Page 25

NIKOLAI

T araji sits at her desk, trying to focus on work, but the lingering effects of Nikolai’s phone call and the confrontation with Jerome weigh heavily on her mind. She glances at Keisha, who’s busy sketching designs, but her friend’s usual vibrancy seems muted.

“Are you okay?” Keisha asks, sensing Taraji’s anxiety.

“I don’t know,” Taraji admits, biting her lip. “Nikolai is acting strange, and I can’t shake the feeling that something is off.”

Keisha raises an eyebrow. “Did he say anything about Jerome? You know he won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Just then, Taraji’s phone buzzes again. It’s a message from Nikolai.

“I need to see you. Meet me at the café.”

“Okay”

Taraji rises from her desk, trying to shake off her unease.

As she enters the café, she spots Nikolai at a corner table, his expression serious. He looks up as she approaches, but his eyes betray a storm brewing beneath the surface.

“Hey, baby girl,” he greets her, trying to soften the atmosphere. “I’m glad you came. ”

“Is everything okay?” Taraji asks, her heart racing. “You sounded… intense on the phone.”

He hesitates, searching for the right words. “I need you to trust me, Taraji. Things with Jerome have escalated.”

“What do you mean?” she asks, feeling a knot form in her stomach.

“I took care of it. He won’t be a problem anymore,” he says, his voice steady but lacking warmth.

Taraji’s eyes widen in shock. “What did you do, Nikolai? I told you I didn’t want your help!”

“It’s not about that,” he insists, his tone firm. “It’s about protecting you. He was using your past against you, trying to ruin your career.”

“I can handle myself!” Taraji retorts, frustration spilling over. “I thought we were in this together, but you keep making decisions without me.”

Nikolai leans closer, his eyes intense. “I did what I had to do. I won’t let anyone threaten you again.”

Taraji recoils slightly, feeling a mix of fear and anger. “You can’t just take matters into your own hands like this! It’s not right!”

“I did this for us, Taraji. For our future,” he replies, his voice softening, but she can see the conflict in his eyes.

“No I cant. No” she turns around and walks out of the cafe and heads straight home.