." Cherish chuckled.

"Nah, it was her fangirling over you, then want to call you a hoe. Like, was she serious? Then talking about the hoe he cheated on her with. I was praying you would bee boo, boo bop the bitch right in the mouth."

"Bee boo, boo bop? Girl, please just shut up." Cherish laughed. "I would not do any fighting in front of my daughter, actually both of them. I can't be out here fighting, then teaching them to walk away from fights when they're older. And I'm not even famous for her to be doing all of that. I designed for celebrities and influencers before, that doesn't make me famous. I don't even want to be famous." Cherish said truthfully.

Cherish wanted nothing to do with fame and everything it came with. She didn't need her whole life being watched, filmed, photographed, and especially criticized by miserable people who hide behind a screen just to bash people in the comments. She was okay with being well known since it brought hella customers to her stores.

The truth is, some people don't know who Cherish is despite shopping from one of her stores, which is fine by her. She didn't go into design hoping to be famous, just successful. That's not a life she wanted for herself and especially her children, which is why no one knows she's a mother. She would continue to protect them from the social media world.

"You don't consider yourself famous, but you have so many supporters and fans, one would think you are. I've been to every grand opening you had. If you have forgotten, then I'll remind you. Each one was packed with people that support you. Stop selling yourself short. It's okay that people admire and love you. You're one of the best designers there is. Embrace that." Yazmine told her.

"And you're one of the best hairstylists in the world. Which reminds me, I need my hair done ASAP."

"Girl, I did your hair yesterday." Yazmine laughed.

"You know, I like to switch it up. Plus, my fashion show is in 6 days. I have a lot to do, and it's going to kill me to not see my babies in person, but I'm glad they are having so much fun with their father that they won't notice."

"I really can't wait, like it's my event. This is your first pop-up fashion show. I really am proud of you." Yazmine smiled.

"Thanks, cousin. Just prepare yourself for your clientele to go up. I'm going to tell Paris her services won't be needed because I don't want the drama."

"I wish I could see her face. Anyway, what's going on with you and Assad? Whatever you and he were laughing about had Soul pressed."

"It's been a day. Shidd, not even a full 24 hours. I haven't talked to him; he texted me last night, and that was it. I said we can kick it as friends, but I don't even know him, so I'll reserve from calling him a friend for now. Whatever he decides would have to wait until after my grand opening. He strikes me as the type of man to go after what he wants, which is why I think he was asking so many personal questions. There's always something when it comes to these fine ass men, so I wonder what's his story."

"That's true—" Yazmine was cut off by Truth calling her. "Omari calling me again. He has been blowing me up."

"Answer. Get that I'm sorry dick, sis."

"Bye, Cousin. Love you." Yazmine chuckled. She hung up after Cherish replied back.

__

"Shit!" Yazmine moaned low as she held on to Truth's neck as he fucked her against the wall in her office.

Yazmine tried to be as quiet as she could. What was supposed to be Truth stopping by to talk turned into them, arguing about Yazmine wanting a reason to push him away, then having sex.

"Stop playing with me, Yazmine! This my pussy! You feel me?" He said into her ear while giving her them deep and rough strokes.

"Oooh! Yes! I feel you, daddy. I feel you deep in my stomach." Yazmine bit her bottom lip, feeling herself about to cum.

"I'm about to..." She whispered shouted.

"Cum on this dick." He kissed her lips to suppress her moans. Her body jerked as she came, and he wasn't far behind.

Her head fell onto his shoulder, as they both were panting heavily. She could still feel his length pulsating inside her, despite the protection he wore. He slid out of her, then placed her onto her feet. Sliding off the condom, he then walked into the washroom that was in her office.

Grabbing her purse, she looked inside for her wipes to freshen up a little. Just until she makes it home for a quick shower. Truth walked out of the washroom to see Yazmine putting her shorts back on.

"We can't keep doing this, Truth. At the moment this is very toxic, which is on me. Sex is not something that will keep this thing between us going. No matter how good the coma dick is." Yazmine sighed.

He walked over to her before backing her up against the wall. She wouldn't look at him, fearing that she'll cave at whatever he was about to say.

"Look, I apologize for how I was acting yesterday. I won't beg you to be with me, but I think you need some reassurance. I'm not going anywhere. I was always feeling you, but falling for you didn't surprise me. I love you, Yazmine. You wanting to push me away won't change that I'm in love with you. Aren't we getting too old for the back and forth?" Truth told her while staring down at her, despite her attempts to avoid eye contact.

Yazmine looked up and frowned. That was the first time he had told her that he loves her, that he's in love with her; even though she already had a feeling he did. It made her want to run for the hills. Of course, she feels the same, but she couldn't have him knowing that. There was no room for anything like that in her life.

"You just ruined everything. Why would you say that?" She pushed him back before shaking her head.

"What do you mean? You need to know I'm not on no temporary shit." Truth ran a hand down his face.

"And you need to leave, Omari."

"If I walk out that door, Yazmine, that's it. I'm done. Either tell me why you're so scared to let me in and love you, or I'm out." Truth stated. "I'd rather you cut me off for good than allow you to fuck with me, with limitations. I've never been a half-ass friend or lover. So, I will not accept being one any longer than I have, even for you."

