FIVE

Luke stormed into Imani's office, his anger boiling over like a pot left unattended. He didn't knock, didn't care about protocol. He just burst in, his eyes blazing with fury.

Imani looked up from her desk, a hint of surprise flickering across her face before she composed herself. She leaned back in her chair, “What are you doing here? Who gave you the right to barge in like a dog?!”

Luke rolled his eyes and didn't give her the satisfaction of a response. He strode across the room, his fists clenched at his sides. "You think you're clever, don't you?" he spat, his words venomous. "You think you can just ruin my life and get away with it?"

Imani raised an eyebrow, her smile never wavering. "I don't think I'm clever, Luke. I know I'm clever. And I'm not ruining your life. You're doing a fine job of that yourself. I mean, look at yourself,"

Luke's face reddened with rage. "You fired me! You transferred my debt to yourself! What kind of game are you playing? Didn't I do as you said at the event? Why the hell are you going back on your words?” Luke yelled.

Imani leaned forward, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm not playing a game, Luke. I'm collecting what's owed to me. And you're going to pay, one way or another." she answered.

“And yeah, I never promised to give a job that day…i only said it's part of your interview…Tsk, have you forgotten how interview works? You get rejected regardless…” Imani whispered.

Luke's anger was palpable, his breathing heavy. "You're enjoying this, aren't you? Seeing me like this, begging for mercy."

Imani's smile grew wider. "Oh, Luke. You have no idea how much I'm enjoying this. You're finally getting a taste of your own medicine."

Luke took a step forward, his fists shaking with rage. "You're a monster," he spat.

Imani scoffed, “Monster you say? That's rich coming from you,”

“Give me back my job! I will sue you for blackmail!” Luke yelled

Imani's expression didn't change, but her eyes flashed with something darker as she took the telephone in her of five, "Security," she said, her voice calm. "Please escort Mr. Anderson out of the building. And make sure he doesn't come back."

The guards moved in, their faces impassive as they took hold of Luke's arms. He struggled against them, his eyes fixed on Imani.

"You'll regret this," he snarled.

Imani leaned back in her chair, her smile still plastered on her face. "I already do, Luke. But I'll live with it and make yours miserable from it, “

She was looking down at the mail that came from the loan company, “You're so doomed, Luke.” She said grabbing her phone and called someone.

“Start the seizures.” She instructed, a visible smile on her lips. She dropped the phone after but another call came in.

Imani's eyes narrowed as she glanced at her phone, the screen lighting up with the school's number. She sighed, wondering what her son, Jaden, had done now.

Imani answered the phone, her tone softening. "Hello?"

The voice on the other end was apologetic. "Ms. Shawn, I'm so sorry to disturb you, but Jaden's had a bit of an accident. He's fine, but we think it would be best if you came to pick him up."

Imani's eyes flashed with concern. "What happened?"

"He fell during recess, ma'am. He's got a bit of a bruise on his knee, but he's been asking for you."

Imani's grip on the phone tightened. "I'll be right there."

She hung up, her expression apologetic as she called on Emily, She walked in right away, “Yes ma'am?” Emily answered.

Imani took her suit and turned to Emily. "I need to go. Jaden's had an accident at school."

Emily nodded sympathetically. "Go ma'am, we'll handle things here."

Imani grabbed her purse and headed out of the office, her mind racing with worry.

She arrived at the school, her eyes scanning the crowded hallway until she spotted Jaden sitting on a bench, a bruise on his knee.

Her heart skipped a beat as she saw someone familiar speaking with her son. Killan?

Killan crouched beside Jaden, talking softly.

Imani's steps faltered, her eyes locked on Killan. What was he doing here?

As she approached, Jaden looked up, his eyes lighting up. "Mommy!"

Killan turned, his expression surprised as he took in Imani's presence. "Ms Shawn Imani? " he said, standing up.

Imani's gaze flicked to Jaden, she crouched beside Jaden,. "Jaden, baby, what happened?"

Jaden sniffled, pointing to his knee. "I fell, Mommy."

Imani examined the bruise and noticed an ointment on it.

“I’ve put some ointment on his bruises. The pain should reduce in an hour time,” Killan said and Imani stood, now looking at Killan.

“Er…Thank you?” Imani mumbled with gratitude.

“What are you doing here?" she asked, her tone neutral.

Killan's eyes were still fixed on Jaden, a look of confusion on his face. "I was just...I was picking up my...my nephew, and I saw Jaden here crying. I didn't know you had a son."

Imani's expression didn't change, but her eyes flashed with a warning “Yes. He's my son, I'm grateful you helped him out, I owe you one,” Imani said grabbing her son's hand.

“Thank you Daddy,” Jaden suddenly said and Imani narrowed her eyes.

The whole place fell silent and it was awkward until Imani's eyes snapped to Jaden, breaking the silence, "Jaden, no, sweetie. This is...this is Mr. Killan."

Jaden, oblivious to the tension, looked up at Killan with a smile. "Daddy, I'm going to see you tomorrow right?." He asked.

Killan's eyes had widened, his expression stunned. "Daddy?" Killan repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Imani's face was a mask, her eyes flashing with a warning as she glanced at Jaden with a gritted teeth, "Jaden, that's enough okay. let's go, okay?"

Imani's smile was tight as she looked back at Killan, "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, Mr Killan. Jaden, now say bye to Mr. Killan."

Jaden waved, his eyes still on Killan. "Bye,... Mr. Killan."

Killan's expression was dazed as Imani turned and left.

Imani and Jaden returned to car, it's obvious Jaden was sulking and Imani noticed, she looked at him from the rearview. “Are you sad I didnt let you call him your daddy, sweetie?” She asked.

Jaden nod, his face down. “All of the kids in my class has dads and I don't have one. Mr Killan acts like a dad..” Jaden spoke, his pain in his words.

Imani couldn't give an answer to her son…or how does she explain to him that she had him from a one night stand? And she doesn't know who his father is?