Page 182 of Tarek

With my two hands clenched onto the hammer, I bring it down hard against the lock. Once. Twice. The wood splinters and with a final crack the door swings open. Dropping the hammer, I pull open the top drawer, there are enough condoms for Tarek to run a Family Planning Corp. Each drawer I pull out either has lube or pills in small Ziplock bags.

But no necklaces. Then I see the small keyhole. I press my fingers against it, and it pops. My heart drops, as I see a stack of light blue boxes with white bows. With shaking hands I take the box out and untie the white bow. Slowly I open the box, and my breath hitches as the small emerald pendant twinkles at me. I drop it to the floor and open another, and another. I drag my hand to my neck and yank my chain off. The chain digs into my skin as I pull it free. In my palm I compare the necklaces, mine may be aquamarine with some diamonds around it, but it’s still a necklace. I nod and cry. Slowly, I stagger back to the bed. They were right, my necklace wasn’t that special. I am no different to any of his other women.

God this is why I don’t do relationships. I rub my belly, sobs wracking my body.

Why does he still have all these necklaces? If he planned on still being with me and our babies. He said he loved me, but he is still clinging on to his past. That means he can’t move on to the future.

Why the hell did I do this to myself? To my babies? I just want to be enough for someone, for someone who will want to stay. Why doesn’t no one ever want to stay?

“Hey, Treasure,” Tarek’s voice cuts through my thoughts. I look up with tears streaming down my face. He steps into the room like he was approaching a wounded animal. His expression is guarded like he knows what he’s walking into. Like he knows he is about to hurt me.

ChapterTwenty-Three

Ilyana

“Freedom?” Tarek asks. His silvery eyes are full of curiosity. His voice is light, innocent.

“Come at my side let me give you something,” My fingers tremble as I unhook my necklace. The pendant feels warm in my palm. I motion for him to lean down and fasten it around his neck.

“I always see you with this. Where did you get it?”

“I took it from your father years ago.”

Tarek’s smile broadens as his fingers wrap around the pendant. “This is both yours and dad’s.”

“Mon tresor. I want you to promise me something,” I watch him return to his chair, still examining the pendant.

“What?” His eyes are bright and expectant.

“Never chase love. Never run after love. If someone loves you, they will stay,” I state, my voice hitches.

“Ugh, Mom. Love, really?” Tarek wrinkles his nose.

I nod. “While you search for love, never hurt the girls you don’t love.”

“Like a girlfriend?”

“Yes. If you realize you don’t love them, send them on their way with a gift,” I reach across the table and touch his hair.

“Like a chain?” he asks.

“Yes, a small token like a chain, always with an expensive stone like an emerald. Leave them with beauty. Promise me?”

He hesitates, then nods. “Okay, Mom, I promise.”

“Be respectful to your father. He is a good man,” I state.

“I will.”

“Create a career that your heart desires, not what the world tells you too.” I feel like crying.

“I want to be a chef.”

I lean out of my chair and kiss his forehead. “Then be the best chef the world has ever seen. I love you so much Mon Tresor.”

He smirks, still watching the pendant.

“Where is your cell phone?” I ask. He pulls out his Nokia from his pocket. I take mine from my handbag.

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