Page 159 of Set me Free

“Call me if you need me.” I replied kissing her cheek. I didn’t give my father a second glance before I left, grabbing my kids and getting the hell out of there.

I loved my father more than anything, I was a daddy’s girl through and through; but this was unforgivable, especially after everything I went through with Creed. I knew that pain and I wouldn’t have wished that pain—the pain of the love of your life betraying you—I wouldn’t wish that on nobody.

By the time I got home, I felt empty.

I managed to get the kids settled and fed before heading straight to my bedroom. Once Ms. June took over, I broke the fuck down.

Tears fell relentlessly as I curled up on my bed, sobbing into my pillow. When I finally calmed down, I grabbed my stash, rolled up a blunt, and stepped out onto the balcony. The first inhale soothed my nerves, but it didn’t do shit for my heart.

I wasn’t even aware that Creed was home until I heard the balcony door slide open behind me. "Serenity?" His voice was soft, concerned. He knew I didn’t smoke unless I had some shit on my mind. I didn’t answer. Just took another slow inhale. Creed stepped closer; his brows drawn together. "What’s wrong?"

I let out a dry, humorless chuckle.

"Niggas ain’t shit. That’s what."

Then, I ashed my blunt, walked past him, and went inside.

46

CREED

It had been days since Serenity got the news about her parents, and I could see how much it was weighing on her. The thing between us—the tension, the lingering fight, the stubbornness on both sides—felt small in comparison to what she was dealing with. So, I did what I knew how to do best.

I took care of her and I made reservations at seven, knowing she hadn’t been eating much, and called in making sure they knew we were coming in so we could have a private area.

Tonight wasn’t about arguing, about who was right or wrong—it was about us, talking, and me getting my wife back.

Serenity looked stunning as always, dressed in a blue dress that looked delicious against her skin, but she had this energy about her—this lingering sadness that I hated seeing on her face. She was picking at her food, barely eating, and I finally had enough of the silence between us.

I set my fork down, leaning forward. "How are you really doing, Baby?"

She let out a small scoff, taking a sip of her drink. "I’m fine."

"Cap." She rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything. "Serenity, I know you. I know you’re not okay. Talk to your man."

She sighed, setting her fork down. "What do you want me to say, Creed?"

"I want you to stop shutting me out," I said, my voice softer now. "I know I fucked up with this shit with Gi. I’m sorry, Serenity, I really am." She didn’t say anything, just sat back and crossed her arms, looking off to the side. "Truce?" I asked, reaching my hand across the table.

She cut her eyes at me but slowly slid her hand into mine. "Truce."

I squeezed her hand before letting go, leaning back in my seat. "I just—I didn’t think it would be a big deal. I was spending my own money on it."

Her brows shot up. "See? That’s the problem, Creed. It’s not about the money. It’s not about Gianna. It’s the fact that you didn’t even talk to me first." I opened my mouth to argue but quickly shut it. "You’re my husband, right?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Of course."

"And I’m your wife?"

"Of course."

"Then I need you to treat me like your partner."

I exhaled. "You’re right."

"Duh, I’m right." That made me chuckle and she sighed, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass. "I don’t wanna be the kind of wife that dictates your life or tells you what you can and can’t do. But I do wanna be the kind of wife you include in the big decisions. Because that’s what partners do Creed."

I nodded. "And that’s what you are. My partner. I won’t let anything come between us, Baby. I promise. From now on, I’ll talk to you first before making any big decisions."

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