Vallerie could hardly believe what she was seeing—or hearing. Baby. Xavier had called that girl baby. Maybe she misheard. Maybe her mind was playing cruel tricks on her. But no… the way he kissed her in front of everyone made it impossible to deny any longer. The sight cut deeper than she expected. She felt something snap inside her as she watched them so wrapped up in each other, like no one else in the world existed.
She stared at them, her chest tightening as her carefully maintained composure began to crumble. After everything—after all the years of trying—was this how it would end?
She had attended the same schools as Xavier, followed his path in hopes of finding her way into his heart. Sure, she couldn't make it to UCLA like he had—he was always ahead, always untouchable—but she worked hard to build a good reputation, hoping one day he'd see her. Hoping he'd finally notice her loyalty.
But he never did. First, there was that girl who broke his heart. Vallerie had been there for him then, tried to support him—but he brushed her off like she was nothing. And now, just when she thought fate had opened a door for her, this girl—a stranger in her eyes, undeserving—had taken her place.
But it wouldn't last. Vallerie swore to herself in that moment—she would make sure this girl knew her place.
Xavier, meanwhile, pulled Rebecca closer as their kiss deepened. What started as a performance meant to stir jealousy in Vallerie had taken on a life of its own. He hadn't expected it to feel so real—so addictive. The world around them blurred into silence, neither of them noticing the storm quietly brewing just a few feet away.
Vallerie, trembling with hurt and rage, turned away and stormed from the garden. Her eyes burned as she sought out the only person she could turn to—Joycelyn.
"He doesn't love me," she cried, collapsing into the woman's arms. "He never has…"
Joycelyn held her close, frowning deeply. "Don't cry, sweetheart," she said, her voice low and serious. "I'll make sure that girl doesn't stay in his life. She's not worthy of my son. You are."
With those words, Joycelyn led Vallerie back toward the garden, determined to see the situation for herself. But even she wasn't prepared for what she found.
Xavier and Rebecca were still locked in each other's embrace, completely unaware of their surroundings. Joycelyn's expression darkened.
"Baby, I want more," Xavier murmured against Rebecca's lips, lifting her gently off the ground in a playful show of affection. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his waist to steady herself, her face flushed.
"Xavier! You promised to behave," she whispered, her voice laced with surprise and quiet panic. She had already noticed Joycelyn's sharp gaze from across the garden, and it made her heart pound with unease.
But Xavier was too engrossed in the moment to stop. When he finally lowered her back to the ground, it was already too late. His eyes met his mother's, and her disapproval was like a dark cloud settling over them.
"Mum," he said, completely unfazed. "I didn't know you were out here."
Joycelyn's voice was cold and sharp. "Xavier, you and your little… companion lack basic respect. In your father's house, you behave like that? As if you're in some back alley? And without even acknowledging me?"
He met her glare head-on. "I've made myself clear, Mum. Rebecca is not a companion or mistress—she's my woman. My word stands. If watching me with her is such a burden, perhaps you and Dad should've let us leave when I asked."
He took Rebecca's hand and began walking away, but they didn't get far before Vallerie's trembling voice finally found the nerve to speak.
"Xavier!" she called, voice cracking. "How can you walk out on your own mother... for her? She doesn't even deserve you!"
Xavier stopped in his tracks and turned slowly. His tone was cutting. "You think she doesn't deserve me? You'd better be careful, Vallerie. Who are you to decide who I choose to be with?"
He stepped closer, his gaze like ice. "Or did you actually think it would be you?"
Vallerie's bravado crumbled under the weight of his cold stare. Her knees nearly buckled, and she instinctively moved behind Joycelyn, seeking her presence like a shield.
Xavier scoffed softly, then turned back to Rebecca with a smirk that was more devil than prince.
"C'mon, love. Let's head back. I believe we were in the middle of something."
He said it not because he meant it—but to twist the dagger in deeper. And judging by Vallerie's wounded expression, it worked.