Chapter 1

Staying Connected

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.

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.

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 smiled to herself.

Oh my goodness... this man.

Looking back...

Despite their romantic history, Zora and Malik maintained a friendship after their breakup, held together by their love for Mazo and their commitment to raising her together.

When they first got together, Malik took pride in providing for her, reflecting his father’s example. He made sure she was always taken care of.

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

However, once Malik completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture 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 complete his master’s in architecture in six years rather than eight, Zora still grew resentful in the long run.

Nonetheless, he excelled as a father, ensuring his child had financial support so that Zora never had 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.

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.

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.’

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.”