𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙽𝙴𝚇𝚃 𝙳𝙰𝚈

𝙼𝙾𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈

𝙹𝚄𝙽𝙴 𝟸𝟾𝚃𝙷

Feeling his phone vibrate against the black Marble-Top table that sat in the middle of the living room; Marcus grabbed it, noticing he had numerous text messages from Julissa. He hadn't read them just yet, but from the mini paragraphs on his Lock Screen, he knew she was going off.

He shook his head, laughing because when it came to Julissa; she did not play. Quickly texting her back, he apologized and told her he'll make it up to her. Julissa was crazy as hell, but he loves her more than she probably realizes. Julissa was spoiled attitude-wise, just like the other important women in his life; his mother, Cherish, and Yazmine. But she was also spoiled in every other aspect because of Marcus.

They've been together for almost seven years. In his mind, she was already his wife, but he hadn't verbally popped the question right off, since not everyone was in a rush to get married. Him being 30 and her being 28; he felt it was time to make the woman he didn't want to live without his official wife. He wanted her to be his wife like yesterday, which is why she was in the middle of planning their wedding, which will be in 6 months.

He honestly had forgotten about her hair appointment and knew Yazmine didn't play about clients missing their appointments or canceling late. She only allowed her clients to be no later than fifteen minutes late with an added late fee, but Julissa wouldn't be able to make that.

He was willing to throw something extra Yazmine way if she did him a solid. Julissa's car was currently in the shop getting fixed, so either she would have his car or he would drop her off. He was still working up the courage to tell Julissa something that'll more than likely end their engagement along with their relationship, and he couldn't have that. He couldn't lose her.

"Da-da! Da-da! Da-da!" The 1-year-old that's the spitting image of him, spoke.

Marcus loves his son more than anything, but Cherish wasn't the only one keeping a baby a secret. In his case, no one but his baby mama and her mother knew about Zaiden Marquee Jones. Zai (Zay) for short. He knew he had to tell his soon-to-be wife and his family about the child he has. He knew it was going to crush Julissa, since she's been having trouble carrying a baby to term. Julissa had gotten pregnant by Marcus three times over the course of the years they've been together, and each time she wasn't able to carry the baby longer than four months. She wanted a baby so badly. Knowing that Marcus has a baby was going to break her heart. Not just that, she wasn't able to give him his first child, but someone else had.

He would never regret being a father, but he regrets the way it went down. He wasn't a cheater, yet he and Cherish's situation was almost the same. Zaiden was conceived while both he and the woman he's forced to call his baby mama was filthy drunk. He regrets even going to Truth's grand opening for his strip club that night without Julissa. They had an argument, and she decided to stay home.

It fucked him up when he woke up the next morning to numerous calls, texts, and voicemails from Julissa apologizing for starting an argument. The pain in her voice begging him to come home. To call and let her know if he was okay when he didn't come. Just to talk to her.

When looking at Zaiden you could tell at first glance that he's Marcus's son. From his beautiful dark chocolate skin to his slightly big lips to his brown eyes and thick eyebrows. He had a head full of black curly hair and was just the cutest little chubby baby boy. Grandmothers always overfeed their grandchildren, and Zaiden's grandmother was sneaking him more table food than she will admit.

"What you calling me for, Lil man?" Marcus picked up his son, placing a kiss on his forehead. Zaiden speaking in baby language always had Marcus's heart filled with warmth, as if Marcus could understand what he was saying. Marcus always talked back to him, and Zaiden would reply in his baby language as if he understood what his daddy was talking about.

"Can you hurry the fuck up? I don't have time to be over here all day. I don't know why you even brought me here. I don't want to hear that shit." The voice he hated said. He really did hate her with a passion.

Unlike those trifling baby mamas who try to keep their child's father around, his wasn't like that. She didn't care that he was rich with a successful Record company. She wanted nothing to do with him. His baby mama had no intentions of being a mother. If she knew she was pregnant, she would have gotten an abortion. She definitely couldn't have her man knowing she's a mother by force because it definitely wasn't a choice to her.

