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Her shoulders dropped, and she shook her head, blinking fast. "I can’t believe you’re doing this," she whispered.

I exhaled. "I’m sorry, Gi. But I think we both knew this was goin’ to happen."

She didn’t say anything else. Didn’t even look at me again before she shuffled out of the door, slamming it behind her.

I glanced over at my mama, the look of disappointment shining bright in her eyes. It wasn’t a good feeling, but again, this was something that had to be done. For me, for my peace. And honestly, a sense of relief poured over me as I exhaled the breath I had been holding in.

It was done. And even with all the guilt weighing me down, deep down, I knew— This was how it was supposed to be. Even if Serenity wasn’t in the picture. My new life, my new journey—Gianna wasn’t supposed to be a part of it.

11

SERENITY

"Istill don’t see why I need all this," Creed muttered, standing in front of the floor-length mirror, shifting in his stance as the tailor took his measurements with careful precision.

I sat on a plush leather bench, watching him through the reflection, a small smirk playing on my lips and a complimentary glass of champagne in my hands; they didn’t care about the fact that they had handed a 19 year old alcohol, as long as the money cleared.

"Because Langston," I said smoothly, crossing my legs. "If you’re gonna be my date to my parents’ anniversary party, you need to look the part. And that means no sweats, no hoodies, and definitely no Jordans."

He gave me a flat look in the mirror. "What’s wrong with my Jordans?"

"Nothing, you know I love a good pair of 1s. But this ain’t that kind of event."

His light brown eyes held mine, but he didn’t argue further as the tailor continued pinning and adjusting the deep black TomFord suit that fit him like it was made just for him. Which, after tonight, it would be.

"Ain’t never had a suit like this before," he admitted rolling his shoulders as he glanced down at the sharp lapels, the gold silk tie, the way the fabric hugged every inch of him perfectly.

I bit my lip, my gaze drifting over him.

"Well, now you do."

His eyes met mine again, this time with something else behind them. Something that made heat creep up my neck.

"You didn’t have to do this, SB," he murmured.

I shrugged, leaning back against the bench. "I wanted to. You deserve to step into this world looking like you belong."

"I do belong," he said simply, rolling his sleeves before undoing the top button of the dress shirt.

I smirked tilting my head. "You do. But now, you’ll look the part too."

As the tailor finished up, I stood, adjusting the cuffs of Creed’s blazer before smoothing my hands down the lapels. "You clean up nice, Langston," I murmured.

He smirked. "Word?"

I nodded. "Mhm. And I can’t wait for you to meet my parents. Well… mostly my daddy."

His smirk faded slightly, his expression turning thoughtful. "What about your mama?"

I let out a breath, stepping back. "That’s… complicated."

He gave me a knowing look. "You still ain’t talked to her since Christmas?"

"Nope."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Baby… you gotta fix that."

"No, I don’t."