Before I get into it, y'all remember Naala has SERIOUS mental health issues, so keep that in mind whilst reading this chapter. This is a mini trigger warning x

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I woke up to the feeling of warmth between my legs. I slowly opened my eyes and saw Amir staring back at me while he flicked his tongue up and down my clit. When I realised what he was doing I sat up.

"You don't listen," I huffed trying to move him from in between my legs.

"I'm just showing my appreciation," He said kissing the inside of my thighs. I bit my lip as he made his way back between my legs.

"Stop," I moaned as he sucked on my clit softly. He knew what he was doing but it had been so long, I needed this.

I gripped the sheets tightly as he continued to eat me out like I was his last meal.

"Shit," I cursed as the familiar feeling building up in my stomach. My legs started to shake as I tried to get out of his grip. He held my thighs tighter and looked at me.

"Stop running." He grumbled, my juices running down his beard. I ignored his ass and rode out my orgasm.

"Good morning," He smiled and tried to lean in for kiss but I dodged it.

"You didn't hear anything I said last night?" I sucked my teeth getting out of the bed, trying to stop myself from shaking.

"You're still my wife," Amir said getting up and following me into the bathroom.

"Does Kodi know that?" I asked sitting on the toilet. His dumb ass thought I was clueless, I knew he was fucking Kodi especially when I put him out.

"That's not her business," He said mugging me. I laughed before shaking my head.

"You're the worst man I've ever come across,"

I replied finishing up on the toilet. "You're truly the worst,"

"Worst than the man that beat your ass?" Amir said grabbing my arm.

I looked at him and couldn't help but slap him across the face. He didn't react so I hit him again, this time my wedding ring cut his lip. All the built up rage I had came out at the point because I was beating his ass.

"Stop fucking punching me," He said gripping my arms tightly.

"I hate you," I screamed hitting his chest repeatedly. "I hate you so much. Go and fuck other bitches and get out of my house,"

"Naala chill out," Amir said trying to restrain me. The look of him was making me physically sick.

"You know you don't hate me," He said pulling me into him, my chest going up and down fast from my heavy breathing.

"You'on hate me baby," He whispered into my ear as I finally relaxed and let out the tears I was holding back.

"Why can't I leave you? What are you doing to me?" I cried into his chest, I hated him. With everything in me, I despised him. He was everything Darnell was; the only difference was that he pretended to love me.

"I'm not doing anything, you've been taking your meds?" Amir questioned making me shake my head. I couldn't take those anymore, they made me weak.

"You gotta stop doing that Love, where are they?" He said loosening his grip but not entirely.

"I flushed them," I said to him, "I think better without them,"

"No you don't," He sighed. "I worry about you, a lot,"

"You made me this way," I scoffed trying to get out of his hold.

"Listen to me Naala, you can fight me all you want but I am your husband. We are married and that's how it's gonna stay. I love you Naala, I don't know how many more ways I can tell you that."

"Okay," I said quietly. Maybe he was right, this is how it should stay. "But I want you to love me like I'm the only woman that exists but you don't,"

"Naala there ain't no one else in this world for me. All these other bitches don't have shit on you - there just a bit of pussy to me,"

"How many more?" I whispered closing my eyes.

"It was only one baby," Amir said rubbing my back. People may look at me and think I'm stupid but Amir really is the love of my life - the only man I will ever love.

"If I let you go, are you gonna hit me again?" He mumbled kissing my cheek lightly.

"No," I responded quietly making him release me from his hold. I leaned on the counter and wiped my face.

"I'm sorry, I should have kept my hands to myself," I said after a while of us just staring at each other. "I don't like when we fight," I gestured between us.

"But I can't live like this. I want our children to experience a loving household but not at my expense," I said my voice cracking again. "I live for them, never me but today I choose me."

"Here we go," Amir said scoffing. "Last night you wanted us to work on us, now you saying this."

I hated when he spoke to me that way, like my feelings didn't mean anything.

"Do you not understand that I didn't ruin this, you did." I replied. "I didn't cheat on you, I've never cheated on you. I've slept with 5 people my entire life, could you tell me how many bitches you've fucked?"

"I'm always the bad guy, you want a pass to cheat, I'll give it to you," He said sitting on the toilet seat.

