Page 49 of The Black Wife Blessing

I wipe at my eyes. "Because what if I'm wrong about Henry? What if I'm just seeing what I want to see?"

"Honey," Celia says, "that man looks at you like you hung the damn moon. That's not fake."

Something shifts inside me—a tiny crack in the wall I've built around my heart.

"You're not alone in this," Olivia adds. "Not with Benjamin, not with Henry, not with any of it. We've got you."

I sit with Olivia and Celia's words echoing in my mind as they continue unpacking containers of food. The familiar aromas ground me, reminding me of kitchens where I've always felt most like myself. Most in control.

"You're right," I finally say, straightening up against my pillows. "I've been letting Benjamin dictate my choices even when he's not in the room."

"Damn straight." Celia nods, handing me another napkin. "That man's had real estate in your head rent-free for too long."

I take a deep breath, feeling something shift inside me—like puzzle pieces clicking into place. "I'm tired of being afraid. I'm tired of waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Olivia asks, her eyes fixed on mine.

"Stop running, for one thing." I pick up my fork again, stabbing a piece of chicken with newfound determination. "Henry deserves better than me pushing him away because I'm scared."

Celia's face breaks into a wide smile. "Now we're talking."

"He loves you, you know," Olivia says quietly. "That's not part of any arrangement or deal you made. The way he looks at you when you're not watching..."

"Girl, that man is gone for you," Celia adds. "And from what I can see, you feel the same way."

Blood rushes to my ears, but I don't deny it. "I do. And that terrifies me."

"Good things should scare you a little," Olivia squeezes my hand. "It means they matter."

I think about Henry—his unwavering support, his fierce protectiveness, the way he makes me feel both safe and exhilarated. The thought of pushing him away now makes my chest ache.

"I don't want him to walk away," I admit softly. "I just don't want him to get hurt because of me."

"That's his choice to make," Celia says firmly. "And from where I'm sitting, he's already made it."

I nod, feeling a new resolve hardening within me. Benjamin may have tampered with my brakes, but I won't let him sabotage my future anymore. I have people in my corner now—not just Olivia and Celia, but Henry too.

And for the first time in years, I'm ready to fight not just for my career or my independence, but for love too.

I pick at the coconut rice pudding, savoring the sweet comfort it brings. My hospital room feels more like a gathering place now with Olivia and Celia here, their presence chasing away the sterile loneliness.

"By the way," Olivia says, leaning in close, "I overheard Leo on the phone with the lawyers yesterday." She raises an eyebrow meaningfully. "Those Blackwood men are not playing around with Benjamin."

My spoon pauses halfway to my mouth. "What do you mean?"

"I mean they're going to bury him." Olivia's voice is low but firm. "Leo was talking about restraining orders, harassment charges, attempted vehicular homicide—the works. And they've got connections with the DA's office."

"Henry didn't tell me all that," I murmur, feeling a strange mix of relief and apprehension wash over me.

Celia snorts. "Of course he didn't. Your man's trying not to worry you while you're laid up in here." She gestures to my ankle. "But trust me, that family protects their own. And like it or not, Mrs. Blackwood, that includes you now."

Mrs. Blackwood. The name still feels foreign on my tongue, even after all these weeks of pretending. Except it doesn't feel like pretending anymore.

"They've got investigators documenting everything," Olivia continues. "The text messages, the restaurant vandalism, your brake lines—it's all evidence. Leo said they're building an airtight case."

I sink back against my pillows, letting this information settle over me. For years, Benjamin made me feel powerless, like I was always one step behind him. But now...

"You know what's weird?" I say, setting my pudding aside. "I actually believe Benjamin can't hurt me anymore."

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