Chapter
Fourteen
Heir
“The bible saysas far as it concerns you, live at peace with all men,” I told Ariel. “Sometimes, to maintain that peace, cutting them out of your life is required. And in your case, divorce. I know we often think if we love someone, we have to consistently give them access to us, even if they hurt us, but that’s not the case. God demands we seek forgiveness for our sins and have a changed heart and behavior. We should demand the same. The only thing we’re required to do is forgive, and that’s so we can heal and be right with God.
“That forgiveness has nothing to do with them.” Her sniffle made me pause so she could accept what I said before I said more. “And Jesus also said, if they do not receive you, shake the dust off your feet and leave. Jesus was all about love, but He ain’t play, and He was big on boundaries and respect. When a person shows you they won’t respect you, hear you out, or provide a safe and peaceful environment for you, it is your responsibility to shake the dust off your feet and leave.
“From what you’ve told me, Raheem has been creating a toxic environment for you for years. It’s time to return to your peace, and in order for you to do that, you have to shake the dust off your feet and leave.”
She sniffled again before releasing a trembling breath. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I have to leave him, and I planned to. It’s just… for a second, when I was alone with my thoughts, our history made me question if I could handle leaving him. He’s taken care of me, and I don’t even know where to start to go after an independent life.”
“Sis, that’s the last thing you need to be worried about right now. You know how your tribe is coming behind you. Right now, focus on your divorce and your healing. When the time comes, everything else is going to fall into place.”
“Thank you, Heir. I really needed to hear that. I knew if I called Merci or my friends they’d curse me out because they don’t understand.”
We shared a soft laugh. “You’re welcome, and I get it. Sometimes it’s not that you want a person back, but you still need the space to work things out in your head. I was in the same situation with my ex. I knew he’d done me wrong but a part of me still wanted to talk to him because he was the one I was used to going to so he could make things right. He’d been the center of my life for years, and then poof. Nothing. That’s an adjustment. And it will be an adjustment for you to get used to living life without him. But you have to give yourself grace and time. You’re strong enough to navigate this divorce and come out with your peace and your heart intact.”
The front door swung open, and a swarm of men filed in. I counted more than ten, and my heart dropped.
“Oh shit. Something must have happened, Ariel. I’m gonna call and check on you later, okay?”
“Yeah, no worries. Hope everything’s okay!”
I absently disconnected the call as my eyes finally landed on Neptune and Marz. Marz was ending a call as he used hand signals to direct the men downstairs to the basement. He made his way over to me, pulling me into his arms.
“What happened, Marz?”
My phone vibrated, and I looked at it to see who it was, fully prepared to ignore the call. At the sight of Jay’s name, I scoffed and rolled my eyes. He hadn’t bothered to call me since everything went down, so I was sure whatever happened with Marz had to do with him.
“Answer,” Marz said.
“Hello?” I answered, putting the call on speaker.
It sounded like Jay released a breath of relief at the sound of my voice. “Heir. I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Iman said he was tired of waiting for Marz to give him an answer and that he was going to make him. I assumed that meant he was going after you.”
I could barely hold my laugh in while I looked at the phone as if he could see me. “Like you care. You were willing to kill me for him, and you expect me to believe you care if he comes after me or not?”
“Look… I wasn’t going to kill you, aight? I was hoping we could discuss this once the smoke cleared but?—”
“There is nothing for us to discuss, Jay. Are you insane? You were going to kill me!”
“And apparently you’ve been cheating on me! That nigga is always calling you his wife, and he just so happens to be meeting with Iman the same day you are?”
“Oh please. Marz and I hadn’t seen each other for eight years before that day. I haven’t cheated on you or anyone else for that matter. And even if I was, cheating is one thing. Youintentionally put me in an illegal situation that almost became deadly!”
“Aight, aight, I’m sorry. I fucked up, aight? I had a good intention with a very bad decision. That was my way of trying to look out for you. To secure a better future for us.”
Marz motioned with his hand for me to wrap up the call, and as pissed as he looked, I couldn’t help but smile.
“I have to go. I’m fine, so if that’s all you wanted?—”
“I think you need to leave him, Heir. I thought you were safe with him, but after what happened today, I’m not sure. The best thing for you to do is leave him and just work for Iman. It might not be what you want to do, and I’m sorry for putting you in this situation, but I don’t feel like you have any other choice.”