"You are the bad guy!" I shouted back. I was sick and tired of him painting me out to be the one that ruined this family. Everyone behaved like I ruined this family but in reality I was killing myself to keep it together.

"Just tell the truth Naala, you never loved me," Amir responded angrily.

He knew what he was doing to me, without my meds I was easily led, easily manipulated.

"Don't say that, I do love you," I replied. "Amir what more do I have to give you? I gave you my body, my heart what more do you need? My soul? Tell me what more do you want? I'll do it" I said getting down in front of him.

"Your trust!" His voice boomed through the house. I know Malia would definitely be awake after that.

"I do trust you," I said in a questionable tone, "I trust you,"

"You don't give me anything Naala, I lost you" He said putting his hand up to my face.

"I'm still here," I replied softly holding his hands. What is wrong with me?

"But I gave you everything," I said my eyes watering again. These damn hormones were driving me crazy. I stood up and backed away from him.

"I did everything a wife could possibly do. I fucked you till the day I gave birth, I fed you, I ironed your dusty ass underwear because you didn't like when they were crinkled. I did all of this while mothering YOUR three children," I cried holding onto the counter behind me.

Amir sat there not saying a word. I guess my words hit a sore spot because he didn't speak, he just stared at me.

"You know I've lived life thinking I can't be without you, that I can't function without you in my life but I truly believe that without you, I would thrive." I spoke harshly, my mood suddenly changing. "You could die today and I would smile, because I would be free,"

"You don't mean it, you're bipolar is messing with you" He said standing up towering over me.

"Oh I mean it," I nodded. "Bipolar or not I lived without you once before I could do it again."

"You want me to die?" He asked with a hurt expression.

"If that's what will free me from this bondage," I replied carelessly not meaning it. Of course I didn't want him to die. I couldn't live without him even if I tried.

"Getting you back on those meds," Amir mumbled. Before I could reply, the baby started crying loudly.

"Go check on her, I'll start breakfast. I'm taking them shopping before the party" Amir said kissing my head.

"Did you not just hear what I said? I want you to die" I looked at him.

"I'm not sweating it, I know you don't mean it - I'ma call Dr Black though," He shrugged walking out of the bathroom.

"This nigga is crazy," I mumbled to myself shaking my head.

I fucked up letting him get another taste, now he won't leave me alone.

Maniya skipped down the stairs in a better mood than yesterday. She had finally broken things off with Tai and was ready to move on. She drew the line when he thought just because they fucked once that he had a right to have sex with her whenever he wanted.

She paused on the steps when she saw her dad, shirtless holding Saint and frying some eggs. The smirk on his face told her everything she needed to know - her mom had spread her legs for him once again.

Maniya wanted her parents together but she thought her mom was weak, she couldn't stand her ground for longer than a week. It was clear that her mom couldn't withstand her dad's sweet talking.

"Hey daddy," Maniya said making her presence known to Dave.

"Morning, eggs alright?" Dave asked bringing out some plates.

Maniya nodded, "Where's mama?" Dave dished out the food the best he could whilst holding Saint in one hand.

"Changing Phat," Dave responded. "How would you feel if I moved up here with y'all?"

"To Manhattan?" Maniya questioned. "I wouldn't mind I guess," Maniya shrugged. The thought of going from Brooklyn to Manhattan every other day was tiring.

"I found a spot not too far from here, I'm gonna take your mama to view it," Dave said turning to look at her.

"Why? She's not living there," Maniya responded taking the plate from the side.

"She's good at that shit," Dave said simply.

"Are you guys back together?" Maniya asked the question that had been floating around.

"No we're not," Naala said walking into the kitchen with Malia attached to her nipple.

"Put your titties away," Dave said scrunching up his face. Naala was only wearing a short black silk robe which was pulled down to leave her nipple out.

"Your daughters eating," Naala muttered before yawning. "I'm exhausted," She whined sitting on one of the comfy chairs she had in the kitchen.

Sinai came running down the steps with her hair all over the place.

"Damn what happened to you?" Maniya giggled. Sinai looked like she slept like a baby.

"Nothing," Sinai said rubbing her eyes. "Up daddy," She said lifting her hands.

