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Chapter 1 - Staying Connected

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Malik Nelson stepped off the plane, the familiar weight of the air in his lungs filling him with relief and anticipation. It had been another exhausting two weeks of work and school, and each moment spent on the road added layers to the distance between him and the life he once knew. But now, as his feet touched the ground of his hometown again, a quiet hope stirred within him.

Returning to town always meant something more than just being back home or catching up with friends—it was about the four people he needed to see first: his daughter, Mazo, his parents, and Zora, the mother of his child. The woman he still loved, despite the distance between them—the woman who still held a big part of his heart.

His desire to provide for the people he loves and to build a life with Zora had been his fuel.

**********

At 4:30 p.m., Zora’s hospital shift was winding down, and her ex, Malik, appeared unexpectedly. The moment he stepped through the hospital doors, his presence was undeniable. Handsome and charming, he carried himself with a warmth that drew people in without him even trying. His genuine and captivating smile instantly softened the room. Nurses greeted him with broad, eager smiles. Even the men on shift couldn’t help but admire his flawless style and polished grooming—qualities that seemed as natural to him as breathing.

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It wasn’t just his good looks that stood out—it was how he made everyone around him feel seen and appreciated, his kindness and charisma shining brighter than any outward appearance.

Approaching the receptionist’s desk, Malik found Zora standing alone, attentively working on her tasks to wrap up the day. As she looked up, a hint of surprise flashed across her face.

After processing his sudden appearance, she greeted him with a sarcastic tone and an adoring grin.

“What are you doing here... you lost?”  

He scoffed, admiring her curls, which were styled in an updo with a soft yellow linen scarf wrapped around them like a work of art.

“I’m trying to get lost in you,” he replied with a touch of finesse. Zora raised her brows as if he needed to elaborate. Malik smirked at her facial expression and moved closer, leaning on her work surface.

“You’ve known me a long time—no explanation required.” She smirked in response to his flirtatious confidence, playfully pushing him on the chest.

To her surprise, he held her hand firmly and locked eyes with her. Zora felt the definition of his chiseled chest muscles, and she began blushing like a schoolgirl with a crush. Her light-honey complexion made it evident.

He took her hand and tenderly kissed the back of it, maintaining a steady gaze and smile for a moment before turning around and walking away. She thought to herself with a smile on her face. “Oh my goodness, this man!”

Looking back...

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Despite their romantic history, Zora and Malik have maintained a friendship following their breakup, primarily driven by their shared love and, most importantly, their commitment to co-parenting their toddler daughter, Mazo.

When they first got together, Malik took pride in providing for her, reflecting his father’s example. He ensured she lacked for nothing, even transportation.

Zora was everything he wanted in a girlfriend and wife: intelligent, educated, family-oriented, and nurturing.

However, once Malik completed his four-year bachelor’s in architecture studies and began pursuing his master’s and an internship, their relationship crumbled. Zora couldn’t handle his demanding schedule and constant travel. Despite his ability to work on finishing his master’s in architecture in six years instead of eight, Zora still grew resentful in the long run.

Nonetheless, he excelled as a father, ensuring financial support for his child so that Zora never needed to worry.

Moreover, she had hoped he would return once he established his career, aching for their family to reunite.

Current day...

At 5 p.m., Zora finished her shift and slipped off her short black suit jacket, which matched her form-fitting knee-length pencil skirt. Beneath, she wore a sleeveless, frilly yellow blouse and black heels, ready to head home.

She drove home with a swirl of emotions, her thoughts still lingering on Malik’s unexpected visit. She couldn’t shake the feeling that their past and all the unresolved feelings between them were now more present than ever.

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She pulled up to her house around 5:35 p.m. and observed his car parked in her two-car driveway. Emotions flooded her, as they often did in his presence. Each visit from him carried the hope that he might be there to mend their relationship, possibly indicating a change in his schedule or workload, or some other positive outcome that would bring them back together.

Malik’s motivation, however, was rooted in the knowledge that maintaining a connection with Zora was crucial, regardless of the breakup, as he understood the risk of losing her for good.

He had arrived 10 minutes earlier, wearing a charming smile as he approached her side of the car and courteously opened the door. “I missed you,” he said.

“Yeah, you only miss me when you want something,” she retorted snippily.

“C’mon, that’s not true. You don’t want me here?” he responded tenderly, wasting no time to ask.

She wanted him there, but she found playing hard to get sometimes was enjoyable. Zora loved seeing how much he cared for her.

