Broken Promises and Silent Hearts

19

Daddy where is mama Shar I haven't seen her", she hugged my neck.

"She's out of town on some work princess what you doing today", I put on my watch as she helped me giving me my jacket.

"Jaquan said I should study more and he's going to help me and Juan bring me to the mall with Ava".

"That's sounds good you not giving them any trouble".

"No daddy", she laughed know she I bet she was.

"Yo pops can I take ma car to the mall".

"Yeah bring it back with no scratches", I gave him the car keys walking out in the living room.Hearing my phone ringing I answered it.

"Emma what's sup", I took up my car keys.

"I heard you were looking for Shar Woods".

"Yes", I took up my car keys.

"We have her in custody for murder".

"What that can't be right".

"I can't say anything more your people came for her last night she must be there by now".

"Okay thanks", the same time I hang up Mason called.

"Bruh the same woman you asked me about is here", I pulled off.

"I'm on my way", I speed off I rushed inside going towards Edwards office the same time I saw her walking out with the CIA she looked at me.

"Ms Woods let's go".

"Wait Shar", she turned around looking at me.

"I'll be home in two days", they walked away I looked at Edward he motion to his office.

"What's going on", he sat down.

"I'm not supposed to tell you this she's a secret agent for the CIA there's some things that above my paycheck and yours", I nod my head walking out.

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It had been three days since I last heard from Shar. Edward had clammed up, refusing to share anything more, leaving me in a state of restless worry. As I pulled a beer from the fridge, the sound of the front door opening caught my attention. The familiar click of heels echoed through the hallway.

When she stepped into the kitchen, time seemed to freeze. Shar stood there, her expression a mix of surprise and guilt. I felt a wave of hurt wash over me, betrayal clawing at my insides.

"Where have you been?" I managed to say, my voice edged with tension.

She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came. I could see the struggle behind her eyes, the weight of secrets hanging heavy between us. The air felt thick, charged with unspoken emotions.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I pressed, taking a step closer, needing answers. But all I could see was the distance she had created.

"I was going to", she took off her heels stepping closer towards me I stepped back.

"That's bullshit you hand so much opportunity to tell me you were gone for a month to God knows where you lied to me every fucking day we talk how can you do that someone you love", I said with pure hurt and anger.

""Crown," she said, stepping closer. I turned away, grabbing my phone and heading upstairs. I quickly picked up my already packed bag, but she blocked the doorway.

"Crown, I'm sorry. Hear me out," she pleaded, desperation in her voice.

"Move, Shar," I insisted, frustration bubbling up.

"No, you have to listen to me," she replied, determination etched on her face.

I paused, torn between wanting to escape and needing to know the truth. Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment, I hesitated. "What could you possibly say that would make this okay?" I asked, my voice low.

"I was going to tell you the day I texted you that's it's an emergency".

"That's a fucking excuse Shar you had plenty of time to fucking tell me you choose not to I can't be with someone like you", she stepped away  with a blank expression on her face she opening the door I walked out slamming it.

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"Ma," I put the pot down and hugged Jaquan. I had missed my joys so much, but he pulled back, looking at me with concern.

"I don't like you working so far from us. How am I supposed to protect you? Don't do that again, young lady."

"I won't," I promised, hugging him again as he kissed my cheeks.

"Ma, why didn't you wake me when you got in?" Juan asked, wrapping his arms around me tightly before planting kisses on my cheeks.

"I wanted to surprise you guys." I handed each of them a box. They quickly opened them to find car keys, and rushed over, hugging me tightly and nearly squeezing the breath out of me.

"Okay!" they exclaimed, darting toward the front of the house, their loud cheers echoing behind them as I hurried to prepare breakfast.

"Mama Shar!"

"Keke," I greeted, hugging her carefully to avoid hurting my ribs.

"I miss you so much," I said, kissing her cheek, making her smile.

"Where's Daddy?" she asked, sitting at the table.

"He went out for work," I replied, and she nodded, sensing my unspoken pain over Crown's departure and my hidden secrets.

"Ma, you okay?" Juan asked, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Yes, just getting ready for work," I said, quickly walking away and locking myself in my room. Once inside, I cried for a moment before pulling myself together. I took a shower, dressed for work, and headed downstairs.

"But Daddy, I don't want to go," Keke's voice drifted from her room as I passed.

"I'll see you guys when I get home," I called back.

"Later, Ma," they replied. I climbed into my car and drove off to work, carrying the weight of my worries with me.