He pulled out his phone, tapped a few times, then turned the screen toward me. A live feed. My brother, sitting cross-legged on the floor of a luxurious room, a teacher walking him through phonics. A soft-spoken nanny poured juice into a glass behind them.
“He’s fine,” Hakeem said. “Homeschooling starts today. He’s got everything he needs. Best tutors. Twenty-four-hour watch. No harm comes to him, long as you don’t give me a reason to change that.”
I nodded once. Silent.
He watched me for a long moment. Tried to read me, figure out where I’d gone behind my blank face.
But he couldn’t.
Because I wasn’t there anymore.
---
When I stepped onto the yacht that night, the entire deck was drenched in candlelight. Crystal flutes lined the table, each filled with champagne I didn’t ask for. White orchids twisted down the railings. Live violin music floated beneath the stars.
And in the distance—Masterson Bridge, glowing above us like the city itself was watching.
He pulled me into a slow dance beneath the moonlight, whispered against my neck, “Three years, baby. We made it.”
I didn’t blink. Didn’t smile.
Because something inside me had gone quiet.
And when I looked out over the water, I made a promise to myself:
One more month to erase every trace.
To disappear for good. And this time, not even Hakeem Masterson would find me.
Then the elevator chimed. Doors opened. And out walked Margaret. Hakeem immediately went to her and Margaret wrapped her arms to him.
That bitter smile curled onto my lips before I could stop it. Not a decision. Just instinct. Pain wrapped in venom.
Hakeem saw it instantly and stepped in fast. “Don’t start. She just wanted to drop something off for you. That’s all.” I looked down, pretending not to notice how his fingers were laced with hers. But I noticed. So did he. He shifted, straightened his back, and gave me that look, the one that said don’t make me clean up a mess tonight, Harmony. Not here. Not under the stars I paid to light for you.
“Thanks,” I murmured. “Nice of her.” That fake composure pleased him enough.
He finally let go of her hand and came over to wrap his arm around me. Cold lips brushed my temple like an insult.