She wasn't even showing that much, which is how she got through the first four and a half months with no one noticing. That's also when she found out she was pregnant. She spent months in Miami after finding out to hide out. She told her man that she had to handle some family business, but her man didn't care, to be honest. She was around for pleasure, not permanently.

She was happy the baby didn't mess her figure up, otherwise Marcus would've been paying for her a mommy makeover. If it was up to her, she would have given the baby up for adoption, but Marcus wasn't having that. He may have never sold a drug, but he was definitely someone to fear when applied enough pressure, so she knew not to play with him.

Zaiden stays with her mother until Marcus could figure out how to tell Julissa, then he was getting full custody of his son. Whether Julissa accepted his son or not. He knew it was wrong to keep his son hidden. Marcus always spends time with his son, supports him financially, and gives money to his baby's grandmother for holding it down for him. His family thought he was busy with his label, which was partially true, but the majority of the time he was spending time with his son.

His baby mama tries to avoid her mother's house because she doesn't want to be around the baby, but Marcus practically drags her kicking and screaming to visit their son. Let her tell it, she didn't have to be in his life just because her mother was caring for him and because Marcus basically forced her to keep the child.

"Bitc—" He caught himself. "Cuss in front of my son again and see what happens. You won't be satisfied until I go upside that damn head. Dead beat ass bitch! Loose pussy hoe!" Marcus spoke loudly while frowning. He didn't mean to cuss in front of his son, but she was doing too much. If it wasn't for his son crying from the loud bass in Marcus's voice scaring him, he would've knocked her lips loose.

"Shhh." Marcus rocked his son. "I'm sorry Lil man for scaring you." Marcus spoke as softly as his voice could go while rubbing his son's back. Zaiden laid his head on Marcus's shoulder while whimpering, but he had stopped crying.

She rolled her eyes. "How you mad because I don't want to be around that baby?"

"This baby is your son." Marcus continued to frown. He always tried to bring her along because he knew sometimes mothers regret abandoning their baby or their children, but she just didn't, and he was really beginning to accept that.

"That's your son, not mine. I was forced to have his lil ass. If it was up to me, he would've been left at the hospital as a damn orphan. We're not dead, but we would've been to him—" She couldn't finish her sentence after filling her air, being cut off from his hand wrapping tightly around her neck. She was too busy running her mouth that she didn't notice Marcus putting their son in his playpen before approaching her. The moment those words left her mouth had him heated.

"I don't think I heard you. Run that shit back, bitch." He tightened his grip. Tears filled her eyes as she struggled to get loose. She looked into his now dark eyes, and she regretted saying what she said. Not because she didn't mean them, but because Marcus was scaring her.

"I-I can..." She tried to speak, to say she couldn't breathe. Obviously, but couldn't get the words out.

"Marcus." Her mother called out. "Let her go. She isn't worth it."

Now, one would be like that's her daughter. Why isn't she more worried about the fact Marcus is choking her up? Her mother had heard what she said and felt like someone should've slapped her mouth dry. She didn't know where she went wrong with her daughter because she didn't even recognize her most of the time. She was so ashamed to even claim her as a daughter these days. If Marcus knew what she says to her mother, then he probably would've beaten her ass. Her mother was done trying to save her.

"I want her to repeat what the fuck she just said." Marcus mugged. Her eyes were starting to roll as she was losing consciousness.

"Listen to me, you can't make someone be a parent to their child. Either they want to or they don't. We can't force her to be a mother. I know this is hard to hear because you don't want your son to grow up motherless, but he has a damn good father and that's good enough. Let her go. Once again, she's not worth the energy." Her mother sighed.

Marcus let her go as she dropped to the floor, crying and coughing while rubbing her neck. There was a very good chance that his handprint in the form of bruises would be left on her neck. Marcus looked down at her, still with dark eyes. If it wasn't for her mother, he probably would've killed her.

"M-Mom how are you going to let him do that?" She cried, her mother wasn't moved by her tears in the slightest.