Malik offered his hand to guide her out of the car, and together, they walked up the pathway toward her front door. 

“So, what’s up? Are you ready to come home?” her voice bold and marked with hope.

Malik’s brows furrowed as he glanced at her. “I don’t know. You tell me.” 

He desired so much to have what they once had. But the reality of his hectic career, with its demands and constant travel, made it hard to give their relationship the attention it deserved.

Zora was still well aware of his workload, so he couldn’t understand why she asked that question. 

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Before she realized it, he swiftly picked her up. She let out a playful scream while laughing. “Ugh! Put me down, Malik!”

He held her with one arm behind her back and the other one cuffed underneath her legs. She paused when she noticed the look on his handsome face. He gazed into her eyes, leaned in, and kissed her lips twice. Zora returned the soft kisses with pleasure. She missed him just as much but didn’t want it to be so apparent. She is sometimes reserved in expressing her feelings, but he is the complete opposite—open and honest.  

After they parted from the kiss, Malik gently let her down and asked about the yard he had noticed earlier.

“What’s up with this grass? The overgrowth is crazy!” Zora chuckled when she turned and saw the look on his face.

“I know, I know. Remember the little young guy you were paying to cut it?”

“Yeah, Thomas,” he answered.

“Well, I haven’t seen him and can’t find his number.”

“It’s all good. I’ll contact Thomas and get my OG by early Saturday morning to hook you up.” 

“Aww, thanks, Malik. How much will he charge me?” she enquired.

Malik looked at her as if she were crazy for asking that. “Zo? Your money’s no good with me, baby,” he responded with a firm slap on her butt.

“Ouch! Okay,” she reacted, giggling and rubbing her backside. For a second, their eyes locked. He gave a subtle nod towards the door, nonverbally saying, ‘Let’s take this inside.’ 

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Zora turned and followed suit, feeling nervous as she approached the front door. She tried to insert the key into the lock, but her movements hesitated when Malik wrapped his hands around her waist. He tenderly embraced her, his hands trailing up to her breasts as he placed gentle kisses on her neck.

With each intimate touch, her heart raced faster. The skill of his touch, the way his body pressed against hers, ignited feelings she couldn’t entirely control.

Gently, he turned her around to face him and kissed her softly. Pulling away just enough to speak, he teased with a smirk, “What are you doing with that key? Or do you want the neighbors to have a front-row seat?”

She paused, slowly looking up at him, a wave of embarrassment taking over her. She chuckled at his sarcasm, trying to brush it off.

 Malik flashed a subtle smile and a wink, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before she turned to open the door. The moment it swung wide, he quickly stepped forward, his hand gripping her waist as he spun her back toward him. With a swift move, he used his foot to nudge the door shut.

They began kissing intensely, their hands eradicating each other’s clothing. Their love and attraction fueled every touch and caress as they moved close to the sofa. She was lost in his gentle aggression and loved it.

As their kiss deepened, Zora whispered, “Babe, what about Mazo? I have to pick her up from daycare at 6:30.”

He, gently lowering her onto the couch, whispered against her lips. “Don’t worry. I took care of it.” 

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Malik was six feet of mocha-brown smooth masculinity. His biceps and six-pack were sculpted, made for a fitness magazine. His hair was neatly trimmed in a tapered, low-cut fade, reminiscent of the Caesar style, with a dark, wavy texture. His manhood had expanded noticeably.

He gently repositioned her on his lap, entering her tightness, guiding her down slowly—their faces close, their hearts racing in unison. Her body fit so perfectly against his. Zora braced herself, placing her hand on his chest, feeling the solid strength of his muscles and the steady beat of his heart. They held each other close, their movement slow and tender. Zora’s breath heightened as she held him, their connection growing more profound with every moment.

Her body trembled from the overwhelming emotions that passed between them. Tilting her head back, she felt the depth of his love in every kiss he placed on her lips, her neck, and the gentle caresses on her breasts.

Her sighs were soft, filled with the vulnerability of giving herself entirely to him, craving his affection, his love.

Malik whispered in her ear, his voice warm and assured. “I love you so much.”

His words resonated with Zora powerfully, a sentiment she recognized all too well. She knew his love was not just words; it was in his actions—how he cared for her, his daughter, his family, and his friends. She reacted instinctively, pulling him closely and kissing him deeply as she felt the connection between them intensify—her breath caught in her chest, her heart racing in time with his. Everything else faded away at that moment, leaving only the raw, unspoken love they shared.

