Page 10 of I See You

Ariel, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.

She was preppy, polished, and as bougie as they came. With her smooth caramel complexion, hazel eyes, and long, bouncy curls, she had been born into wealth and wore it proudly. But the difference between her and the women sitting across from her?

Ariel had never worked for anything a day in her life. She lived off daddy’s money. She loved living off daddy’s money. And while Sevyn and Dorian had been grinding since they were old enough to stand on their own, Ariel had thrived in her dependence, never having to hustle for the things they had fought for.

That’s why Dorian never fucked with her. And this right here? This exact moment? Was exactly why.

"I'm just gonna go. I have to get back to work anyway," Ariel muttered, grabbing her purse.

Sevyn didn’t stop her.

Truthfully, she didn’t feel like dealing with her right now. Ariel’s comments had thrown her off, and the more she sat with them, the more they rubbed her the wrong way.

"That’s the smartest shit your ass said all day," Dorian quipped, leaning back in her chair with a smirk.

Sevyn shot her a look, silently telling her to chill.

Ariel hesitated for a moment before glancing back at her. "I am really happy for you, Sevyn. Despite what I said."

Sevyn didn’t respond.

She was still trying to process what Ariel had just said—what she had implied.

A moment later, Ariel walked off, and as soon as she was out of sight, it was like the whole room felt lighter.

Dorianexhaled,shakingherhead."Youneedtowatchthatbitch. Something about her ass is off." Sevyn didn’t respond right away.

Instead, she focused on the warm plate placed in front of her, the sweet aroma of honey-glazed salmon, creamy mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts hitting her nose instantly.

Herstomachgrowled,andsuddenly,whateverirritationlingeredfrom Ariel's words began to fade.

"That’s just Ariel, Dorian," Sevyn said, cutting into her salmon and taking a bite, the burst of flavor making her hum in satisfaction.

Dorian scoffed, grabbing her fork. "Well, Ariel was about to get her ass beat if she didn’t shut the fuck up."

Sevyn let out a chuckle, shaking her head.

Dorian laughed too, the tension between them dissolving just like that.

The rest of lunch went the way it always did—filled with laughter, conversation, and the kind of love only two people who had been through everything together could share.

???

Sevyn walked through the grand entrance of her home, the weight of a long day settling into her bones. The tension that had built up over the past few weeks had finally eased a little, thanks to a much-needed massage she and Dorian indulged in after lunch.

Her celebratory lunch date had gone a little south—thanks to Ariel—but like always, she and her cousin found a way to turn it around, laughter and good energy making the rest of the day worthwhile.

Still, work had been nonstop.

The therapy clinic was picking up more clients by the day, and since she was one of the most recommended cognitive behavioral therapists in Memphis, her schedule was always packed. But she loved it. Helping people heal, guiding them to a better mental space, giving them a second chance at life—that’s what brought her the most joy.

As she walked deeper into the large home she shared with her boyfriend, Braxton, the sharp click of her Louboutin heels echoed against the marble floors.

The house was quiet.

Braxton had already told her earlier that he’d be working late. The firm had assigned him a high-profile case, one that had him buried in work, determined to clean up the streets of Memphis.

Sevyn was used to it.

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