Page 42

CREED

T he moment the private jet touched down in Antigua, I knew this trip was either going to fix everything or break us apart for good.

Antigua was paradise, no doubt about that. From the moment we stepped off the plane, the warm, salty breeze wrapped around us like a welcome embrace. The sun was just starting to set, painting the sky in shades of burnt orange, deep purple, and gold.

Serenity stood a few feet ahead of me, holding Cree close to her chest, while Gio clutched her leg, his big brown eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. Next to them, Ms. Trina, Gio’s nanny, adjusted her purse strap as she took in the sight of the island.

I glanced down at my son, ruffling his soft curls. "You ready for vacation big man?"

Gio looked up at me with a toothy grin. "Yeah! We go beach, Daddy?"

I chuckled. "Yeah, lil’ man, we gon’ hit the beach first thing tomorrow."

Serenity turned her head toward us, giving Gio a warm smile before kneeling down to his level. "We have a whole week of fun planned, baby."

He giggled and wrapped his arms around her neck, still as attached to her as ever. And that? That alone made this whole thing even more complicated.

I wasn’t just fighting for her anymore. I was fighting for my family.

The ride to the villa was quiet, but not uncomfortable. It was more like we were all taking in the scenery—the winding roads lined with tall palm trees, the glimpses of white-sand beaches, the smell of salt and hibiscus flowers floating through the air.

When we pulled up to the villa, I was the first one out, offering my hand to Serenity as she carefully stepped down from the SUV with Cree in her arms.

Gio, still buzzing with energy, reached for my hand. "Daddy, what dis place?"

I crouched next to him, nodding toward the sprawling oceanfront property before us. "This our home for the week, big man."

His eyes widened. "Wow!" And yeah, I had to agree.

The villa was straight out of a dream. A modern, beachfront estate nestled along the white sand shores of Jumby Bay.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls framed the open-concept living space, showcasing panoramic views of the ocean stretching out into forever.

The infinity pool sparkled in the moonlight, and beyond that was our own private stretch of beach.

Inside, every inch of the place screamed luxury—from the high ceilings with exposed wooden beams to the soft cream and beige tones that balanced the airy, open feel of the space.

A gourmet kitchen, a sunken living room, a sprawling outdoor terrace, and five bedrooms, each with their own view of the ocean.

Ms. Trina let out a low whistle as she walked inside. "Well, I be damned… y’all livin’ good, huh?"

I smirked, setting down my bags. "Something like that."

Serenity shook her head, amused. "Something like that?" She turned to Trina. "Don’t let him fool you, Ms. Trina. This place is insane."

Trina gave a hum of approval before ushering Gio toward the kitchen for a snack, giving me and Serenity a second alone.

I watched her as she slowly walked toward the open balcony doors, staring out at the waves. She held Cree close, rocking her gently.

For a moment, I let myself imagine it—the four of us living like this for real. No drama, no doubts, no distance. Just… us.

But I knew better.

This trip? It was temporary.

And Serenity? She was already gone in her mind.

That night, after Gio was asleep in his room and Ms. Trina had settled in for the evening, Serenity and I sat outside on the terrace. Cree was down for the night too, giving us a rare moment of peace.

I had a private chef prepare something light—fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and a bottle of wine for Serenity.

She picked at her plate, sipping her wine slowly, her face turned toward the ocean breeze.

For the next hour, we ate and talked—just like old times. It was effortless. Natural. We fell into the same rhythm we always did, joking, reminiscing, laughing about the way Gio ran straight into the ocean earlier before Trina had to chase after him.

But under all of that?

I could still feel the tension simmering.

Because no matter how much we tried to pretend like this was normal, we both knew… it wasn’t.

After dinner, she grabbed another glass of wine and went out onto the balcony. I let her have a moment before following.

She was standing there, staring out at the waves crashing against the shore, the moonlight glowing against her skin.

When she felt me behind her, she sighed.

"Creed," she started softly. I already knew where this was going.

"Don’t," I said, shaking my head. "Not tonight."

"Creed…" She turned to face me; her eyes full of emotion. "We have to talk about it."

I clenched my jaw, exhaling hard through my nose.

"I know," I admitted. "I just… I don’t wanna hear you say it."

"Say what?"

"That you’re leaving," I muttered. "That you’re gonna take my daughter and move to another state. That you’re done with me for good."

She sighed, looking frustrated now.

"I never said I was taking her from you," she said. "And I never said I was done with you for good."

I scoffed. "You don’t have to. It’s written all over you, Serenity."

Her shoulders slumped and she dragged her fingers through her hair.

"I don’t want this to be a fight," she whispered.

I closed my eyes for a second, trying to calm my shit down.

"I know," I said eventually. "I just… I don’t get it SB. We’re good. We’ve been good."

"That’s the problem," she said softly.

I frowned. "What?"

She licked her lips, shaking her head like she was struggling to put it into words.

"We can’t just ignore what happened," she finally said. "I can’t pretend like it didn’t change things between us. You cheated on me Creed. And even though I know it wasn’t just about that…it still broke me."

