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Chapter Eight – The Ex Strikes Back

It started with a DM.

Malik was brushing his teeth again — like all his life’s turning points happened in front of his bathroom mirror — when his phone buzzed.

> SIMONE:

Hey. I know this is random, but can we talk?

He stared at the message.

It wasn’t hostile. It wasn’t even flirty. Just… open-ended.

He thought about ignoring it.

Then he thought about the fact that the last time he ignored a gut feeling, he ended up fake-dating a billionaire.

So he replied.

> Sure. Neutral place. Daytime. Cameras not invited.

---

Café Verde – 2PM

Simone showed up looking like nostalgia in human form. Denim jacket. Messy bun. Lip gloss he remembered buying her once at a street fair.

Malik had picked a quiet corner table. He was already sipping a coffee by the time she sat down.

“You came,” she said, sliding into the seat.

“I did,” he replied. “So what’s up?”

Simone hesitated for a second, then leaned in slightly.

“I’ve been thinking about you. About us.”

Malik raised an eyebrow. “Since when?”

“Since I saw your face on every feed I follow.”

He chuckled. “Of course.”

Simone sighed. “I know how it looks. But it’s not about the fame. I swear.”

He didn’t say anything.

She reached for his hand. He pulled his away gently but firmly.

“I’m seeing someone,” he said, instinctively.

And even though it was technically a lie… it didn’t feel like one.

---

Meanwhile – At RoweTech

Tina stared at her inbox.

A news alert had just popped up:

“Malik Carter Seen Again With Mystery Woman — Same Girl, Second Sighting.”

Her fingers hovered over the mouse. She clicked the link.

There they were. Simone and Malik. Sitting close again. Her leaning forward. His hand pulling away.

Not incriminating. But suggestive enough for the gossip vultures.

Dani walked in right on cue.

“So, you’ve seen it?” she asked.

“I have,” Tina said flatly.

“You okay?”

Tina didn’t answer immediately. Then:

“I’m annoyed.”

Dani tilted her head. “Annoyed because he didn’t tell you? Or annoyed because you care?”

Tina glared. Dani smiled. “Just doing my assistant duties.”

---

That Evening – The Showdown

Malik showed up at Tina’s penthouse just after sunset, still wearing the same hoodie from his coffee meeting.

She opened the door in silk pajamas and no makeup, but somehow still looked like she ran the world.

He could tell she’d seen the article.

“I swear, I didn’t plan that,” he said quickly.

Tina folded her arms. “You didn’t have to. The universe did it for you.”

Malik sighed. “She reached out. Said she wanted to talk. I thought I owed her at least one real conversation.”

“You don’t owe her anything,” Tina said sharply.

He blinked. “Wow. Okay.”

“I mean, from a business standpoint,” she added, softer now. “Your image is part of my brand now, and if this continues—”

“Tina, stop.”

She did.

“This isn’t just branding anymore,” he said, walking closer. “At least not for me.”

Her heart thudded.

But she said nothing.

Malik exhaled. “Look… I don’t want to be a liability to you. But I’m not going to lie to people I care about either.”

Tina nodded slowly, eyes searching his face.

Then, in a quieter voice, she asked, “Do you care about me?”

Malik looked at her like he was tired of pretending.

“I think I’m starting to,” he said.

The air between them went still.

Tina looked away. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“Too late.”

---

Later That Night – Vulnerability Unlocked

They sat on her couch with wine and silence.

Tina finally spoke.

“I dated a guy in college once. First love kind of thing. He dumped me the minute I became more successful than him.”

Malik glanced over. “He sounds insecure.”

“He was. But he was also right in a way. I’ve never had a relationship where someone didn’t eventually feel… intimidated.”

“Do I look intimidated?”

She studied him. “You look hungry.”

“For food or affection?”

He grinned. “Both.”

She laughed — and it was the first real one since the Simone drama started.

---

The Ex Has Plans

Elsewhere in the city, Simone was sitting in a friend’s apartment, scrolling through her phone.

Her friend, Jasmine, popped gum and said, “Girl, he curved you and went back to his rich girlfriend?”

Simone’s jaw tightened.

“He used to call me his peace. Now he’s somebody’s press story.”

“You really think it’s real?”

“I don’t care,” Simone muttered. “He was mine first. And I’m not done yet.”

She clicked on a DM draft she’d left unsent for days.

> To: Celebrity Gossip Blogger (@NYTeaSpill):

Got some exclusive tea about Malik Carter — before the billionaire stunt. You interested?

She hit send.

Then leaned back, smiling coldly.

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End of Chapter Eight.