Only for You

34: Fear or Forever

Six Months Later

Fatima stood in Axiom Sports Marketing's design studio, surrounded by her latest creations. The room smelled of fresh fabric and the faintest hint of coffee, a staple in her long design sessions. She draped a measuring tape around her neck, watching as Mariah ran her hands over the newest pieces—sleek, innovative sportswear alongside tailored suits that exuded power and sophistication. Athletes deserved to slay on the red carpet too, and Fatima was making sure of that.

Mariah let out a slow breath, nodding as she inspected the details. "I love it," she said, making Fatima smile.

"For the past six months, you have been killing the design game. And Zac? He's been working these designs like a pro—red carpets, photoshoots, press appearances. You two are really magic together."

Fatima's smile widened. "Thank you—"

"But," Mariah cut in, tone shifting. "With that being said... Fatima, I'm not blind. I know you two are seeing each other."

Fatima stiffened. "Mariah—"

"No, let me finish." Mariah held up a hand, her voice firm but not unkind. "Paparazzi came to me a few days ago. They have pictures of you and Zac—going out to eat, driving in his car, PDA at restaurants." She exhaled sharply. "And they sold them to TMZ."

Fatima's stomach dropped.

Mariah's eyes darkened with concern. "Do you know what this could do to your image? You've built a career, Fatima. You've got designers, brands, celebrities—from Madonna to Tyla—calling you. Your following is skyrocketing. But when this story drops..." She hesitated, then sighed. "They're gonna say you slept your way to this point."

Fatima's jaw clenched. "Mariah, I am a big girl—"

"I know that. But being a big girl has nothing to do with the fact that the media won't care about Zac in this situation. They're going to tear you apart." Mariah's voice hardened. "Especially because you're a successful Black woman."

Fatima inhaled sharply, looking away. She knew Mariah was right, but hearing it out loud made it sting more.

"So, that was just a heads-up," Mariah continued. "How you handle this is all up to you." She gave a small nod. "Good job on the designs."

Fatima scoffed, shaking her head. "So my hard work is just... erased? All because of my relationship with Zac?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

Fatima swallowed hard, a bitter taste in her mouth. "My talent is gonna mean nothing..." she murmured, more to herself than Mariah.

Mariah's expression softened, but there was nothing gentle about the truth she delivered next.

"That's the reality of a Black woman."

Silence stretched between them. Mariah gave her a lingering look before turning and walking out.

Fatima sat down heavily in the chair, her mind already spiraling, picturing the chaos that was about to unfold once those pictures hit the media.

She knew this could happen.

From the moment she and Zac decided to be together, she understood the risks. The whispers, the speculation, the scrutiny—she wasn't naive. But the way Mariah had just flat-out said it, laid it bare like an unavoidable storm, made it feel like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from.

She and Zac had been careful. So careful. No excessive PDA in public, no lingering glances when cameras were around, no reckless moves. And yet, somehow, it still wasn't enough.