Page 115 of Crossing Lines

“You got so angry at me. Meanwhile, you—”

“Davia, you connected with him emotionally,” he rasps. “I never thought I’d lose you despite what I did. Despite my mom not accepting you, I always thought you were perfect at my side. I wanted to propose this summer. Buy a house, marry you, and take care of you.”

“You wanted me in your shadow as a pretty trophy. I have my own light, Jamir. I won’t dim it for you.”

He pats the air. “No, I never wanted that.”

“But it’s how being with you made me feel,” I admit. “I’m not giving up my dreams. I want a partner who’ll respect that and support me. You never did. That’s why we fell apart.”

He lowers his head, blowing a sharp breath before looking at me again. “Davia, I do support you. I’ve rooted for your career throughout our relationship.”

“Oh really?” I shift to one side. “If I ask you to tell me one significant moment in my career, I bet you can’t. When was the first time Chavonne allowed my design into a season’s launch? Do you know what I won that award for on the shelf behind you? How many looks did I complete for my first solo line?”

He twists his mouth and splays his hands. “I don’t know any of that. How could I?”

“A supportive partner would. The way I remember all your achievements and celebrate them.”

He runs his hand over his head. “Davia… you’re being too hard on me.”

“All I asked for was your time and care. With Kross, I don’t even have to ask. He’s attentive. He cares about my interests and passion. He showed me how it really should be in a relationship.”

He frowns. “Despite finding out about my dad and your mom, I came here hoping we could fix this. Forget about that man and start over with me.”

“What?” I shake my head. “You weren’t even faithful this whole time. We’re over. I’ve moved on. I’m happy with Kross. So please don’t mess with his business because it won’t get me back.”

Hurt twists his face, and he shifts in the spot. “Davia, come on. I’m never seeing her again. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I motion to the box by the door. “Please take that and leave. It’s some clothes and jewelry you gave me. There’s nothing left between us. I’m sorry I hurt you. I should have discussed my feelings sooner. But it’s over now. So let’s move on.”

Anger replaces the hurt as he clenches his jaw. “Move on? I love you, Davia. How can you say that to me so easily?”

“Jamir,please. I’ll always care about you. But there’s nothing that I want to hang on to. It was over before Kross came. Go be with that other woman.”

“Don’t say that.” He steps forward and grips my arms. “I can make you fall back in love with me if you give me the chance.”

“You’re squeezing me,” I seethe, trying to pull away.

His grip tightens. “Tell me you still want me. Tell me! Let’s go make love.”

“Jamir, stop!”

The door flies open. Kross dashes inside, shoving Jamir to the floor. Eyes wide with fury and concern, he regards my appearance and then refocuses on my ex. “The fuck you doing?”

Jamir glares at him, pushes up, and fixes his shirt. “Davia, listen—”

“Don’t you say her name.” He steps up to Jamir with his fists clenched.

“Baby, don’t.” I reach for his arm to stop him from fighting. “Jamir,leave.”

He looks at us and scoffs. “You know what? My mom was right. You’re dead to me, Davia.”

“She already erased you from her life. Get the hell out before I give you another ass-whupping.”

“Fuck you!”

“What you say?” I hold Kross back from charging, allowing Jamir to storm out of the apartment and slam the door, leaving the box with his things.

Kross turns to me and touches my face gently. “You all right?”

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