"You're 6 years old Sinai," Naala said opening one eye to glare at her.

"Hmm," Sinai mumbled with attitude. "How come Saint always get held?"

"He's one Sinai, stop," Dave said in a warning tone. Sinai rolled her eyes and crawled into Maniya's lap putting her head in her neck.

"You're in a bad mood huh?" Maniya whispered to her. Sinai nodded and stuck her thumb in her mouth.

Dave shook his head and put a plate down for Sinai. She lifted her head up and thanked him.

"Do you want me to fix you a plate?" Dave asked standing over her. Naala nodded and sat back letting Malia carry on eating. Dave leaned down and kissed her lips making her turn her face but not before their lips touched. He turned her face back towards him and pecked her lips twice.

"Don't do that in front of them," Naala whispered moving his face away from hers. Maniya tried not to watch them but it was hard when they were locking lips right in front of her.

"I can't kiss you?" Dave smirked biting his lip.

"No," Naala blushed looking down at Malia, who was falling asleep.

"I love you," Dave said quietly taking in her features.

"I love you too," Naala said making him smile. He knew it was the fact that she wasn't herself that made her push him away. Dave truly believed that Naala didn't care that he cheated - she was infatuated with him.

That was one of the reasons he cheated, because he knew she would never leave, which was the truth. Naala would never leave Dave even if he brought Kodi into their home as his second wife.

Naala pulled her away from her nipple and wiped her mouth, bringing her up onto her shoulder. Dave brought the plate over and cut her a piece of sausage feeding it to her.

"I'm going to the mall, y'all wanna come?" Dave asked Maniya and Sinai whilst he fed Naala her breakfast.

"I need to go to Bath and body works," Maniya piped up, "Mama you said you'll show me that spray you use," Maniya knew what she was doing, she wanted her parents to spend as much time together as possible, when they were together she didn't have to be her mom's rock, she could just live.

"I can send you a picture," Naala said swallowing a piece of sausage.

"Come mommy," Sinai added, "It will be fun, then we can go to my favourite place!"

"Yeah come mommy," Dave said flirtatiously. Naala rolled her eyes,

"Me and Bri have to go to the venue first," Naala said before sipping the apple juice Dave held up to her lips.

"You want me to come?" Dave asked pausing.

"If you want to," Naala replied quietly, she was tired and if he was gonna help with Malia then she didn't mind.

"Maniya you okay taking your sister to the mall?" Dave asked looking at Maniya.

"If she listens to me," Maniya responded,

"She'll listen to you," Dave said sternly. Naala yawned and lifted Malia up.

"Mmm," She said handing her to Dave. "I'm gonna have a nap,"

Dave nodded and turned his attention to Malia. "Hey princess, you gon' roll with daddy today huh?"

"Hold her head up, why've I always got to remind you?" Naala fussed taking Malia out of his arms. "I gotta do every damn thing,"

"You've pissed her off now," Maniya said once Naala left the kitchen with an attitude. Sinai went back into her room, to get herself ready.

"Man ain't nobody sweating your mama's attitude," Dave waved Maniya off pulling the remote out of Saint's hand.

"Then we she kick you out, you cry," Maniya laughed leaving the room.

"Boy if you don't -" Dave bucked at him when he started crying loudly.

"Leave my baby alone!" Naala shouted from the top of the stairs. "Papa come here," She called for him.

Saint looked at Dave and back at Naala, "Ion know how you think he's gon get up them stairs," Dave laughed putting the remote control back down on the table.

"Amir pick him up and bring him, he's crying," Naala said with a sigh,

"You come get him," Dave said sitting back on the couch pulling his phone out his pocket.

"Ooo I hate him so much," Naala muttered to herself as she walked off towards Malia's nursery.

When she put the baby down, she closed the door slightly and walked tiredly back down the stairs.

"Come on Papa," She said picking up a crying Saint. Dave was still scrolling on his phone ignoring Saint's cries.

"I'm not doing this on my own Amir, I promise you I'm not. So if you want us to stay married, you'll act like I didn't make these babies on my own." Naala said softly, she was too tired to argue with him.

"Stop fussing," Dave said looking up. "He's spoilt, he only cries cuz you pick him up,"

"But he's a baby," Naala responded. Dave tutted and stood up towering over her.

