10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 18

Raven rose to her feet and fixated her gaze on Fantasia, who appeared visibly unsettled, her heart racing like crazy.

"Start talking!" Taraji bellowed, her voice echoing with frustration.

Fantasia let out a long sigh, likely crafting a quick excuse.

"This is my doctor!" she declared.

"Nice try, but try again. Don’t—please don’t waste my time. I’m too furious for your nonsense today. So spill! I want the truth, now," Taraji insisted.

"Where should I even start?"

"How about from the very beginning? I’ve got all the time in the world!" Taraji quipped... The tension caused Fantasia's heart to race even more. Raven took a seat, observing her, clearly on edge.

"I didn’t kill anyone!"

Taraji let out a humorless chuckle, steam almost rising from her ears. "You murder, you deceive, you steal, then you lie some more. A leopard can never shed its spots. You’ll never change. To think I was starting to really like you as my wife. Well, you better hope you’ve covered your tracks, because I demand justice for my best friend." With that, Taraji stormed out.

"Damn! I need to go," Fantasia muttered as she hurried out of the warehouse.

She rushed to her sister's place. "What did she say? Oh no, this isn't good at all. If you end up in prison, I could be disbarred, lose my license, even my firm! And God help me if Mom finds out you went to jail... You need to go to her house and do whatever it takes to win her back—wine and dine her or whatever works! Beg, cry, lie, tell her you still love her... Just do something big!"

"Come on, Fran, Taraji's smarter than that. She won't fall for it," Fantasia replied.

"She loves you. Love makes us do dumb things, so go charm her back. Because if you go down, I’m going down with you, and unlike you, I have kids who rely on me, who I actually live with. They depend on me to pay for their expensive education. So, you’re not just doing this for me; you’re doing it for yourself and for your nieces and nephew."

Fantasia groaned loudly. Fran nudged her toward the door. "Go fix this. Do everything you can, Fantasia," she urged.

Although Fantasia knew that plan was a long shot with Taraji, she resolved to show up and make amends anyway.

She buzzed the doorbell and spotted three guys in FBI jackets as Taraji opened the door. Her heart raced. Taraji promptly closed the door behind her. "Now's not a good time," she said, blocking Fantasia’s entry.

"So you’re really going through with this? Did you find anything linking me to anything?" Fantasia asked, a hint of panic in her voice. "What do you think?” Taraji shot back, her attitude frosty.

Fantasia let out a defeated sigh. "So… what now?"

"Wait here," Taraji instructed as she retreated back inside.

A moment later, she emerged with an envelope and a pen.

Fantasia grimaced at the sight. "Divorce papers… Wow, that’s a blow, wifey."

"Things are about to get messy for you, sweetheart, and I can’t be tangled up in that chaos. You chose to lie to me… In other words, you made your bed, now lie in it. Sign it now," Taraji demanded.

Fantasia glanced at the envelope. "Taraji, I really loved you, that’s no lie... I swear."

"I don’t trust anything that comes out of your mouth, Fantasia. You’re a pro at lying. How can I believe you?" Taraji replied coldly.

"How can I prove it?"

"Sign. Get the hell out of my life before you jeopardize my career and everything I've worked hard for. If you really do love me, just leave me some dignity before going to prison."

With a heavy heart, Fantasia pulled the papers in and signed. Turning to walk away... "They’re coming tonight. We’ve got solid evidence; you won't escape this. Maybe think about fleeing the country or hiding out. I’m buying you time," Taraji warned.

"I’m weary. I’m ready for prison. There’s nothing left for me out here; I’ll be at the warehouse; just let them know!" Fantasia said as she climbed into her car. They exchanged a lingering look.

A few days later:

Fantasia found herself convicted.

"She betrayed you. I would never do that, see? My love is real. She just loves to play mind games," Carter told Fantasia.

“You love me?” 
“Absolutely, Fantasia. I've been trying to tell you for ages. I’ve got enough proof to finger someone for this and set you free—you just need to return that affection,” Carter murmured. 
“Spill the beans!” 
“Lorenzo. He’s the guy who can take the fall. He’s ruthless and greedy, while you’re this adorable, sexy, innocent woman who can play the clueless act. We’ll position him as the big shot, with you as his girlfriend who he pinned for his crimes,” Carter explained. 
Fantasia smiled slyly. “What’s in it for you?” 

“Marry me, let me be your queen. Forget about Taraji.” 
“Aren’t you already tied down?” 
“Legally, yes. But we split ages ago. We’re practically just roommates. I can sign the divorce papers in no time to make you my wife.” 

Fantasia beamed. “Do that, and get me out of here, and I’ll marry you,” she replied. 
“How can I trust you won’t turn on me because of her?” 

“I won’t. She divorced me, and loyalty means more to me than royalty. You’ve shown me that loyalty—I need someone like you on my side. I won’t let you down as long as you don’t let me down,” Fantasia said, Carter grinned as she stepped out. 

A few days later, Fantasia was free. 
They tied the knot. 
They celebrated their marriage at a bar in Manhattan, when Taraji caught wind of it and just had to see for herself. 

As she stepped in, Fantasia caught sight of her grabbing Carter by the neck and kissing her passionately. 
With a smirk, Taraji sauntered over to the bar. 

“Four shots of tequila,” she ordered from the female bartender. 
After being served, Taraji quickly downed her drinks, paid her tab, and turned to leave, only to find Carter blocking her way. 

“How’s that for karma? I’ve got the girl, and—oh, I mean, my incredible wife—she’s out of jail now. She’s a real force, and I’ll move mountains to keep her safe. You’d better steer clear of my wife, Taraji,” Carter declared, flashing her the ring. Taraji’s gaze shifted to the booth where Fantasia and her crew were. 

“The only reason you’ve still got your job is that you got her out. But see, I’ve got her heart now, and she has mine. A part of me wants to see her pay for taking my best friend’s life, but another part wants her free and safe. So, I’m not upset that she’s out—I’m relieved. But you, sweetheart, you’d better be careful from now on… because this isn’t over,” Taraji warned, nudging Carter toward the waiter carrying a tray full of drinks. 

Carter staggered and collided with the poor guy. 
Gravity can be a real pain… 
Taraji extended her hand and offered a generous tip to the server. “My bad,” she said, before carefully pouring one of the remaining drinks over Carter’s face. 

Laughter erupted from the booth. 
Fantasia grinned. “Can’t help but love that girl. Come on, someone give my freaking wife a hand!” The gang roared with laughter. Taraji, glancing around, snatched the ring off Carter’s finger and flung it across the room. 
Carter gasped and finally got to her feet. 

As Taraji made her exit. 
The gang turned to Fantasia. “She’s a little petty but so adorably cute!” Fantasia remarked with a grin, showing no signs of regret. The gang chuckled in agreement, “You’ll be lucky to find that ring,” Smarty teased. 
“What ring?” Fantasia countered, leaving Smarty stunned—clearly, she didn’t care about the ring at all.

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