PART 10 - "Back Snatched, Baby Fed, and Boundaries Tested"
Six months later.
I wasn't just back -
I was reborn.
Nova was thriving, sleeping through the night, and already mimicking her daddy's smirk.
Devon and I were deeper in love than ever, and while the sleepless nights came with spit-up and lullabies, it was worth every second.
And me?
Let's just say the snapback was snatched tighter than the rumors about us.
I walked into the office in a mocha brown midi dress, hugged my curves like a velvet hug, paired with nude red bottoms, oversized Fendi sunglasses, and a fresh silk press that flowed like a black waterfall down my back.
And when I stepped through those doors?
Silence.
Gasp.
Envy in every corner.
Carl almost dropped his damn coffee.
"Whew," someone muttered. "Motherhood did not humble her."
Damn right it didn't.
Scene: Office Buzz
The company had changed in my absence.
There were new interns, fresh faces, and whispers of a promotion.
Apparently, the board had been circling my name for months - Creative Director.
Not "assistant." Not "manager."
Director.
But nothing could've prepared me for who walked into the boardroom that day.
Jordan.
Devon's childhood best friend.
6'4", rich bronze skin, locs pulled into a loose bun, and a laugh that could warm cold coffee.
He was fine in a whole different frequency - like jazz mixed with trap beats.
And apparently, he was now the new VP of Global Projects.
And he hugged Devon like they never skipped a beat.
Scene: Tension Sparks
From the moment Jordan laid eyes on me, his smile shifted.
Devon did the introductions. "This is my queen. My fiancée."
Jordan took my hand. "Now this is what you didn't tell me about."
I smirked. "Some things are better seen in person."
Devon laughed, but something tightened in his jaw.
Scene: Private Elevator
Two days later, the tension boiled over.
I had a private meeting with Jordan about a creative rollout.
The door closed.
Silence.
He leaned against the railing and looked me up and down. "You're not what I expected."
"Meaning?"
"You're more. Much more."
I blinked. "I'm also taken. Engaged. Mother of his child."
He chuckled, slow and dangerous. "That never stopped Devon in college."
I stepped forward.
"See, the difference between me and whatever flings y'all had back then - I don't compete. I own. So unless you're here to pitch a project, don't get caught playing in puddles when I'm the whole ocean."
His lips parted, stunned.
Elevator opened.
Devon was standing there.
Scene: Devon's Office - Door Slammed Shut
He was livid.
"I didn't know he'd say that. He's crossing lines."
"He's testing your limits. But I'm not the one being tested."
His eyes burned. "I'll shut it down."
I crossed the room, wrapped my arms around his waist. "Do it quietly. Let him see what loyalty looks like when he can't steal it."
Scene: The Office Gala - Two Weeks Later
The company threw a formal gala at a rooftop club downtown. Black tie. Red carpet. Champagne dreams.
I wore a floor-length crimson gown, slit to the hip, dipped low in the back. My skin glowed like honey-lit fire.
Devon wore black-on-black velvet, gold chain, and that custom Tom Ford cologne that made women tremble.
We walked in like headlines.
Jordan showed up with some actress no one knew. And the way he watched us from across the room?
Pure defeat.
But the best part?
Carl stood on stage and announced:
"After board review, we are thrilled to announce our new Creative Director…
Leprinthinya Wilkins."
The room erupted.
And when I kissed Devon in front of everyone, hand on his chest, hips pressed to his…
There was no confusion.
This empire? Built. Together.