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Next chapter is going to be long asf 

It was now Wednesday, and Aaliyah had secured the rest of the week off to focus on the charity event she had been meticulously planning for the past month. The event, which included a grand ball followed by an exclusive after-party, was set to host various celebrities and influential figures. It was her chance to shine, both professionally and socially, and she wanted everything to be perfect.

She was currently dress shopping with Nardo, who had been acting oddly ever since she told him about the ball. They wandered through the high-end boutique, Aaliyah's eyes scanning the racks for the perfect gown.

"What do you think of this one?" Aaliyah held up a stunning, floor-length dress adorned with beadwork. She looked at Nardo, seeking his opinion.

Nardo tilted his head, considering the dress for a moment. "It's nice, but I think you can do better, Ma. You need something that's gonna make you stand out, you feel me?"

Aaliyah smiled, appreciating his honesty. "Yeah, you're right. This event is too important for me "

As they continued browsing, Nardo's phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it briefly before slipping it back into his pocket, a slight frown creasing his forehead. Aaliyah noticed but chose not to comment, focusing instead on finding her perfect dress.

After several more tries, Aaliyah finally emerged from the dressing room in a gown that made Nardo's jaw drop. The deep emerald dress hugged her curves in all the right places, its satin fabric shimmering under the boutique's lights.

"Damn, Aaliyah," Nardo breathed, unable to tear his eyes away. "You look gorgeous. That's the one."

Aaliyah twirled in front of the mirror, a broad smile spreading across her face. "You think so?"

Nardo stepped closer, his eyes filled with admiration. "I know so. "

Aaliyah's heart swelled at his words, and she felt a surge of confidence. "Alright, then this is it. I'll take it."

With the dress picked out, they made their way to the checkout. Aaliyah's thoughts drifted to the upcoming event and the countless details she still needed to finalize. As if sensing her thoughts, Nardo placed a reassuring hand on her back.

"Don't stress too much, mama. You got this," he said softly.

She nodded, taking a deep breath. "I know. It's just a lot, you know?"

"Yeah, I get it. Ain't nothing you can't handle," Nardo replied, giving her a confident smile.

Later, as they loaded the dress into the car, Aaliyah couldn't help but feel grateful for Nardo's help but he was being a little weird. He had been her rock through all the chaos, always there with a reassuring word or a helping hand.

 she couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that something was off. Nardo had been acting distant, and she wondered if the pressure of the event was getting to him too.

Back at her apartment, they decided to unwind with a simple dinner. Nardo cooked while Aaliyah made a few last-minute calls to confirm details for the event. The aroma of the food filled the apartment, creating a cozy atmosphere that helped ease Aaliyah's stress.

As they sat down to eat, Nardo looked at her with a serious expression. "You know I got your back, right? "

Aaliyah reached across the table, squeezing his hand. "I know, Nardo. And I appreciate it more than you know."

They finished their meal in comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts.

The following day was a blur of activity as Aaliyah finalized every detail for the charity event. She met with vendors, double-checked guest lists, and ensured everything was in place for the big night. By the time Friday rolled around, she felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement, knowing that all her hard work was about to pay off.

Nardo dropped her off at the event venue early in the afternoon, offering a quick kiss for luck. "Knock 'em dead, Ma."

As the evening approached, Aaliyah took a moment to herself in the dressing room, looking at her reflection in the mirror. She felt a surge of pride and anticipation. This was her night, and she was ready to make it unforgettable.

As Nardo was getting ready in the bathroom, Aaliyah's eyes drifted to his phone lying on the nightstand. It buzzed with an incoming message, and despite herself, she glanced at the screen. The message read: "Dinner when you come to Atlanta? " The contact had a red heart next to it, and Aaliyah's heart sank.

She took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. She didn't want to jump to conclusions, but the sight of that heart stirred something in her. When Nardo emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered and dressed to impress, she forced a smile, hiding her unease.

"You ready to go?" he asked, oblivious to her inner turmoil.

"Yeah, just need to grab my purse," Aaliyah replied, her voice steady despite the churning in her stomach.

The ride to the event was quiet, with Aaliyah staring out the window, lost in her thoughts. Nardo chatted casually about the evening, but she barely registered his words, her mind preoccupied with the message she had seen.

 Aaliyah was entering the room, she locked eyes with Dayvon. The tension between them was palpable, a current running through the air that neither could ignore. 

He stood there, looking undeniably handsome in his tailored suit, the dim lighting casting a soft glow on his chiseled features. Despite everything, she couldn't help but notice how striking he looked.

Dayvon's eyes held hers for a moment longer than necessary, and she felt her heart skip a beat. She quickly looked away, trying to focus on the task at hand, but the memory of his gaze lingered, stirring a whirlwind of feelings she wasn't prepared to confront.

Nardo, oblivious to the silent exchange, gently squeezed her hand. "You okay, Ma?"

Aaliyah forced a smile, nodding. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit overwhelmed by everything, I guess."

Nardo kissed her forehead, his warmth grounding her. "You've got this baby"