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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 Bey's Home
September 20, 2025
I stood in front of the mirror, pulling my leggings up higher on my waist. The tightness of the fabric pressed into my skin, but it wasn't just the snugness of my gym clothes making me uncomfortable.
It was everything else-the weight of everything that had been going on. I hadn't worked out in what felt like forever, but today was the day I promised Kehlani I'd show up at the gym. She had been so encouraging, offering to train me herself since fitness was her side hustle.
I wanted to get this baby weight off, but more than that, I needed to get my mind off everything that had been building up between me and Beyoncé.
I glanced down, my fingers hesitating as I tied my shoelaces. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was broken between us, even though things should've been getting better.
Beyoncé was walking more, her recovery was going well physically, but the vibe... her attitude... it was like we were on two different wavelengths. I sighed, tugging on my jacket, my reflection looking more tired than usual.
The door creaked open, and in came Beyoncé with Onyx cradled in her arms, feeding him. I could feel her eyes on me, but I kept my back turned, pretending to adjust my jacket. The tension in the room was thick, heavy like a storm cloud waiting to burst.
"My sister's coming to get them," I said, my voice tight, cutting through the silence.
Beyoncé looked up at me, still feeding Onyx.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her tone was casual but something about it got under my skin.
"The gym," I snapped without turning to face her. "It's clear..."
She paused, narrowing her eyes at me. "You got an attitude or something?"
"No, but that was a stupid question. Plus, you should be the last one talking about an attitude."
Beyoncé scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh brother," she muttered under her breath, like she couldn't even take me seriously.
My blood boiled. "You're old as fuck talking about 'oh brother.' You sound ridiculous. You're a loser."
Her eyes snapped back to mine, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face.
"I'm a loser?" she repeated, her tone low but clearly offended.
I crossed my arms over my chest. "Yeah, you gonna keep repeating everything I say like you don't hear me?"
Beyoncé shifted Onyx, her patience clearly thinning as well. "If you've got something on your mind, just say it, Onika. I'm tired of this subtle anger, this mood you're always in lately. Just spit it out, already-"
