𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
______________________________
❝To let you get away is crazy.❞
Devyn is a young woman who is pursuing a career in education while keeping her wealth a secret. After leaving work one day, she accidenta...
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 31, 1995 𝐎𝐌𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓
"Where is my dress?" Vanessa's voice reverberates through the room as she jumps up and down. Malik observes Vanessa as she throws a temper tantrum. It has been four long days since Malik received that message from Kimberly, and it's becoming clear that she won't be bringing the dress. Taking a deep breath, Malik tries to maintain his composure. "Vanessa, calm down," he says in a soothing tone, hoping to calm her.
"No!" she protests. Her little body collapses onto the floor as she unleashes her frustration through piercing screams and rolling tantrums. Malik sighs, unsure what to do for his daughter. He's not going to hit her. He knows what putting your hands on a child can do to them. He didn't want Vanessa to be afraid of him.
"Vanessa!" he shouts, getting her attention. "Get up."
Vanessa reluctantly stands up, her arms folded defiantly. Malik crouches down to her level, his voice gentle yet firm. "Daddy is sorry for not bringing the dress, okay?" he says, his regret evident in his eyes. "I was so preoccupied with work that I forgot to give it to you."
Tears well up in Vanessa's eyes as she blinks, allowing them to fall freely. Overwhelmed by her emotions, she sobs uncontrollably. Malik quickly pulls Vanessa into an embrace, holding her tightly.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupts their tender moment. Malik gently releases Vanessa and promises, "Please go to your room. I'll be there in a second." Vanessa, her head bowed, walks away silently.
Malik opens the door, expecting to see Kimberly, but it's Stephen who greets him. "Happy Halloween!" he exclaims, clutching candy bags in his hands. Malik sucks his teeth and attempts to close the door on him, but Stephen catches the door with his foot. "Where my baby at?" Stephen says, referring to Vanessa.
"In her room. She's mad at me for not getting the dress," Malik responds, rubbing his forehead wearily.
"Didn't you tell me yesterday Kim was going to give it to you?"
"Yeah, but she a no-show," Malik admits.
Stephen lets out a frustrated sigh. Playfully wiggling his eyebrows, he asks, "Have you talked to Ms. Lady yet?" referring to Devyn.
Malik chuckles, correcting him, "No, and her name is Devyn."
"Why?!" Stephen whines like a child.
"I've been busy with Vanessa!" Malik invents an excuse. The truth is that he is still terrified. He's no longer a young bachelor; he's got a child and needs someone who understands that. He's not sure Devyn will be down she finds out. Vanessa is the reason he hasn't dated anyone. If he is going to date someone, he will date a woman—a woman who is responsible and will not abandon them.