"You need to be thanking her—"

"Da-da!" His son's voice instantly softened his eyes back to their normal color before he turned and walked back over to his son.

Picking Zaiden up, he then grabbed the light-brown clasp envelope. He threw the folder on the floor as she looked at it, then back up at him, still crying. "I suggest you sign your rights over now because it'll be a cold day in hell before you come near my son again."

The tone of his voice left a chill down her spine. She grabbed the folder as he threw a pen, hitting her in the face with it. Sniffling, she opened the envelope and signed her name on the documents. He already had a lawyer on standby. He was done trying to make her be a mother to their son.

He didn't know how the hell he was going to tell Julissa this heartbreaking secret, since Zaiden was conceived while they were freshly engaged. His son was coming with him, but he was going to leave him at his moms while he spoke to Julissa. Zaiden was just an innocent child who looked at his deadbeat mother like she was a stranger, but looked at Marcus like he was his favorite person in the world. Hearing what she said made Marcus realize even more that his son comes first above anyone.

"P-Put your hands on me again and watch I tell my man." She continued running her mouth while crying.

"What Shooter gon' do to me, Paris? If anything he gone drop your unfit, money-hungry ass." Marcus laughed. While Paris didn't care about Marcus's money, she cared about Shooter's, even though he could be stingy with his.

Marcus only acted nice with every ounce he could muster up towards her when in front of everyone else, so they wouldn't get suspicious. Paris did the same. They both got so drunk at Truth's grand opening, he felt like he was so far gone that if he had any opps they could've gotten down on him. Getting that drunk caused him to ease up on the drinking whenever he's out.

He was taking an Uber home since he couldn't drive in that condition when Paris ended up hopping into the Uber, asking if she could ride with him since she had no idea where Shooter went. Truth is, Paris wandered off and somehow ended up outside. That's how drunk she was. He couldn't even think of his address, so he gave his mother's and ended up crashing in the guest house. He definitely remembered fucking someone, but was so far gone he didn't stop or didn't remember who it was until the next morning.

Shooter is his friend, and he felt like shit for smiling in that man's face, knowing he drunkenly smashed his girlfriend and got her pregnant. Marcus was around Priest and Truth more than Shooter these days, but that's still his friend. He didn't exactly know how Shooter's relationship with Paris was or how deep his feelings were. That was a secret that had to be taken to the grave. There's no point in anyone knowing Paris is his baby mama since she wants nothing to do with Zaiden.

"I'mma take my son with me, Tabitha. He's going to live with me, but whenever you want him, just let me know. I would never keep him from you. If I don't tell you this enough, I appreciate everything you do for him. And I'll still slide some money your way." Marcus said to her mother.

"I knew this was temporary. You're going to be everything that little boy needs. I have faith in you, and I know my grandson is in good hands." Tabitha said. Kissing Zaiden's cheek, Marcus let her hug them before they were out the door. He'll come to pick up Zaiden's things later, but he would still leave some things at Tabitha's for when she had her grandson over.

"You can leave my house now." Tabitha told Paris who was still on the floor sniffling.

up to his mother's house, Marcus took a deep breath. He got out, then walked around to get Zaiden out of his car seat. Marcus bought Zaiden everything he has with the exception of Paris's mother buying a few things. Zaiden was wide awake as Marcus got him out of the car. Grabbing Zaiden's bag, he walked up to his mother's door.

He waited a couple of minutes before he heard the locks on the door being unlocked. His mother opened the door, then took one look at Zaiden before her eyes fell on Marcus. With a shake of her head, she moved to the side to let him in.

"What's with you and Cherish keeping kids hidden? You don't even have to say anything. One look and I knew this was your baby. My grandson. Question is, why am I just now meeting him?" Rissa gave Marcus a look.

"Hey handsome, I'm your grandma." Rissa smiled sweetly at Zaiden. Holding out her arms he leaped into them causing Marcus to smile.

"I'm sorry, ma. I was going to tell you, I just needed to figure some things out. After his birth giver said some foul shi—things today, which was a step further than she usually says; I made her sign over her rights that I'mma hand over to my lawyer. Then I decided it was time for him to live with me." Marcus sighed.

