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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
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Onika Maraj Manhattan Hospital
January 4, 2025
"Okay, we're discharging you. Follow up with your OB-GYN as soon as possible, and remember, no stress," the nurse said, handing me the papers.
I nodded, though my mind was somewhere else.
I reached for the papers and grabbed them, already feeling like I needed to get up and get out of this place. Hospitals never sat right with me, and the thought of being here too long made my skin crawl.
I started to stand, but before I could even get my balance, Beyoncé's voice cut through the air.
"Sit down for a second."
I glanced at her, a little annoyed but trying not to show it. "I'm ready to-..." I started, but she wasn't having it.
"I only ask once," she said, her eyes locking on mine.
Her stare was intense, and I knew she wasn't playing. I sighed and sat back down, not because she told me to, but because I wanted to sit down anyways.
She wasn't about to argue with me right now, and honestly, I didn't have the energy for it either.
Beyoncé took a deep breath, her eyes locked on me. "I don't know what you and him talked about, and yeah, I'm upset with you," she said, her voice steady but full of emotion. "It's obvious you felt like you needed to, and I don't get it. Maybe I'm not supposed to. But what I do know is that you and my child are my priority. And I'll be damned if he walks free."
I tried to say something, "Bey-"
But she wasn't done. "I'm setting you up with a therapist, and you're staying with me. At least until I know for sure you're not stressing yourself out. Do you hear me?"
I hesitated, trying to find the right words. "How are you going to..."
She cut me off again, her eyes intense. "Do you understand?"
I swallowed, feeling the weight of everything settle in. "What about us?" I asked, my voice soft, unsure.
She softened just a little, but her tone was still firm. "It's no longer just about us. Both of us are going to therapy. You're going to testify, and we're gonna raise our child together. Okay?"
I couldn't hold it in anymore. I got up and wrapped my arms around her, feeling the tears building in my eyes.
"Okay, but baby, I want you," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'm sorry. I had a vulnerable moment."
Beyoncé looked at me and said, "Let's take it one step at a time. We'll talk about us later. Right now, we need to keep you as stress-free as possible. I care about you, and that won't change."