Tears welled in her eyes. The tender moment overwhelmed her with an extreme euphoria, and she breathed more heavily every second.

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Malik sighed deeply, completely immersed in her tightness, feeling his presence surrendering to her. They held each other, their bodies pressed close, every unfathomable movement filled with gentleness. As their love came down, their hearts beat in sync.

Zora’s body quivered with emotion—Malik holding her closely.

The air was rich with affection, and their quiet, shared breaths filled with the overwhelming power of their bond.

“Oh, my goodness,” she whispered breathlessly, resting her head on his shoulder, her arms around his neck. Malik maintained his embrace as they breathed in unison.

After a few moments, he felt her embrace tighten around him. “You okay, baby?” he lovingly asked.

Zora was emotional, desiring him to be back for good. Moments like this feel so real, as if they had never been apart.

“I’m okay,” she responded, still resting on his shoulder. Malik heard a tremor in her voice, sensing she was about to cry.

“Hey, look at me,” he urged gently. She hesitated but eventually lifted her head to meet his gaze.

“I’m okay, I promise,” she whispered, her voice shaky. Zora paused, her mind racing. “I just…”

Before she could finish her thought, Malik gently gripped both sides of her face and kissed her lips softly—her whole body was soon calm.

After their lips parted, he spoke caringly. 

“We won’t think about anything else except for this moment, okay?” He didn’t want to deviate from their connection.

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As she lay in his arms, Zora’s mind swirled with uncertainty. Could they truly rebuild what they once had, or was it all just a brief fantasy? She still believed in their love, but doubts crept in because of his workload. But in moments like this, she questioned if she could ever forgive herself for not being more patient with him due to his career demands.

**********

Some time had passed, and Zora woke up alone on the couch, wrapped in Malik’s t-shirt. As she went to get up, she noticed a neatly folded pink, moistened washcloth on the coffee table. The sudden recollection of him wiping her down before they dozed off almost brought tears to her eyes. She reminisced momentarily about his sweet gestures when they were together. The little things left a lasting impression in her heart, forever etched in her mind.

After a long sigh, she stood and walked into the kitchen, settling onto a barstool at the granite island. Malik stood at the stove, wearing only his boxer briefs, sipping a glass of iced coffee. Although he usually drank it on weekends or before flights, he often bought coffee pods in bulk for Zora from a warehouse in the city called Traditional Brew.

As he hustled around the kitchen, preparing his famous shrimp Alfredo pasta, Zora admired that muscular form and his cooking skills. His cooking was truly impressive, and she cherished his passion for it. 

“What’s up, beautiful?” he greeted, his voice warm as he leaned in to gently kiss her forehead. “I hope you’re hungry because you made daddy work for it,” he teased with a grin and a sexy wink.

She giggled, her nature cheerful and relaxed. “Yeah, and you worked mama out too, sir,” Zora countered, her smile wide.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Malik asked, his tone teasing.

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“No, honey, it was a good workout… trust me,” she said, her voice soft and full of affection.

He chuckled, walking around the counter to place her food in front of her.

“Do you want daddy to kiss it?” he asked, his voice playful as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, his lips grazing her neck softly.

“I’ll kiss it... just say the word,” he murmured, pressing another gentle kiss to her neck, his touch sending a warm sensation through her.

“Malik, stop it,” she whispered, pretending to pull away, though her body deceived her. He moved to the other side, his lips placing another gentle kiss on her neck.

“That’s what you want... me to stop?” he teased, his voice low with affection. “I’ll stop… tell me again,” he said, stirring with playful intent.

Her heart racing, Zora reached back, pulling him towards her lips, and they kissed deeply.

When they pulled away, she met his gaze, her voice barely above a whisper.

“No, I don’t want you to stop.”

Malik smiled but quickly shifted the mood. “Okay, right after you eat this grub. I didn’t slave over this stove for nothing, sexy lady,” he replied, giving her a playful tap on the thigh.

Zora laughed, covering her face with her hands, feeling embarrassed but completely charmed. “Oh, my goodness… You play too much!” she exclaimed, her laughter filling the room as he strutted back around the island, grabbing his plate to join her.

Sitting beside her, he caught her eye and winked, causing her to blush while plastering a big smile.

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He grabbed her hand and bowed his head, and Zora followed suit as he said a prayer over their food before they began eating. 