My stomach clenched painfully.

"I’ve done everything I could to fix it," I said, my voice hoarse.

"I know," she said quickly. "And I see it. But I still need time."

I swallowed hard.

I wanted to be selfish. I wanted to tell her that love was enough. That we could work through this. That she didn’t need to go anywhere. But…I couldn’t. Because deep down, I knew she was right.

After a long pause, she reached for my hand, threading her fingers through mine. "I still love you, so fuckin much." she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. I felt my chest tighten. "But I have to love me, too," she added.

I sighed, pressing my forehead against hers.

"But just know," I murmured, "This ain’t over."

She didn’t answer. She just let me pull her into my arms and we stood there, wrapped in each other, knowing that when this trip ended…Everything would change.

The morning breeze rolled in off the ocean, warm and crisp, carrying the scent of salt and sun-heated sand. The waves crashed gently in the distance, the sound mixing with Gio’s laughter as he ran through the soft sand, his tiny legs kicking up little clouds of dust.

Trina, standing a few feet ahead in her flowy dress and wide-brimmed hat pretended to run slow just to let him think he was catching her.

"I get you, Tee-Tee! I get you!" Gio squealed, his voice high and excited as he stomped after her.

Trina let out a dramatic gasp, turning just in time for Gio to barrel into her legs. She scooped him up with ease, smothering his chubby cheeks with kisses as he shrieked in protest.

I sat back in a lounge chair, my feet buried in the sand, baby Cree sleeping soundly on my chest. Her tiny fingers curled and uncurled against my skin, her breathing soft and steady.

I still couldn’t believe she was here. Every time I looked at her, felt her, I was reminded that she was something Serenity and I created out of love, even if our love was uncertain now.

I glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps.

Serenity was making her way down from the villa, wearing one of those silky-ass cover-ups over her bikini, her curls piled on top of her head.

In a short amount of time her body was slowly getting back to normal.

Only her wide hips remained. And believe me, the extra cushion was definitely appreciated.

"Morning," she said, her voice still laced with sleep as she sank down into the chair next to me.

I smirked. "Tired?"

She shot me a look. "Gee, I don’t know, Langston. Could be the two-month-old or it could be whatever the hell you did to me last night."

I chuckled low adjusting Cree so I could reach for Serenity’s hand. Last night was...everything. I knew she was still leaving, still planning her life without me, but in that moment she let me love her—like I was still hers. Like she still wanted me.

Later that evening, I surprised Serenity with a private dinner in town. We left Trina, Cree, and Gio back at the villa and took a small boat ride across the water; the sky painting shades of deep purple and orange as the sun set.

The restaurant was tucked along the shore, candlelit and intimate; the sound of waves lapping against the docks in the background.

Serenity looked around, taking it all in. "This is beautiful, Creed."

"Only the best for you, beautiful." She rolled her eyes, but I saw the smile tug at her lips as she took her seat across from me.

Dinner was easy, like old times. We talked, we laughed.

She caught me up on everything Gio had been saying about his new "sissa". How he had pretended to burp Cree the other day just like I do. How he tried to feed her his chicken nuggets and got mad when she didn’t eat them.

I could listen to her talk all damn day.

I wanted this—this energy, this peace—every day.

As we were leaving the restaurant, music pulled her in before I even realized what was happening. The heavy bass of Caribbean drums, the sweet hum of a steelpan, voices singing along to the rhythm had her hooked instantly.

Serenity turned toward the sound, eyes lighting up. "We are absolutely going in there."

I smirked watching the excitement spread across her face. "You really trying to dance?" I teased.

She raised an eyebrow. "You scared?"

I chuckled, taking her hand. "Let’s go, Bradshaw."

Inside, the club was alive, packed with bodies swaying to the beat.

The air was thick with heat and rum, energy pulsing from the dance floor.

Serenity wasted no time. She grabbed my hands, pulling me into the music, rolling her hips against me with that effortless confidence that always drove me crazy.

I let her take the lead at first, but then I stepped in, gripping her waist, pulling her closer, guiding her movements with mine.

She gasped softly, her fingers gripping my forearm. "Creed?—"

"Hmm?" I murmured, dipping my head to her ear, my hands firm on her hips.

"You start something, you better be ready to finish it," she warned.

I smirked. "You act like I won’t." Her eyes flickered up to mine, full of something dark and teasing, and that was it. Game over.

The boat ride back was tense—thick with unspoken words and heated glances. Hands brushing but not quite touching, breaths heavy with anticipation. By the time we got inside, our hands were already on each other, mouths crashing, clothes falling piece by piece.

We started at the glass balcony, the moonlight casting shadows on her golden skin, my hands gripping her hips as we moved in sync, lost in each other. Then we made it inside, tangled in silk sheets, gasping for air, forgetting everything but the way we felt together.

Hours later, Serenity lay curled against my chest, her fingers tracing soft, lazy patterns across my skin. I pressed a kiss to her forehead, holding her close. I knew. I fucking knew. This wouldn’t change anything. She was still leaving. But for now, I let myself pretend she was mine again.