"So you had a baby on Julissa?" Rissa said with disappointment.

"Technically, I did. It's not like that, though. I was drunk—"

"You and Cherish really are related." Rissa chuckled.

"It's not funny, ma. I might lose Julissa over my mistake. I love my son. He's not a mistake, but drunkenly sleeping with Paris without a rubber and getting her pregnant was definitely a mistake. I had to get tested after that." Marcus vented.

"Paris? Cherish fake best friend? Oh, Lord. Then Matthias is your friend." Rissa shook her head, calling Shooter by his government name. "Of all the people in the world, it had to be her?"

"I didn't mean for this to happen. I love Julissa with all my heart. I'm ready for her to be my wife. On my life, I never cheated. Let alone gave another woman my attention. I was so drunk after Truth's grand opening that I somehow blacked out. I mean, I knew I was sleeping with her—somebody, I just thought... Man, I would've never slept with Paris while being sober." Marcus spoke truthfully before telling her everything, minus it happening in the guest house. Even though everything was new by the time Cherish moved in.

"I believe you, but there's no way Julissa will. I really can't tell you how she would react because I'm not her. I'mma tell you the same thing I told Cherish; I hope everything works out for you. I really do. I don't like how you kept your son hidden for the sake of keeping Julissa, but I'm happy you were present in his life. Being a parent is a lot of work. I'm going to tell you now, if Julissa leaves you, then you need to focus on this baby boy right here. He comes before any and everyone. I feel for her because she's already been through three miscarriages."

"Trust me, I am. He may not have a mother, but he definitely gon' be loved." Marcus smiled at his son.

"He's your twin." Rissa smiled. "Go on, I'll keep him for you. We need to get acquainted, anyway. With his chubby, handsome self."

"Thanks, ma. I love you." Marcus kissed her cheek.

"I love you too, son."

Marcus kissed Zaiden's cheek. "I love you, Lil man."

"Da-da!" Zaiden slobbed while laughing.

__

"This is disgusting." Crystal gagged. "People really eat this?"

"It doesn't look that bad, but stepping out that bougie-ass attitude of yours is the goal."

"My man has no problem with me eating oysters, sushi, and caviar. From expensive restaurants. He spoils me. This garbage is for the birds." Crystal scrunched up her face. "I don't know why I let you talk me into coming to this hole in the wall."

"That's exactly why. You're a broke bitch with a boss bitch mentality. Ease up, otherwise Soul is going to drop your ass like he did before you came home from your girls' trip. Let's face it, now that the love of his life is back, it's only a matter of time before he does it again. Trust me, she's like cocaine to that nigga." The woman laughed.

Crystal frowned. "I'm tired of hearing that bitch is the love of his life. He's just confused. Who is like cocaine to him? Me. If she was, why he's in a relationship with me? Can't compete where you don't compare, and she definitely doesn't compare. She's cute, I'll give her that, but she can't compete with me when it comes to looks."

"And you're delusional if you believe that. She's definitely fine as hell, no hating shit. Even if she was ugly, she's like a multi-millionaire with how many clothing stores? She doesn't need looks."

"You sound obsessed with her." Crystal rolled her eyes.

"And you sound like a hater mixed with your mother. Give props where they are due. Your can't even think for yourself without calling your momma. It's all about money with her. If we're being honest you were the one that was just obsessed with her." The woman told her. "What was it you used to say?" She thought before chuckling. "Oh right; Cherish, that's a bad bitch. She so fucking cold. I aspire to be just like her. Do I need to go on?"

"Girl." Crystal frowned.

"That's what I thought. Anyway, you need to give Soul a reason to consider actually loving you. Convince him that you're okay with who his baby mama is and that you're willing to be mature about it. You think you know what you're doing, but that man is far from dumb. Playing along with you is actually smart. Which I can guarantee that's what he's doing. You heard of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? If you're a threat to Cherish, you best to believe you're one to him too. Like I said, convince him."