"Like I said, you need to leave." Yazmine folded her arms underneath her chest. Truth stared at her for a minute before slightly chuckling and nodding his head.

"I'll leave you alone for good." Truth left out. She wanted to drop a few tears because she really does love him, and it hurts that she just pushed him away.

__

Later that day, Priest was at his condo with Crystal, who was irritating the hell out of him. He wish that he could feel bad for leading her on, but he couldn't. The way she acted yesterday definitely had him looking at her more differently than before. Yazmine was right. Crystal acted a certain type of way in front of him, but he saw the real Crystal yesterday.

Priest knew how Crystal was when it came to money, but her acting the way she did was a first that he witnessed. He knew everyone hated her. Still, aside from his parents, she was able to be around his friends. She had to know he didn't love her. He cared for her, but he was seeing how much she had changed. Little did he know, leading someone on to the point they fall in love with you is the exact cause of a person turning crazy.

"You really need to get a DNA test for the youngest girl. She looks nothing like you, and I could've sworn I saw her eyes change to green." Crystal spoke, Priest looked over at her with a frown.

"The fuck you say?"

"Come on, Soul. I never even heard of this bitch until some days ago. You have secret children with the hoe because she's meant to be a secret. If she meant so much to you, then I'm sure you would have mentioned her by now. She could be lying about the lil girl being yours just to get you. The oldest one looks just like you. Otherwise, I would have mentioned her as well. We need to get a DNA test done." Crystal shrugged.

"Since when do all kids look like one or both of their parents? Some kids just don't look like their parents. She looks her grandmother. You sound stupid as hell."

"And didn't I tell you not to call her out of her name? You are not about to be disrespecting her as if you got something besides a good mouthpiece going for yourself. I don't know why your ass feeling comfortable enough to try my patience again. You never heard of her, but Cherish is and always would be the love of my life. Everybody knows she is. That's not just the mother of my kids, she was going to be my wife. I proposed and everything, making her my ex-fiancée. We don't need to get shit. That's my daughter. End of." Priest told her before standing up.

"Soul—"

"Get your shit. It's time for you to leave. I'm honestly sick of you, that's why I broke up with you in the first place. You can't even be a grown woman about the situation because you're too busy with that hating shit. You think I don't notice most of the clothes you wear comes from her stores?" Priest shook his head while putting on his jeans.

Crystal is the same age as Priest; 28. Normally, she carried herself better, since she tried her best to be seen as bourgeois. In other words; bougie.

"I just sucked your dick, now you're making me leave? I usually stay the night." Crystal spoke sadly. Despite her attitude and actions, she loves Priest a lot and didn't want to lose him.

"And? You sucked my dick. Now it's time for you to leave. I'm not about to keep having the same conversations with you."

"Okay. Okay. Okay." Crystal jumped out of the bed and walked over to Priest. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm sorry. I just love you, Soul. I don't want to lose you, baby. I won't disrespect the mother of your children or mention a DNA test again." Crystal looked up at him. Saying the last two sentences made her want to vomit, but if she had to continue playing innocent and nice in front of him and now everyone else, that's what she's going to do.

Hearing that Cherish is still the love of his life and his ex-fiancée gave her some very dark thoughts of what she wanted to do to Cherish and her daughters. It wasn't just Cherish that had the means to come between Crystal and Priest. While looking at Priest, Crystal knew she had to make Priest believe in this moment she would change then as time goes by, show him as well.

"Just give me another chance, baby. I'll do better. You know how I am when it comes to you. I only said what any woman in my position would have. We've been together for two years, but fooling around before becoming a couple. Your youngest daughter is two. Of course, I feel some type of way. Can you blame me?" Tears filled Crystal's eyes. They weren't fake tears, either. He actually hurt her feelings, since it's not just about the money with her.

"I just said the mother of my children is still the love of my life, and you still want to be with me?" Priest laughed. That was some desperate shit to him.

"Don't laugh." Crystal wiped her tears. "I love you. You're confused about your feelings, seeing as how you slipped up and fucked her recently."

"What?" Priest asked.

"It was written all over her face when she said really, Soul. When did you sleep with her? While I was on my girls' trip?"

"Well, you obviously can't read expressions as well as you think. I haven't slept with her in years." Priest shrugged.

Crystal felt like he was lying about not sleeping with her. Then again, he's been honest about the rest. Why not admit they had sex? She had no proof, since for the most part, Cherish just seemed very unbothered. But Crystal was watching her after finding out she was the mother of his children. There was a moment when Cherish said "really Soul?" that Crystal saw the hurt in her eyes.

"I believe you." She lied. "Now, will you give me a second chance?"

"If I even feel like you're about to say some disrespectful shit out of your mouth, complain about me spending time with my kids, taking family trips with just my kids and Cherish, even starting something with Cherish, that's it. I'm done. She doesn't want my kids around you, and I'm going to respect that."

"So, I can't get to know your daughters?" Crystal acted like she was hurt, she realized she definitely could be an actress. She didn't care about being around his daughters, but she needed to if she wanted her plan to work.