“This is delicious,” she exclaimed after the first bite, savoring the flavors with her eyes closed.

Malik, pleased by her satisfaction, smiled as he took another forkful of pasta.

At that moment, he remembered something important. “Oh yeah, you’re running low on groceries, and I used the last of the milk,” he mentioned casually.

“Yes, payday is coming up, so I’m restocking soon,” she reassured him. 

“Okay, cool... don’t forget the coconut milk and heavy cream. I want you to try my new curry chicken joint,” he added eagerly, rubbing his hands together. Zora blushed at his enthusiasm, knowing he wouldn’t disappoint.

He noticed her affectionately gazing at him, so he leaned in closer, initiating a kiss, and she responded eagerly, meeting his lips with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

“I love you, too,” she whispered after the kiss, her voice full of warmth. Malik gently brushed his finger across her cheek, smiling in return. They continued their meal, chatting and laughing for the next hour.

Later, they were settled on the couch, enjoying some of their favorite TV shows. He silenced his cell phone, focusing entirely on her and savoring each moment, knowing his hectic schedule would soon disrupt her peace. He wanted to protect it, but sometimes, it was inevitable—at least for now. Zora rested contentedly in his arms, laughing as they watched an episode of Martin.

In the early days of their relationship...

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After their first year together, Malik surprised Zora with the three-bedroom craftsman-style home, imagining a future where they would raise a family together in that very house. It symbolized their plans for a life built on love, stability, and success.

This home also reflected Malik’s journey into house-flipping, a venture he started with his best friend, Brayden, right after high school. Their success in the business led them to focus on obtaining licenses and building their realty company, safeguarding a sustainable future for both.

Over time, their social circles had naturally overlapped; Zora had introduced Brayden to one of her best friends, Brooklyn. The two groups grew closer as the years passed, further cementing the bond between Malik and Zora.

Current day...

After their TV shows ended, Malik reached for his shoes. “Babygirl, I appreciate you letting me spend some time with you.”

Zora quickly interrupted, her tone playful yet serious. “Hold on, Malik. What do you mean by appreciate? Could you not talk to me like we’re strangers? Sounds like you’re trying to friend-zone me.”

“Whoa, hold up, baby,” he replied, raising his hands with a dramatic gesture of surrender. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

She shot him a half-smile, her voice dripping with exaggerated sarcasm. “Just letting you know.”

Despite the teasing, she couldn’t shake the anxiety she always felt at this part of their visits—when he’d be leaving, headed back to his place, to work, or somewhere out of town.

“So, where are you off to next?” she asked, reaching for the remote to switch off the TV.

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“I’m hitting the gym for an hour, then I’ve got a conference call with Brayden tonight...

We’ve got some promising buyers for our recent flips, so we’re hoping to finalize a good offer with their agents,” he explained, shifting focus to the day ahead.

He reached for Zora’s hand, guiding her toward the front door. “We’re still on for family day Sunday evening, right?”

“Yes, babe. I wouldn’t dream of taking that away from Mazo. She knows that after Sunday church, Daddy takes us out to eat as a family,” she affirmed with a smile.

“Can I get a kiss?” Malik asked softly, wrapping his arms around her waist.

She nodded, and they shared a tender kiss. He gently caressed her cheek when they pulled apart, his gaze lingering on her. “I’ll see you later?”

“I hope so,” she replied, Zora’s smile lighting up.

Malik reached into his pocket to retrieve his wallet, then took her hand and placed some money in it. “Buy some groceries for the house, and don’t forget the coconut milk and cream,” he said, heading toward his car.

“Oh, and I’m calling my OG. He’ll be here Saturday morning to tackle this jungle of a yard,” he added, grinning.

Zora laughed and shouted after him, “Oh, you got jokes!”

He flashed her the peace sign with one hand while holding his phone to his ear with the other. She watched as he slipped into his silver Mercedes and drove off.   

Looking down at the $700 in her hand, Zora counted it twice, a grin spreading across her face. “Yes, Lord!” she said to herself, recognizing the urgent need for money to help alleviate some of her medical and credit card debts for this month.

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The same went for the mortgage—Malik faithfully pays it by managing to double the payment to $2,400 each month. Zora couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude, acknowledging how consistently Malik comes through for her. Now, she felt relieved knowing she wouldn’t have to dip into her paycheck to cover the inflated grocery expenses for the upcoming pay period.

She reached for her phone with a cheesy smile, ready to call a friend.