"I'm sorry aight, next time I'll pick him up," Dave said sincerely.

"Thank you." Naala muttered passing Saint to him. "You hear that Papa, he's gonna be nice from now on,"

"Go get ready," Dave said nudging her into the direction of the stairs.

"You just wanted to touch my ass," Naala said looking back at him.

"Damn right I did," Dave mumbled to himself. Pregnancy definitely did a number on Naala's body and even though she hated the extra weight, he loved it.

~~

Maniya held onto Sinai's hand tightly as they navigated through the mall. Bruce, their new security trailed behind them under Dave's orders. He was holding their shopping bags and keeping an eye out for any danger.

"Can we eat now?" Sinai groaned stopping in the middle of the walkway.

"Yeah what do you want?" Maniya agreed. She was also hungry,

"Chinese," Sinai pointed to the food court. Maniya nodded and then started to walk in that direction.

They approached the line for the Chinese food while Bruce stayed close behind.

"Can I get a number 5 please with a water and then a kids meal?" Maniya said to the cashier, knowing Sinai's order off by heart.

"What do you want to drink with the kids meal?" The cashier asked making Maniya look down at her sister.

"Juice or water Nai?" Maniya questioned Sinai who was barely paying any attention to the order.

"Juice," She perked up swinging their hands back and forth.

"Can I get a orange juice cartoon," Maniya told the lady before paying and walking to an empty table.

"Maniya?" A voice called out from behind them making both turn around.

"It's me, Taylor," Taylor said smiling. Maniya squinted and then recognised who it was.

"Hey girl," Maniya smiled back. Taylor went to the same school as Maniya and was quite a down to earth girl. She was quiet and didn't mess with anybody - Maniya's type of girl.

"I saw you and thought I'd come say hi," Taylor said taking a seat across from Maniya and Sinai. "Who's this pretty girl?"

"This is my baby sister, Nai say hi," Maniya said nudging Sinai. Sinai shyly waved and clung to her sister.

"How old are you? I have a baby sister too," Taylor said talking to Sinai.

"I'm 6," Sinai said quietly holding up 7 fingers. Taylor laughed and put one down for her.

"My sister is 6 too," Maniya looked over at Bruce who was sitting on the table beside them.

"You live around here?" Maniya asked making conversation whilst waiting for their food.

"Yeah by the Upper west side," Taylor nodded before sipping her Iced Frappe.

"Really? We just moved up there," Maniya said with a small smile,

"We can hangout some time if you want," Taylor suggested. She didn't have many friends and Maniya seemed like a cool girl to her.

"I can bring my sister too," Taylor added to include Sinai,

"I don't be having any friends girl so I'm down," Maniya shrugged bringing out her phone. "Put your number in,"

Taylor smiled and took the phone, "I'm surprised you're not with your boyfriend,"

"He wasn't my boyfriend," Maniya said rolling her eyes thinking of Tai.

"Really? Y'all looked really comfortable together," Taylor spoke putting her chin on the palm of her hand.

"Long story," Maniya said hinting to Sinai who was watching their mouths move.

"Number 35!" Someone shouted out making Maniya look back over to the Chinese spot.

Before Maniya could stand, Bruce was already picking up their food. He brought it over to the table with a few napkins.

"Thanks Bruce," Maniya said politely handing Sinai her plate with a spoon.

"You've got security?" Taylor asked surprise, "Damn, I knew you're parents were rich but not that rich,"

"My dad's just very extra," Maniya giggled opening up her plate, "Do you want something to eat?" She asked Taylor hoping she would say no, she hated sharing.

"I'm good, I'm gonna go now," Taylor responded standing to her feet, "Don't forget to hit me up if you need a friend,"

"I won't," Maniya said looking up at her.

"Bye pretty girl," Taylor waved at Sinai who was too busy enjoying her food to realise.

"That was your friend?" Sinai asked when Taylor had walked off.

"Mmm, we'll see," Maniya mumbled. She was weary of making new friends at her school because all the girls seemed fake to her.

"But sissy you don't have any friends so I think you should talk to her," Sinai said seriously. Maniya smiled and laughed.

"I have friends," Maniya defended.

"Me and mama don't count," Sinai replied sassily.