Playing for Keeps

Turning the Page

Imani POV

The familiar hum of the cafe surrounds us as I sit across from my father, a cool fruit smoothie in hand. It's the same spot we've been coming to since I was a teenager back when I'd tag along to his meetings just to feel important. But now, I sit here as a woman, a mother to be, and as someone who just won a case that should have never needed to happen in the first place.

My dad gives me a proud smile as he slides a folder across the table. "It's official," he says. "Bella won't be working in medicine again anytime soon."

I exhale slowly, staring at the document that confirms the lawsuit is closed. The weight of the past few months the invasion of privacy, the stress, the uncertainty starts to ease, but it still lingers like a dull ache.

"She really did all of this for what?" I murmur, shaking my head. "What did she think was going to happen?"

My father leans back, studying me like he's assessing how much of this I'm still carrying. "Some people let their jealousy make them reckless. But it's over now. And you did everything right, Imani."

I nod, tracing the rim of my smoothie cup. "It just... it drained me. Having my pregnancy exposed before I was ready, dealing with the media, going through this lawsuit while trying to protect my peace it was a lot."

He reaches across the table, covering my hand with his. "I know, sweetheart. But standing up for yourself? For your family? That was necessary. You didn't just win a lawsuit; you set a boundary. You protected your career, your future. Your child."

Something in my chest tightens at the mention of my baby. My baby. The one growing inside me, the one I'm already fiercely protective of.

"The court awarding you damages wasn't just about punishing Bella," he continues. "It's about making sure people understand that actions like hers have real consequences. She tried to humiliate you, and instead, she lost everything. You? You walked away with your name, your dignity and a six figure settlement."

His words settle something deep inside me. My father has always been my protector, but this moment feels different. Like he's seeing me as more than just his little girl. Like he knows I can protect myself now.

I let out a shaky breath. "I just wish she hadn't put me in this position to begin with."

"You can keep holding onto that anger," he says gently. "Or you can let it go and move forward."

I swallow hard, nodding. "I'm trying."

He squeezes my hand. "That's all you need to do."

By the time I get home, exhaustion is clinging to me like a second skin. I drop my bag

by the door and kick off my heels, already craving the comfort of my bed. But before I can take another step, I hear Sebastian's voice from the living room.

"Come here, baby."

I turn the corner and see him sprawled out on the couch, his long legs stretched out, his gaze warm and inviting. There's something different about the way he's looking at me like he already knows today took everything out of me and he's been waiting to put me back together.

I sigh and walk toward him, letting him pull me into his lap. His strong arms wrap around me, his hands resting on my belly as if it's second nature now.

"Tired?" he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my shoulder.

I nod, sinking into his embrace. "More like drained. It's finally over, though."

He doesn't say, I told you so, or remind me that he wanted to handle things himself in the beginning. He just holds me tighter. "I'm proud of you, Imani. You fought for yourself and our baby."