Page 9 of Certified Pressure 4
That was my child through and through. Stubborn, proud and impossible to move once he made up his mind. I could have argued, but I didn’t. Not because I agreed, but because I respected his spirit. He had almost died, yet he still spoke like a man who owned the world. I admired that.
“If you insist on leaving,” I said quietly, “you’ll do it my way. You’ll have private doctors on call twenty-four hours a day, and security will remain close. No one outside this family will get near you or Pluto.”
He nodded, though I could see the frustration behind his eyes. “Fine, Ma. Whatever you say.”
I sat back, studying him for a moment. The silence between us spoke louder than words ever could. Finally, I said, “I know it was her.”
His gaze dropped, but he didn’t deny it. I had already read everything I needed to know from the look in his eyes a day ago.
“She wasn’t caught on any of the hospital cameras,” I continued evenly, “but I had the footage from your mansion pulled the same night. She went inside holding a gun. Less than thirty minutes later, she came out with luggage and disappeared. I don’t need anyone to tell me what that means.”
He sighed deeply, pressing his lips together like he wanted to say something but couldn’t.
“I don’t need you to confirm it, Pressure,” I said softly, smoothing the blanket over his arm. “I know my son, and I know when he’s protecting someone he shouldn’t be.”
He stayed quiet, and his silence told me everything I needed to know.
For a moment, I just watched him. My son looked so much like Kojo when he was younger, from the same strong features, and the same commanding presence even while lying down. He was my living reflection of every decision we had ever made. And yet, the sight of him like this made me feel small for the first time in my life. I had power across nations, but I could not protect my own child from a woman’s heartbreak.
He looked at me finally. “Where Pluto and my baby at?”
“They’ll be here in a minute,” I said. “Pluto was feeding the baby. The nurse said he’s doing well.”
He nodded, his voice lowering. “Good.”
When the door opened, the light shifted, and Pluto walked in slowly with the baby cradled in her arms. Her steps were careful, her body still weak from giving birth, but there was strength inher eyes. Three days old, and Prestyn Mensah already owned every soul in this room.
Right beside her walked little Zurie, her small hand holding onto Pluto’s gown. She was glowing with joy, her tiny braids bouncing as she spotted Pressure. “My P!” she squealed.
Pressure smiled at her, that soft half-smile that only she could bring out of him. “My Z.”
Pluto laughed gently. “Zurie, you can’t jump on him. He’s hurt.”
Zurie froze and giggled, her hands clasped behind her back as she stared at Pressure. He reached out slowly, his fingers wrapped in bandages, and touched her cheek. She leaned into his hand without fear, smiling so wide it made my heart warm.
I stood up and walked toward them. My gaze fell on Prestyn first. His small face peeked out from the blanket, his eyes half open as if the world was already too bright for him. His little fingers curled tight around the edge of the fabric. I leaned down and pressed my lips to his forehead. “Hello, my beautiful boy,” I whispered. “I love you, my little light.”
Pluto smiled, tired but grateful. “He loves being held, Omá.”
“I can tell,” I said softly, brushing a finger down his cheek, before retrieving him from Pluto’s arms.
Then I turned to Zurie. “And what about you, my darling? Are you being good for your sister?”
Zurie nodded proudly. “Yes, Omá. But I’m hungry.”
I smiled faintly. “We’ll fix that. When we get home, I’ll have the chef make whatever your heart desires.”
She clapped her hands, excited, and I couldn’t help but chuckle softly. She had become family in every sense of the word. That child had been through more than most adults ever would, and yet she carried light wherever she went. I loved her as if she were my own grandchild.
I looked back at my son. He was staring at Pluto now, the two of them locked in their own world. Their love was complicated, and fragile, but it was real. It had survived the kind of chaos that broke most people in half. I saw the way he looked at her and the way she looked back, and I knew that whatever battles lay ahead, they would face them together.
I leaned forward and kissed the top of Prestyn’s head again, then handed him gently back to Pluto. “Zurie and I will step out for a bit,” I said. “You two need a moment.”
Pressure nodded, his eyes softening. “Thank you, Ma.”
I touched his shoulder and met his gaze. “Get your strength back, son. Then get your house in order.”
He understood exactly what I meant.
